A server is a great resource for data storage and resource-intensive utilities. Server to data centres is basically what a CPU is for computers. It is essentially a brain that is responsible for functioning through commands. The server can be used as the local network in the company to store and exchange files, get access to different devices etc.
Usually, server racks are located in a data centre or server room connected to the power and the internet 24×7. While most businesses take proactive steps to ensure the physical security of servers with biometric locks, auto-closing doors, video surveillance, environmental monitoring etc., cyber security is something they often overlook. As a result, 70% of businesses in 2022 fell victim to ransomware attacks. Whether you are a small business or a large enterprise, you can be a target of cyber-attacks. These attacks disrupt normal operations and also damage critical IT assets and infrastructure that are impossible to recover instantly, causing significant downtime and costs.
Why is Server Security Essential?
Server rack security is essential to preserve the five critical strengths of a business:
- Integrity
- Availability
- Confidentiality
- Reputation
- Compliance
What are the Best Security Measures to Prevent Cyber Attacks?
Following are the integral aspects and security measures that you must consider and implement to prevent your server from cyber-attacks:
- Server Connectivity Security:
- Establishing and Using a Secure Connection: When you connect to a remote server, ensure your communication channel is secure. The SSH protocol is the best way to do it, as it encrypts all the data that needs to be transmitted.
- Use Authentication Keys (such as SSH keys): You can see SSH authentication keys instead of passwords. These keys are more secure than transitional passwords as they have more bits, which are difficult to decode. There are two types of SSH keys: public (one key remains in the server, and others are shared with users) and private (it is not shared with anyone, so to establish a connection with the server, you need a private key approved by the admin or keeper).
- Secure File Transfer Protocol: The FTPS (file transfer protocol secure) offers a safe environment (without the fear of cyber-attacks) to transfer files to and fro from the server. FTPS uses command and data channels to encrypt data files. However, it secures a file only during transfer. Once the file reaches the server, it is no longer encrypted. To add more security, you can encrypt a file before sending it.
- Use Private Networks and VPNs: One of the potent ways to establish a secure channel is to use private and virtual private networks (VPNs) and software. Unlike open networks, private and virtual private networks allow access to limited users. Hence, they are less susceptible to malicious attacks. Private networks use a private IP to establish connections between multiple servers in the same network, allowing them to share information and data privately. VPNs are used for connecting numerous remote servers under the same VPN.
- Server User Management:
- Monitor Login Attempts: You can use intrusion prevention software to prevent brute-force attacks (attackers use trial and error to guess login info to gain access to the system). This software can log files and helps detect suspicious login attempts. If the login attempt exceeds the set norm, the software blocks the related IP for a specific time or indefinitely.
- Limit Users: Each server features a root user, offering them the right to execute any command. But the root is highly susceptible to hacking because it has a level of accessibility. That is why many businesses don’t prefer to use root accounts of servers, putting attackers at a disadvantage. Instead, you can create a group of limited users with limited accessibility rights to administer tasks.
- Security for Server Password
- Establish a Strong Password: To set a password, here are a few requirements to fulfil:
- Set minimum criteria for password length and complexity
- Don’t allow empty passwords or default passwords
- Keep a session timeout in case of inactivity and enable two-factor authentication.
- Set a lockout policy in case of multiple login attempts.
- Set Password Expiration: Setting up password expiry when it comes to setting user requirements. Depending on the level of security, a password may last for a few weeks or months.
Ending note:
You can also employ various other security practices to secure your server racks, such as updating software regularly, turning off unnecessary services, hiding server information, file & service auditing, setting up a firewall, backing up the server, creating visualized environments and more. Many of these security measures are implemented during server setup or as part of its maintenance. Make sure to appropriately implement security measures to ensure your server security and business continuity.
