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Security settings are very important with hosting software, as many people will upload important information vital to the operation of their business, and this falling into the wrong hands could spell disaster many companies. Checking the settings of a VPS and understanding the factors that make it secure and safe could be the difference between a well-run and maintained server solution and unwanted and costly downtime. Luckily there are some steps that can be taken to ensure that your VPS is in safe hands.
Firstly, it is wise to check with the VPS hosting company about the levels of security that are already in place when the virtual private server is set up. This may include software settings and important firewall and antivirus software, and also electrical safety in and around the server. Many people forget that whilst the name suggests a VPS is virtual, it will still be a physical computer that is located in an office building of some kind, complete with all the usual risks of a physical office. This includes fire, theft and electrical surges, and should be protected with all the necessary health and safety regulations.
Many security breaches are done via Internet connection from a remote computer. For this reason it is wise for anyone with highly sensitive materials to consider hosting on their own VPS system with no other servers running on the same machine. If this is not possible, it is wise to check with the hosting company about the types of security controls they have over the machine and who may possibly have access to it outside of the company hosting the website.
Once the system has been verified to be secure in both software and hardware, many people will relax and begin to forget about maintaining security levels. This is dangerous as most software will be constantly at risk of new threats and new ways to exploit existing security measures. The best way of making sure that this will not happen is to maintain software updates and regularly check that all existing running programs are up-to-date on the newest version available. Hackers will work quickly when there is something to be gained from exploiting software, and a system that is only a month old need be a month behind a hacker who is determined to access the system. Most VPS posters will have some kind of update policy in place to protect the customers’ data.
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Believe me, downtime isn’t just costly to your business, it’s potentially a business-killer.
Software updates are so important. There’s no such thing as a system that’s safe once and for all!
What’s the most important safety mechnaism that a VPS company could already have in place?
I never think about fire and electrical dangers when I think about VPS safety, but those would hurt me a lot more than spam or even a virus would!
It always surprises me how few customers ask their VPS hosting company what specific security measures they have in place. Don’t be shy about this, guys: your online business may depend on it!