Server security best practices for 2024

What is server security?

Server security covers several practices designed to protect sensitive data held on various types of servers. These practices range from using strong passwords and two-factor authentication to physical security. Without adequate security measures, servers are vulnerable to hackers’ attacks. As such, server security should always be a top priority.

Different types of servers have specific functions and store various types of data. Regardless of their function, all servers must be protected against security threats. Let’s look at ten common types of servers:

• Web servers. A web server provides access to websites through internet browsers. These servers also host websites and allow users to publish online content. The web server also allows protocols like HTTP to recover and display a website’s data to users. As such, having adequate web server security is vital.
• Database servers. Database servers collect and store large amounts of data. Users then access database servers to retrieve information using queries. These servers use a database management system to access and keep the data secure.
• Application servers. Application servers allow users to access various software applications. These servers let users access software without storing data on their own devices. Application servers store large amounts of application data for multiple users.
• Email servers. Email servers allow users to send, receive, and store emails. There are two main types of email servers: incoming and outgoing.
• Proxy servers. Proxy servers connect a website’s host server to the user’s web browser. These servers transfer data from a website to your device’s IP address through the proxy server. Proxy servers often create caches to improve the performance of web servers.
• DNS servers. DNS servers help the internet run smoothly by translating a website’s URL into an IP address. When we type in a URL, we automatically get the right IP address for the website. As such, DNS servers allow us to find websites without needing to remember the site’s IP address.
• DHCP servers. A DHCP server is also known as a dynamic host configuration protocol server. These servers automatically assign dynamic IP addresses to user devices. This process reduces the impact of typos or other IP address errors. Without DHCP servers, every new device connecting to a network would have to be manually configured.
• File servers. File servers allow multiple authorized users connected to the same network to access the same files. These files are stored on a central server, improving efficiency and security. As such, businesses and schools often use file servers.
• FTP servers. File transfer protocol (FTP) servers enable files to be transferred from one device to another. For example, the first device uploads a file to the FTP server. The second device then connects to the FTP server and downloads the file.
• Print servers. Print servers manage print requests across the network and manage multiple printers from the same organization.

Why prioritize server security?

Cyberattacks are a constant danger in today’s world. Hackers are even bold enough to launch attacks on big businesses and companies. Thankfully, prioritizing server security strengthens your defenses against these attacks.

Cybercriminals attack servers to gain access to sensitive data stored within them. Hackers use this data to blackmail and extort their victims. They may target companies directly using ransomware. After data breaches, clients’ sensitive information is compromised, leaving them vulnerable to identity theft or blackmail.

Companies may suffer financial loss or damage to their reputation if they don’t have adequate server security. Upgrading your server security protects the sensitive information stored on your company servers. These upgrades also keep vital information about your clients safe from unauthorized access.

Common server security threats

Servers are vital to any network because they store important data or sensitive information. When targeting victims, cybercriminals look for security vulnerabilities in the network, including unprotected servers. Here are some of the common server security threats that can leave you vulnerable:

• Malware. During malware attacks, hackers use malicious software to gain unauthorized access to their victim’s devices. Several types of malware exist, including ransomware, spyware, and viruses. Any type of malware can quickly compromise server security.
• Outdated software. Software updates often contain the latest security improvements. However, outdated software is vulnerable to hackers. It’s vital to keep the software on your servers and devices up to date.
• Lenient security measures. Firewalls, antivirus software, and other security measures protect your servers. However, these server security measures only work if installed and configured properly. Devices are also more vulnerable if they only rely on default security settings.
• Hacker attacks. Hackers use various types of attacks to find weak points in security systems. DDoS attacks flood servers with fake requests, causing servers or websites to crash. SQL injection allows hackers to control unprotected servers using their own SQL commands. Brute force attacks rapidly try to crack passwords. Cross-site scripting infects login fields to steal login details and cookies. Hackers also use phishing attacks to trick their victims.
• Weak passwords. Weak passwords are easy to break, leaving servers vulnerable to malicious activity and creating more potential security breaches.
• Insider threats. Insider threats are internal actions or practices that pose a security risk. These risks occur when someone with server privileges does something that leaves servers open to attack. This step may simply be a careless error. However, insider threats can also be malicious actors who intentionally compromise security.
• Zero-day exploits. Zero-day exploits occur when hackers take advantage of unnoticed bugs or vulnerabilities within hardware or software. These exploits can last for weeks or even months before being discovered. Patching the flaw within the software is often the only way to stop zero-day exploits.
• Incorrectly configured ports. Cybercriminals often exploit network ports or other ports that haven’t been configured correctly. Network ports should be checked regularly to ensure they can’t be exploited.
• Poor physical security. Servers aren’t just vulnerable to malware attacks. Servers must also be physically protected from potential on-site breaches. Any physical hardware involved with the server must be properly secured.
• Inadequate patch management. Patches and updates to security software and other measures keep servers secure. However, if you don’t manage patches properly, servers are left open to attack.
• Unused accounts. Old or unused accounts are weak points in your server security. They should be deleted as soon as they are no longer needed.

Server security best practices

Without adequate protection, any server is vulnerable to hackers. If server security is compromised, sensitive information could be stolen, so let’s look at some of the best practices to help you improve server security:

• Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication. Strong, complex passwords make it harder for hackers to break into your accounts and servers. In addition, set up two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security. Common 2FA methods include one-time codes, security questions, or voice recognition. These robust authentication methods make it more difficult for hackers to gain unauthorized access to valuable data.
• Employ a password manager. Use a reputable password manager to generate strong passwords to protect your servers. Password managers also store all of your passwords securely.
• Implement operating system hardening. System hardening refers to various ways of tightening security on an operating system. Examples include disabling unused programs or services, integrating patches, or restricting user privileges. Implementing a server security hardening policy reduces your server’s attack surface.
• Manage and update patches and software regularly. Any software used by your servers must be updated regularly. Security updates are applied as software patches. Regularly checking for and installing patches improves your security, so update your server software whenever possible.
• Set up firewalls and network segmentation. Firewalls are often your servers’ first line of defense. Firewalls observe incoming and outgoing network traffic and protect your servers from malicious internet traffic. These measures also work with network segmentation, which divides your network into multiple sections. When you segment your server network, you can use firewalls to monitor each entry point.
• Create backups for your servers. Regularly backing up the data on your servers minimizes the risk of losing sensitive data to a hacker attack. It’s also important to set up a disaster recovery plan. If your servers are somehow compromised, a recovery plan allows you to recover the data rather than losing it completely.
• Limit server access. Limiting server access helps you control how many people can access particular servers. This process reduces the risk of the server being compromised by mistakes or malpractice. Wherever possible, limit server access to root users and system administrators.
• Monitor server logs. Monitoring server logs and login attempts helps pinpoint potential threats and unwanted access. For example, brute force attacks try to crack passwords by making many login attempts. Intrusion prevention software is ideal for dealing with such threats. If an IP address makes too many login attempts, the software blocks it immediately.
• Establish strong security protocols. These protocols help everyone in your organization understand server security threats. For example, every employee should know to use strong passwords. Make everyone aware of any user access controls that are in place. It’s also important to ensure everyone can detect phishing attacks and other server threats.
• Audit files and services regularly. Regularly auditing the files and services on your device is a great way to improve server security. Auditing your files allows you to identify any unauthorized changes that may have been caused by malware or other threats. You can also audit the services running on your device to identify any intrusive programs.
• Use SSL certificates. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates protect your web server while browsing. An SSL certificate creates a secure link between your browser and a website. Ensure that any website you visit has “https” in its URL.
• Set up secure connections. Use the SSH (Secure Shell) protocol to provide secure encrypted connections between your device and remote servers. Having a secure connection prevents hackers from accessing your data traffic. It’s also worth setting up public and private SSH keys. Although anyone with the public key can encrypt data, only someone with the matching private key can decrypt it.
• Use a VPN. A virtual private network (VPN) also encrypts the traffic between a server and your device by creating a secure connection. Many VPN services also include extra security tools.
• Employ an intrusion detection system. Intrusion detection systems (IDS) help you identify potential server threats. These advanced security measures constantly monitor the network traffic between your servers. The IDS alerts you if it identifies a threat, such as an ongoing brute force attack.
• Use virtual machines to isolate threats. Virtual machines are pieces of software replicating all the functions of a physical computer. Any data stored on a virtual machine is separate from your device’s hardware. As such, virtual machines allow you to contain potential breaches and isolate threats like malware. Learn how to set up a virtual machine.
• Create multi-server environments. A multi-server environment involves dividing data and services between several physical servers. Each server provides access to a specific application or service. Isolating applications like this provides maximum security but is costly and time-consuming to set up.
• Invest in penetration testing. Penetration testing, or pen testing, is a great way to test whether your server security is up to scratch. Pen testing involves authorizing a benign hacker to attack your system. An ethical hacker may identify any weaknesses that a malicious hacker could exploit. Once a weakness is identified, you can easily address it.