There are several reasons to secure your VPS server. Common practices for VPS security include understanding the configurations, steps, VPS hosting cost, and options required to safeguard your server. But remember that it is not a one-time task. You must continuously research and update your knowledge and software tools to keep your VPS secure which also includes cheap Windows VPS RDP access.

VPS security relies on everyone who deals with the server. Because of this, it’s crucial to remember that all system administrators working on the VPS are accountable for its security. In this blog, we’ll share the top best practices to secure your VPS server. But before moving ahead, let’s first find out the reasons for securing the VPS server.

Why Secure Your VPS?

VPS security is not just a question of preference but a requirement. Standard configurations, obsolete services, and poor access controls could leave your server vulnerable to unauthorized access, data theft, and cyber-attacks.

We’ve mentioned best practices to help you carefully secure your VPS, thus minimizing the possibility of security risks and improving the overall health of your VPS. 

Common VPS Security Threats

VPS server hosting, like any other hosting platform, is vulnerable to different cyber threats. Of these threats, DDoS attacks cause a significant threat, overburdening the servers with enormous traffic and causing the websites to crash or become unavailable.

Malware attacks can also affect your VPS with malicious software that could damage your data and disturb system functionalities. Phishing attacks can cause threats by deceiving users into disclosing confidential information or offering unauthorized access to hackers. 

Furthermore, brute-force attacks make use of automated tools to consistently attempt to crack login details. To secure your VPS successfully, it is important to deploy robust safety measures that prevent these risks and guarantee the security of your data as well as system security. 

Best Practices to Secure Your VPS Hosting Server

Now that we’ve seen the common VPS threats, let’s now see how to mitigate them.

Data leakage is never useful for any business. Because, apart from damaging your business reputation, it could lead to severe legal penalties. In this section, we’ll share some best practices to secure your VPS from attacks. Let’s get started:

1. Configure Firewall Packet Filtering and Limit Open Ports 

Firewalls play a crucial role in protecting your VPS by monitoring incoming and outgoing traffic. The majority of VPS hosting providers allow you to set firewall configuration rules, letting you limit access to particular ports, services, and IP addresses.

Decrease the number of open ports on your VPS server by allowing only the required services. Closing the unwanted ports minimizes the attack surface and supports you in preventing unauthorized access.

Furthermore, you can implement firewall packet filtering to closely watch network traffic and block malicious packets, thus improving the security of your VPS.

2. Implement DDoS Protection

Reports anticipate, unfortunately, that the DDoS attacks will only keep growing. Therefore, implement DDoS prevention solutions to secure your VPS and maintain the availability of your website.

3. Regularly Update Your VPS Server

Staying up to date with the latest software updates and safety patches helps to maintain the security of your VPS. This also helps in improving server performance, stability, and addressing vulnerabilities.

4. Use SSH Keys

Discard password protection and secure your VPS from malicious attacks by adapting SSH keys. SSH keys offer one of the most secure authentication approaches, using longer and more complicated encryption as compared to passwords. Because passwords can be susceptible to phishing, or brute-force attacks.

Create a public and private key, save the public key on a server, and keep the private key on your system. When you try to log in, your server encrypts an odd string using your public key, ensuring only your private key can decrypt it.

Also, never practice using root and admin users but instead use particular usernames, as root and admin users are the first accounts to be attacked.

5. Regularly Monitor and Audit Your VPS Server

Continuously monitoring and auditing your VPS is important for recognizing potential threats and taking appropriate measures. Regularly analyze logs to find any suspicious activity and carry out security audits to make sure your VPS adheres to the best security standards. 

6. Use SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol)

Rather than using a standard FTP (File Transfer Protocol), choose a secure file transfer protocol (SFTP) to transmit files to and from your VPS server. Since SFTP offers encrypted data transmission, it ensures the safety and integrity of your files.

7. Install SSL Certificates

Deploying SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificates on your VPS is important for protecting data transmission over the web. SSL encrypts the connection between your server and the visitor’s browser, thus securing confidential information from being intercepted.

8. Disable Root Login

Disabling root access on your VPS adds an extra level of security by enabling users to log in using their personal accounts. This reduces the chances of unauthorized access and potential system threats. 

9. Regularly Backup Your Data

Backup your data regularly to ensure you can seamlessly recover all the data in case of a data loss or security breach.

10. Make Use of a VPN

Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is another prominent aspect of protecting your VPS server. A VPN helps create a safe and encrypted connection between the user’s system and the VPS server, thus securing your data and communication from possible interception. When connecting with your VPS from untrustworthy networks or public WiFi, utilizing a VPS will add a layer of security. 

How Does MilesWeb’s VPS Hosting Differ?

Sign up for MilesWeb’s feature-rich virtual private server hosting and stop compromising on hosting solutions! Our premium VPS hosting plans allow you to focus on your growing online presence with complete root access, unmatched speed, and security.

MilesWeb’s VPS hosting is the answer for user-friendly customer support, unparalleled flexibility, and scalability. Our industry-leading VPS features, including an intel-powered VPS server, an unlimited 1 Gbps network, free SSL certificates, SSH/SFTP access, and highly secured infrastructure, will be beneficial for your website’s growth 

Also, irrespective of your business location, MilesWeb provides the most suitable VPS server locations to meet your hosting requirements and protect your VPS server with a 1Gbps DDoS shield. 

Conclusion

VPS security is a continuous process that needs preventive measures and constant monitoring. By following the aforementioned VPS security best practices, like firewall packet filtering, timely updates, DDoS protection, and using SSH keys, you can empower your VPS security.

MilesWeb’s feature-rich and premium VPS hosting offers a highly secure, reliable, and flexible hosting solution that lets you concentrate on developing your business. Check out our VPS plans today and enjoy the perks of a reliable and highly secure VPS hosting partner.