Server security is just one of the layers that must be implemented in IT security management. The practice inhibits the actions of cybercriminals and guarantees all aspects necessary for information management: availability, confidentiality, and integrity so that data is not lost or leaked in organizational routines.
Several layers of security also increase companies’ reliability with their customers and prevent any problem related to IT sector governance from becoming long and costly legal proceedings.
If you understand that server security can directly impact the management of your company’s IT assets, continue reading and see what this security is, the reasons why you should increase the measures adopted in your business and what are the main actions to inhibit any vulnerability!
Why is it necessary to invest in security?
Cybercrimes happen daily. The development of new intrusion methods, the introduction of artificial intelligence and machine learning in malicious actions, and the vulnerability of operating systems in companies, also characterized by highly digitalized and interconnected infrastructures, make hacking actions viable.
Furthermore, the lack of a security-based culture can also make companies more vulnerable. The weakest link in the chain is the employees themselves, who maintain actions in their routines that contribute to increasing the criticality of activities related to the IT sector.
There are countless routines subject to intrusion or theft of information: opening an email with a phishing attack, or leaving a computer and leaving the system with authorized access open, for example.
Server security also deserves attention, as sensitive data is stored on the infrastructure all the time. Imagine suffering an attack like the one that occurred in 2017 with the WannaCry ransomware, which infected thousands of computers around the world and through data hijacking demanded a ransom to be paid in cryptocurrency.
The DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack is also another risk that must be mitigated on servers. All pages are hosted in these environments, which are programmed to respond to access requests and display the requested URL.
When this type of attack occurs, several accesses are requested simultaneously by the attacker, which redirects the computers in a programmed manner and overloads the server until it takes it down. Sometimes this happens and the user is not even aware that their system contributed to the result: the criminal simply activates the malicious program that was installed on their hardware.
What is server security?
An effective security policy is based on bug tracking, constant updating, and proper server maintenance. Information management is directly related to these security measures on the server because it is the environment where much of a company’s data is stored.
Maintaining server governance, in addition to mitigating vulnerabilities, also requires restricting failures that could compromise the usability of the system. In this way, the effective result of the security policy is closely linked to:
- adoption of a strict access policy, with restrictions based on IP;
- changing the server port number to “confuse” attackers;
- use of strong passwords, with at least eight characters, which should not be reused or disclosed to third parties;
- creation of routines for changing passwords or default service keys;
- updating antivirus definitions and other endpoint security methods;
- review of server access logs to identify possible intrusion attempts;
- enabling only necessary services in the operating system — unnecessary services can cause unwanted traffic on the server;
- updating server software whenever there is the latest version;
- storing passwords and other more sensitive information on an intranet.
What secondary security measures can be taken to protect the server?
In addition to the measures already listed, other actions can be adopted to increase the level of security in the infrastructure, as described below.
Invest in first-level security
These are programs that must be installed throughout the infrastructure to reduce investments and increase security:
- antivirus;
- firewalls;
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): network in which the communication of all devices that make up the infrastructure is restricted only to authorized credentials;
- Active Directory: Interfaces that work together with other applications and directory services, such as email applications.
Available updates are not just a way to get new features. Constantly check for new versions to update your entire system for new intrusion methods used by cybercriminals.
Create mechanisms to test and validate updates. The need for other resources is closely linked to the size of your infrastructure and the criticality of the shared data.
Keep backups up to date
Backup management should be part of the company’s routine, as frequently as possible. However, copies should not be stored in network-connected environments: they need to be maintained independently.
Pay attention to sector compliance
The application of the LGPD (General Data Protection Law), scheduled for later this year, will require companies to be more rigorous in processing data, especially from third parties. To this end, the law provides instructions on protection methods and measures that must be adopted in the event of information leakage.
Invest in international security standards
Compliance with international security standards attests to your company’s ability to comply with sector legislation and the strictest security criteria. Many organizations issue certifications and guide companies on best practices. PCI DSS, ISO 27000, HIPAA, and the SOC are some examples.
Have an access control policy
The access control policy is essential for the security of IT environments, as it guarantees the availability, confidentiality, and integrity of data since access, viewing, and alteration of information are authorized only to users with the appropriate credentials.
The practice must be implemented in the physical environment of the infrastructure, but also in the virtual environment: in management systems, operational software, applications, databases, monitoring solutions, etc.
Disseminate best practices to IT infrastructure users
The company’s employees must be aware of their responsibility regarding the security measures adopted by the company, as well as the commitment to ensure that their actions in the organizational environment do not compromise the security of the entire infrastructure.
To do this, align the company’s security policy with the organizational culture, provide training and courses related to the security measures that will be adopted, and constantly reaffirm the good practices that must be implemented.
Hostinger and Namecheap deliver a dedicated server with quality of service and a security architecture that meets all these requirements.
