How to secure your web server

1. Remove unnecessary services.
2. Create separate environments for development, testing, and production.
3. Set permissions and privileges.
4. Keep patches up to date.
5. Segregate and monitor server logs.
6. Install a firewall.
7. Automate backups.

Public-facing server: any server which hosts a website or application which is accessible from the internet.

The best placement is to put the database servers in a trusted zone of their own. They should allow inbound connections from the web servers only, and that should be enforced at a firewall and on the machines.

What are the most important steps you would recommend for securing a new web server?

• Minimize rights.
• Update permissions.
• Delete default data and scripts.
• Make use of software firewall.
• Enable and make use of IIS logging.
• Regular backup.
• Updating the windows tool installed. Next Page »

Compare Secure Hosting

• SiteGround – All plans come with SSL, HTTPS, and Cloudflare CDN.
• Bluehost – Free domain, SSL, and one-click WordPress installation.
• WP Engine – Generous resources and WordPress specialist support.
• HostPapa – Secure datacenters and website builder plans.

8 Essential Tips to Secure Web Application Server

1. The firewall demystified.
2. Scan for web-specific vulnerabilities.
3. Educate your developers.
4. Turn off unnecessary functionality.
5. Use separate environments for development, testing, and production.
6. Keep your server software updated.
7. Restrict access and privileges.

If your network is in any way connected to the Internet, the security of your network is being put to the test. Your Internet-facing servers are being probed by hackers looking for ways to damage your resources or steal them. It is important that no holes are left unplugged which would allow hackers easy access.

This would be an application accessible to a restricted set of specific users or users of a controlled network. The idea of an ‘Outward Facing’ application is this notion that requests are coming from a semi-known source.

The server room should be in or near the center of the building. It should not be along or on an outside wall unless you are above the 3rd floor of a building. Server rooms should never have an external window. Even internal windows should be avoided.

The most common services are: Web servers: Web servers responsible for maintaining communication with an internal database server may need to be placed into a DMZ. This helps ensure the safety of the internal database, which is often storing sensitive information.

Server Security in 3 Steps

• Step 1 – Shut Down Access.
• Step 2 – Patch Your Servers.
• Step 3 – Tightly Control User Access.

The first thing is to set password requirements and rules that must be followed by all members on the server. Do not allow empty or default passwords. Enforce minimum password length and complexity. Have a lockout policy.

Practices described in detail include choosing Web server software and platforms, securing the underlying operating system and Web server software, deploying appropriate network protection mechanisms, and using, publicizing, and protecting information in a careful and systematic manner.

Consider password managers that can also help generate strong passwords. Exposed RDP connections are also commonly used by attackers for initial compromise. All Internet-facing servers accessible via RDP should be configured to require NLA for RDP sessions.

Vulnerable Internet-facing servers provide attackers with easy targets for initial compromise. You should absolutely consider vulnerability scanning tools to identify critical vulnerabilities on your systems. Before doing so, however, establish a formal vulnerability scanning and patching policy.

The external service or application is still considered a public-facing entity of your organization. The level of responsibility you have for those services changes based on the type of service you are using. For example: are you using Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), or Platform as a Service (PaaS)?