Contemplating the purchase of a new virtual server but feeling uneasy about VPS protection? Are you uncertain about how to optimally safeguard VPS servers?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. The sheer number of VPS hosting alternatives can be quite daunting. However, investing your time in selecting the most suitable hosting model can be the most rewarding choice for your business continuity and data safety.
When you’re arranging a server for VPS Hosting, you’ll typically have to decide between a managed and unmanaged server:
- Managed VPS: These servers are overseen and protected by your managed hosting service.
- Unmanaged VPS: These servers necessitate an internal security team at your enterprise for setup, management, support, and protection.
It is essential to grasp your hosting options (for instance, shared hosting vs. VPS vs. dedicated server) when you are figuring out the infrastructure and secure VPS hosting assistance you will require.
VPS security refers to the defensive measures associated with VPS technology, which involves segmenting a physical host server and its resources. Hosting services employ a hypervisor to split this physical server into multiple VPS instances.
The resulting divisions of the physical server are virtualized in their own self-contained environments. Security risks are also reduced as the hypervisor is typically not open to public access. This makes VPS systems considerably more secure than shared hosting options. This heightened security and lower risk factor might be sufficient reason for you to opt for VPS.
When considering VPS security, it’s vital to take into account the following aspects:
- Server administration.
- Application of updates or patches.
- Server fortification.
- Data backups.
- Protection against DDoS attacks.
- Services for vulnerability scanning.
- Round-the-clock support.
- Each of these services plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall secure VPS hosting framework.
Is a VPS Vulnerable to Hacking?
Although no hosting system is entirely impenetrable to cyber attacks, a VPS setup is among the most secure options. The independence and virtualization of each VPS instance liken it to a dedicated server, where your data, applications, and operating system are secluded from other instances.
A VPS adheres to the dedicated server principle by allowing each virtual machine its exclusive resource pool. CPU, RAM, and storage space can be earmarked for a specific VPS instance. These resources are dispensed as required, and any surplus remains in the host’s resource pool.
This results in a highly efficient system that utilizes only the necessary resources while conserving the rest for other server operations. This level of optimal efficiency doesn’t compromise security as all VPS instances stay detached.
While it’s still conceivable that a VPS system’s security can be breached, the likelihood is less compared to shared hosting platforms due to the isolated nature of VPS.
Is a Firewall Required for a VPS?
Given the increased security associated with VPS hosting, many organizations question the necessity of a firewall. The unequivocal answer is yes.
Cyber threats and internet malefactors are becoming increasingly sophisticated. They are perpetually devising new, inventive methods to gain unauthorized access to confidential files and information.
In certain scenarios, due to inadequate cybersecurity practices, hackers can reemploy old TTPs (Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures) to infiltrate exposed and overburdened networks. Considering the current state of cybersecurity, any additional protective layer is a worthwhile investment.
While VPS hosting’s dedicated nature significantly enhances security, a firewall is necessary to attain the utmost level of protection. A correctly configured firewall aids in managing and closing data ports, thus preempting the entry of malicious data.
Effective firewall management can also help you halt malicious traffic before it reaches your server. Custom rules can be set to determine which traffic can access the server and which cannot, as well as which ports remain open.
The Choice Between Managed and Unmanaged Servers for Security
A major factor influencing the choice between a managed and unmanaged server is that a managed VPS server offers round-the-clock support. This continuous support is crucial to VPS security as it enables access to managed hosting specialists well-versed in handling challenging situations and novel threats swiftly.
In contrast, with an unmanaged server, your support is limited to your own network maintenance activities. If you opt for an unmanaged server, backup and network security becomes your responsibility. This might necessitate the hiring of specialized personnel, the procurement of specialized software, or outsourcing these tasks to a third-party provider.
Does Managed Hosting Incorporate Regular Updates and Patching?
Collaborating with a managed hosting provider like Liquid Web guarantees automatic regular patches and OS updates for your server. Prompt patching is critical to your VPS security as core operating system patches protect your VPS hosting and prevent hackers from exploiting known vulnerabilities in your servers.
Whenever a threat is detected, operating system updates are rolled out to patch your network and thwart further damage by attackers. If you use unmanaged hosting, the onus is on you to install all updates and software patches.
At Liquid Web, our bespoke software keeps your server up-to-date with the latest patches, thus safeguarding your VPS security system against hackers. Our systems regularly check for the latest patches and liaise with you to schedule their installation at the most suitable times for your business, typically after working hours.
Our team will cooperate with you to establish the right rules and configurations for your update policies. This enables us to furnish your system with the latest updates and patches without their installation disrupting your site or app.
How Do Managed Server-Level Backups Operate?
On a managed web server, backup software is readily available. These backups, typically scheduled daily, safeguard the latest version of your data against unforeseen incidents or attacks.
The backups are stored off your server in the cloud. Should something happen to your server, it can be quickly restored to the latest restore point with minimal data loss.
Essential cPanel or control panel backups can also be set up for cloud storage. In fact, many Liquid Web clients prefer to backup their cPanel accounts to our Block Storage service.
For additional protection, we offer our clients access to Acronis Cyber Backups. With Acronis, users can backup crucial off-server and/or off-site data.
Unmanaged servers don’t typically offer backup implementations. This implies that you would need to identify your own VPS hosting backup solutions to successfully and securely copy data and avert potential data loss or corruption. Skilled IT professionals could possibly script their own backups, but this would make them accountable for any backup policies and procedures.
Even though they might be capable of scripting their own backups, Acronis may still prove to be a more secure and dependable solution.
Are Security Measures Included with Managed Servers?
Managed servers from Web arrive equipped with fundamental safeguards against DDoS assaults. DDoS, short for Distributed Denial of Service, defines a form of cyber onslaught wherein hackers flood a server with data packets until it buckles under the pressure and crashes.
Defenses against DDoS attacks aim to thwart such assaults and have the capability to shut them down as soon as they initiate. They achieve this by identifying irregular traffic flows and blocking the data packets from reaching the server.
Web supplies VPS hosting that effectively barricades against DDoS attacks up to 2Gbps in volume. For additional safety, users have the option to advance to our superior tier of DDoS Attack Protection, capable of defending against assaults up to 10Gbps.
Our specialists continually scrutinize network traffic, always ready to identify potential hazards. Whether you are asleep or otherwise occupied, Web’s surveillance team vigilantly observes for irregular traffic behavior and sets up protective measures for your server.
VPS security can be further enhanced by features such as Cloudflare protection, which alleviates server load and deters DDoS attacks. Combined with the simplicity of point-and-click resource scaling, VPS hosting can fend off DDoS assaults with greater efficiency compared to most shared hosting services.
Server Secure Plus and antivirus protection serve as additional fortifications for your VPS.
Does Managed Hosting Provide Protection against Viruses?
A robust antivirus and anti-hacking system is part of the security package offered by managed hosting, fortifying VPS. Server Secure Plus and the Malicious Activity Detector are among the critical Web features aimed at repelling such invasions.
Server Secure Plus
Tailored to fortify your server against potential threats, Server Secure Plus is an exclusive security service. It comprises custom security augmentations, malware scanning and resolution, strengthened FTP regulations, and monthly checks for vulnerabilities.
With ease, Server Secure Plus can be incorporated into your fully managed Web server and is compatible with servers running on both Linux and Windows.
Malicious Activity Detector (MAD)
The security instrument, Malicious Activity Detector, provided by Web, works to thwart hacking attempts aimed at brute-forcing server passwords. This tool achieves this by inhibiting the offending IP from gaining server access for a predetermined period following a certain number of unsuccessful login attempts. Such measures effectively halt hackers from utilizing automated software to decipher passwords on your web server and gain unauthorized entry.
Such features are absent with unmanaged servers. Unmanaged servers entirely rely on user management and do not inherently include antivirus protection or brute force password detection.
These additional tiers of VPS security further justify the choice of a managed server over unmanaged hosting.
Explore more about the nature of brute force attacks and ways to safeguard your server.
Do Managed Servers Include Automatic Upgrades?
Hardware enhancements, for instance, your hard drive’s RAID (redundant array of independent/inexpensive disks), play a crucial role in VPS security. Regular updates to these critical hardware parts ensure top-tier storage performance across multiple hard drives.
A RAID failure could put all your data in jeopardy of being erased. Hence, the availability of a dedicated team to oversee these tangible hardware risks is of utmost importance. Managed servers receive automated hardware upgrades at the data center, contributing to the safety of your server.
Should any hardware fail or become outdated, the support team will automatically upgrade these physical components when deemed necessary. Managed support can even effect minor modifications like augmenting RAM or upgrading a hard drive. Bear in mind that such upgrades will result in temporary downtime for your site or application, which usually lasts 30 minutes or less.
Managed backups contribute to VPS security.
Why Opt for Managed VPS Security?
Unless you have a dedicated and competent technical support team familiar with VPS hosting, it is wise to opt for managed hosting. Handling unmanaged VPS hosting can be a complex task that demands substantial technical acumen to maintain your system’s security.
Support should be readily available round the clock to thwart any potential attacks. With our managed services packages, you receive the benefits of a committed Web monitoring team, security team, and general support for Windows or Linux to assist you at every juncture.