10 Tactics to Secure Dedicated Server for Maximizing Protection

In a world where hackers constantly seek new ways to breach servers, securing your dedicated server is crucial for optimal performance and data protection.

With solutions like regular software updates, 2FA, and restricted access, you can secure your online presence and block hacker entry points.

Security measures should be in place from the start. Choose a reputable and secure dedicated server provider that offers basic security.

Then, use safer payment methods like cryptocurrencies to buy dedicated server with crypto so that your sensitive financial information is not at risk and your privacy is maintained.

Next, implement proven dedicated server security solutions step by step to keep your business security at its peak.

Why is Dedicated Server Security so Important?

A dedicated server is the foundation of your online business, and without proper protection, it can put your security, performance, and reputation at risk.

Hackers use various methods to exploit server security weaknesses, including:

• Executing various types of malware and stealing sensitive information

• Exploiting misconfigurations in server settings

• Gaining unauthorized access to the server through server software vulnerabilities

• Gaining unauthorized access to the server through brute force attacks and guessing user credentials

• Overloading the server with DDoS attacks to cause downtime

• Infiltration through insecure services and open ports

The variety and severity of hacker attacks are increasing daily, so you must keep up with these changes.

Otherwise, you will have a vulnerable server that is exposed to new risks at any moment. This can bring your online reputation to near zero, causing you to lose customers, reduce revenue, and even get blacklisted by search engines.

So, after you’ve bought your dedicated server from a reputable source, it’s time to implement solutions that will remove the shadow of hacking threats.

10 Practical Tips to Secure Dedicated Server

By implementing the following security strategies, you can protect your dedicated server from cyber threats and ensure its stable performance:

1. Keep your Dedicated server updated

Your dedicated server's operating system and applications may become vulnerable to security threats over time. That’s why developers try to provide new updates and patches that fix security flaws in previous versions.

If you’re using an older version of your operating system or applications, you should download and install the updates immediately.

Delaying software updates can expose your server to known vulnerabilities and allow attackers to exploit security weaknesses.

Buying dedicated server with crypto enhances your privacy, but keeping your server updated ensures long-term security and stability.

If you think you might forget to update your server regularly, enable the automatic updates feature. This ensures your server stays up to date and safeguarded against new security vulnerabilities.

2. Apply a stringent password policy

Brute force attacks are among the most common attacks targeting login credentials for a dedicated server.

Using weak, guessable passwords helps hackers complete the trial-and-error process of finding a password.

You should make this process more difficult for hackers with the following strategies to prevent unauthorized access:

• The password length should be at least 12 characters.

• The password must include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

• Do not use predictable patterns such as 123456 and password.

• Do not use guessable personal information such as first name, last name, birthday, or organization name.

• Use different passwords for different accounts.

• Use unusual words or combinations of unrelated words to create passwords.

• Use password manager tools to create complex passwords.

• Update your passwords every 60 to 90 days.

And enable two-factor authentication.

The above measures can enhance the complexity of server account passwords, but enabling two-factor authentication provides an extra layer of security against unauthorized access.

With this method, in addition to login credentials (username and password), a code sent to a mobile phone or generated by an authentication app is also required to access the device physically.

This makes it difficult for hackers to quickly log in to the server even if the password is compromised.

3. Uninstall Unused Software/Applications

Security and privacy are key factors for dedicated server users, so most buy dedicated server with crypto. However, cluttered servers with unused software can compromise security. 

Unused software lacks new updates, making the server vulnerable to security threats. Moreover, having many applications on a dedicated server means more opportunities for hackers.

Errors in the source code, misconfigurations, or unknown vulnerabilities in these applications can allow attackers to easily enter the server and gain unauthorized access to data and system resources.

So, remove old, unused, and unnecessary applications from your dedicated server to reduce the attack surface and prevent the risks posed by vulnerabilities in these applications.

4. Change Default Port Numbers

Using default port numbers for various services makes it easy for hackers to target your server. But changing the known port numbers to an unpredictable one makes it harder for hackers to target you.

SSH, RDP, and FTP are among the most important ports to change, as these ports are the main targets of cyber attacks.

Overall, changing the default port numbers helps keep essential services anonymous, makes automated hacking tools ineffective, and ultimately increases the security level of your dedicated server.

5. Limit User Rights for Dedicated Server

The root account has full administrative privileges and can perform any action on the server. This level of complete access makes it an attractive target for hackers.

So, it is better to create an alternative admin account, assign it superuser privileges, and then disable the root account altogether.

Note that you should choose an unpredictable name for the admin account instead of the default "Administrator" to reduce the possibility of an attack on the account.

You should also create other accounts besides the admin account and assign limited access levels to each. This will restrict a hacker's access and minimize damage if an account is compromised.

When you buy dedicated server from a reliable and experienced provider, you can manage users as you see fit.

6. Use Reliable Networks

If you use public networks to connect to your dedicated server, you expose it to attacks. Because public networks are insecure, attackers may intercept your data during transmission. 

Also, these networks usually do not support strong encryption and authentication, which can create opportunities for Man-in-the-Middle attacks and other cyberattacks.

Therefore, it is advisable to connect to the server only through secure and trusted networks and to avoid using public networks.

Just as encryption secures crypto transactions when buying dedicated server, using a VPN and secure protocols ensures that your server connections remain protected from interception and unauthorized access.

7. Implement DDoS Protection

DDoS attacks aim to overload a server with traffic, overwhelm its resources, and disrupt service.

To protect your dedicated server from these attacks, you should consider the following:

• Buy dedicated server with crypto from a provider that offers DDoS Protection to detect and block these attacks quickly.

• Monitor server logs and server resource status to detect strange behavior promptly.

• Use firewalls and intrusion detection systems (IDS/IPS) to detect and block malicious traffic.

• Use Content Distribution Services (CDNs) and cloud delivery networks to reduce the traffic load on the server.

• Restrict unnecessary connections and close insecure ports.

8. Implement a Strong Firewall

A firewall acts as a gate that controls incoming and outgoing traffic, blocking malicious traffic to reduce cyber attacks. So, try to keep the firewall active at all times.

Of course, if you don’t configure it correctly, it may mistakenly block authorized traffic or leave you vulnerable to some security threats.

Configuring a firewall requires expertise, but you can maximize the protective power of a firewall by implementing the following measures:

• Block unnecessary ports.

• Only allow connections from valid IP addresses.

• Keep the firewall up to date.

• Regularly review firewall rules to correct incorrect or unwanted settings.

• Enable firewall logs and review them regularly.

• Configure the firewall to prevent IP Spoofing attacks.

• For enhanced security, use hardware or cloud-based firewalls.

9. Monitor Server Activity and Logs

While you prefer to buy a dedicated server with crypto for privacy and implement security enhancements to keep the server as secure as possible, it's crucial to stay vigilant about server activities and logs to detect suspicious signs on time.

In addition, using Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) or Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) can help you identify real-time threats.

In general, many logs, such as system logs, security logs, and access logs, are recorded on the dedicated server. If you can check them intelligently, you can prevent many cyber attacks. In this way, you can use tools such as Splunk and LogRhythm.

10. Implement Regular Backups

While buying dedicated server from a reputable provider and implementing security solutions can increase its security to a high level, it is not going to be 100% secure.

So, the best thing you can do is regularly back up your server files and settings so that if something goes wrong, you can restore your server to its previous, optimal state.

A 3-2-1 backup plan will help you back up your server more effectively. According to this plan, you should have 3 copies of your data, consider 2 different types of storage media (local and cloud), and store 1 copy of them in a separate location.

How a Reliable Dedicated Server Provider Enhances Your Security?

The level of security offered by a dedicated server provider is approximately 80% of the way to securing a server.

An unreliable provider introduces vulnerabilities like outdated hardware, weak infrastructure, and insecure configurations, rendering your security efforts ineffective.

But if you choose the right provider for your dedicated server, you will benefit from the following benefits:

• Providing new, powerful, and modern hardware

• Regular operating system and software updates

• Advanced security configurations, including hardware and software firewalls

• Scalable and expandable infrastructure to meet future needs

• High physical security of dedicated servers in data centers

• Protection against DDoS attacks using advanced technologies and filtering tools

• Regular and automatic backups of server files and information

• Support for VPN and secure connections

• Support for antivirus and anti-malware software

• Continuous server monitoring and real-time reporting

• Professional and specialized 24/7 support

Therefore, choosing a provider with expertise and experience in this field can greatly improve the level of security and performance of your server.

Reputable providers like OperaVPS ensure your dedicated server is protected with top technologies and high-security standards so that you can easily focus on your business.

How does buying a dedicated server with crypto improve security?

When you buy dedicated server with crypto, you no longer need to share personal information, which adds a layer of security to the payment process. This feature is especially valuable for those who value privacy.

Crypto transactions are secure by default, and blockchain’s decentralization makes them harder to tamper with than credit cards. This also dramatically reduces concerns about risks such as unauthorized chargebacks or financial fraud.

On the other hand, using crypto makes buying dedicated server faster and more efficient, as transactions are carried out directly without the need for bank intermediaries. This, in addition to speed, also reduces transaction costs.

If you are looking for a more private, secure, and efficient payment method to buy dedicated server and do not want your personal information disclosed in the purchase process, the crypto payment method is definitely a significant option.

Conclusion

Securing a dedicated server requires reliable providers, continuous updates, and proactive measures like strong firewalls and backup strategies. 

Choosing an experienced and reputable provider is essential to ensuring that the latest technologies and best security practices protect your server.

Implementing these security tips can significantly reduce the risks and allow you to focus on growing your business with peace of mind.