For those of you with a website, you probably know that setting up a secure web server is the first step for the web experience. Regardless of whether you run a small blog or a huge e-commerce platform, your server security has a direct influence on the security of both your data and your users.
According to recent statistics, over 30,000 websites are hacked every day. Attackers take advantage of vulnerable security configurations, old software, and unsecured connections. They exploit to steal data and inject malicious code.
Without the right measures in place, your server is open to attacks that could expose sensitive information and hurt your reputation. The great news is that server hardening is not challenging and does not necessitate advanced technical skills. In this post, we will walk you through simple steps to complete your secure web server setup.
What exactly is a Web Server?
Before going straight into how to set up a web server, you must know the answer to “What is a web server.” A web server is a system that stores, processes, and delivers web pages to users. It basically takes requests from users’ web browsers and sends back the requested information, like a webpage or an image. This happens through HTTP or HTTPS for secure connections. Web servers can host anything, be it a simple personal blog or a complex e-commerce site.
What Steps Do You Need to Take To Set Up a Secure Web Server?
Securing your web server involves multiple crucial steps, from choosing the right software to implementing firewalls and backup strategies. If you follow these best practices, you can safeguard your server from cyber threats. Now, let’s get into the details of setting up a secure web server using the steps below.
Step 1: Pick the Right Server Software
Choosing the right server software is the cornerstone of setting up a secure server. There are a few popular options, but most web servers will run software that handles HTTP or HTTPS requests. Some options are lightweight and great for handling high traffic. On the other hand, some are easy to set up and perfect for smaller sites. It all depends on your needs. The important thing is to choose one you feel comfortable with and the one that fits the demands of your site.
Step 2: Switch to HTTPS
So, let us break it to you- if your site is operating with HTTP, it’s time for a change. HTTP is insecure, meaning the data moving between your server and your visitors can be read or modified. Conversely, HTTPS encrypts data, and it becomes far more difficult for hackers to snatch sensitive information. Setting up an HTTPS connection consists of installing an SSL/TLS certificate. Now, don’t freak out; it is not as complicated as it sounds, and there are plenty of resources online that can help you get one.
Step 3: Keep Everything Updated
We know many people overlook this step, but it is extremely important. Security patches and updates are released regularly to address newly discovered vulnerabilities. If you skip these updates, your server might become a target for hackers. Hence, you must make it a habit to check for updates frequently. It doesn’t take long and is one of the most effective ways to keep your server safe. Make sure you also update plugins, themes, and any third-party software running on your server.
Step 4: Use a Firewall
Think of a firewall as a crucial line of defense for your server. It decides what traffic can access your server and what should be blocked. Without a firewall, your server is exposed, and anyone could try to access it. Now, setting up a firewall is relatively straightforward. You will want to block any ports or services that are not necessary for your site to function properly.
Step 5: Monitor and Backup
The final step in securing your web server is monitoring and backing it up. Even after you have set everything up, you still need to monitor your server for any unusual activity. You can start by setting up basic monitoring tools that will alert you to potential issues, including unexpected traffic spikes or failed login attempts. Detecting these problems early on allows you to address them before they become major security concerns. For better security monitoring, compliance tools can help you stay ahead of threats as they identify risks before they become major issues.
Additional Steps for Maximum Security
You can also take these additional security measures and double-protect your web server.
Use Strong Authentication
Authentication is the first line of defense against unauthorized access, and a weak authentication system is prone to hacking.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): It adds an extra layer of security as there is a double verification through a one-time code sent to their phone or email, a biometric scan (fingerprint or facial recognition), or an authentication app like Google Authenticator. So even if your password is stolen, hackers can’t cross the authentication process.
- Strong Password Policies: Always add a strong password, one that is 12-16 characters long, with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Also, avoid reusing old passwords and change them periodically.
- Disable Root and Default User Logins: A common user name like “admin” or “root” is easy to predict, and often hackers target such usernames. So create unique credentials, especially for administrators.
Disable Unused Services
Every service running on your server is a potential entry point for hackers. Services that are not being used should be disabled, as these services increase server vulnerability.
Set Up Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)
Tools like Snort or Suricata can help you detect suspicious activity on your server and potential breaches. IDS monitors system logs, network traffic, and application behavior to detect anomalies or known attack patterns. They are categorized into two types: Host-Based IDS (HIDS) and Network-Based IDS (NIDS), while the former monitors internal system changes and the latter inspects incoming and outgoing traffic for malicious activity.
Wrapping It Up
By now, you must have understood that securing a web server doesn’t require a tech degree. You just need to follow a few simple steps. Now is your chance to start putting in effort to have a safe and stable server. You are all set to secure your server with confidence!
Cyber threats are constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay informed and take important safety measures. To safeguard your server, all you need to do is use the right tools, regular updates, and proactive monitoring. These small efforts today will save you from major problems in the future.
