Anyone running a business that uses a network has a right to be confused about safety. If your server isn’t secure, then neither is your client’s information. If client information isn’t secure? You may be on the receiving end of a scandal…and we all know where that leads.
Data breaches cost an estimated £2.7 million per firm in the UK, every year – and $7.9 million in Canada and the US. If you suffer from a scandal it is both the reputation of your business and your pocket that suffer. Protect yourself without helpful tips.
Top 15 Server Security Tips
1 – Consider Humans
It sounds daft – but human error accounts for some 25% of all big data breaches in the US. If you don’t double check your security methods every day then you will eventually run into issue. Keeping as much as possible automated should help minimize risk.
2 – Don’t Think You Are Exempt
Everyone is at risk of cyber threat. Everyone. IF you own a device connected to the internet then that means you. Your firm is at constant risk if it is making money. Don’t think you are exempt.
3 – Use an SSH
A Secure Shell Protocol helps you make sure you are always on a secure connection. Being on a secure connection means there is a lot less chance of hacking or risk of outside threats.
4 – Call in the Specialists
If you absolutely don’t know what you are doing, or if you think it is going to take days for you to figure it all out – simply call in the experts. You can visit Spectra.com for more information.
5 – 2-Step Verification
Many sites now use 2-step verification to make sure you are who you say you are. It might seem like a pain, but it is worth it to spare the costs of a data breach.
6 – Set up Firewalls
It might be something as simple as a Windows firewall, but it may be enough to deter an attack. Consider how often theft is opportunistic. If your consumer data has a firewall and the next firm doesn’t, you will not be the one to get breached.
7 – Consider Email Encryption
If you have to send anything you don’t want to fall into the wrong hands – encrypt it beforehand. Much like a VPN, this stops it being snatched while it is being transferred across cyber space.
8 – Use a VPN
A Virtual Private Network is a ‘cloaked’ browser. A hacker will not be able to see you online or retrieve any information.
9 – Don’t give out your password!
Never give away your password – for anything! Passwords are like a first line of defence. Consider them akin to your PIN and never give them away!
10 – And Make Passwords Better!
Your password should be at least 8 letters long, contain at least 1 number and 1 capital letter, and should contain symbols wherever possible.
11 – Always use FTPS
The File Transfer Protocol Secure (FTPS) exists to ensure that files are transferred to and from your server without risk. If you skip it, you are in danger.
12 – Scan Everything
If you are uploading or downloading to your server, security scan first!
13 – Use File Permissions
Did you know you can specify who can access a document, and who can’t? You can do this to either the person or the desktop they use.
14 – Only Install from Trusted Sources
Installing random online software is a sure fire way to get hacked. Be careful who you trust in the online world.
15 – Consider using SSH Keys
You can replace your passwords with SSH keys, and they are so much harder to hack. One key holds much more information than a password does.
So start applying our server security tips and make your 2020 browser safe.
