Customizing Server Security With VPS: Best Practices For Seasoned Users

A VPS, or virtual private server, can transform how you or your organization hosts websites and applications. By partitioning a server across multiple servers, a VPS creates multiple insular server functions that protect your digital assets and offer advanced performance. By finding the best VPS, as well as using tips for customizing your VPS to meet optimal server security, you can improve the performance of your website.  

Maintain Your VPS Through Regular Updates

This may be basic advice, but even seasoned users can overlook the importance of regularly updating a VPS. Your VPS should always run the most recent software versions to maintain a secure connection. Before updating, make sure that you refresh your package lists, as this will provide you with the latest version. Automated updates can help reduce time spent on checking for updates. 

Strengthen Your Authentication Methods With Cryptographic Keys

Seasoned VPS users already understand the importance of modifying privileges when establishing a VPS. One of the first security measures that should be taken is to change the default username and disable direct root logins. Once new user credentials are established, VPS access is restricted to these login specifications.

However, while robust passwords can be effective, public key authentication offers an additional layer of security. You can establish cryptographic keys to authenticate your login, safeguarding against unauthorized access. The command command "ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 4096" initiates this process. 

Following this, apply "ssh-copy-id username@server_ip" to copy your public key to your VPS, then replace the username with your VPS username and the server IP with its IP address. Remember to store your private key in a secure location. You can add additional security by setting a passphrase. 

Once you have established your private key, edit the SSH configuration file and set the PubkeyAuthentication line to "yes." Restart the SSH service and test your keys by logging in with the SSH command.

Configure a Firewall for Your VPS

A firewall is one of the key security measures you can take to protect your VPS. It allows you to establish predefined rules that govern incoming and outgoing traffic. To set up a firewall, log into your server and check existing rules with "sudo iptables -L." When you configure your firewall, you can define which services to allow and establish default policies. 

For example, you can block all incoming traffic. To keep your rules after a reboot, save them with "sudo iptables-save > /etc/iptables.rules." Remember to verify your firewall settings are correct by reconnecting through the SSH.

An additional precaution you can take is a TCPWrapper. This application operates as a host-based access control list (ACL) system that limits which apps can connect to your network. This can protect against spoofing, normal logging, and checking the hostname.

Find Your Ideal VPS Hosting Provider

Before any of these advanced security measures can be established, one of the most basic steps you can take is to obtain a quality VPS host. You can check VPS host comparison sites, such as Host Advice, to locate the best VPS for your needs. 

More VPS host providers have become available as more companies adopt VPS hosting for their websites and applications. The listing on hostadvice.com was last updated in October 2024 and contains the most recent and sophisticated host providers. Many offer security services, such as malware scanners and built-in firewalls.

A VPS can provide advanced security for your organization and personal systems. However, vulnerabilities can still exist. With these additional security measures and a quality VPS host, your network can operate with optimal performance and ironclad security.

Image Credit: Pexels

This post was authored by an external contributor and does not represent Benzinga’s opinions and has not been edited for content. The information contained above is provided for informational and educational purposes only, and nothing contained herein should be construed as investment advice. Benzinga does not make any recommendation to buy or sell any security or any representation about the financial condition of any company.