Security Vulnerability Fixing for Cheap VDS Servers

Introduction

Many businesses today opt for cheap VDS (Virtual Dedicated Server) solutions to reduce costs and improve performance. However, if the security of these servers is not adequately maintained, they can be vulnerable to various attacks. In this article, we will explain step-by-step how to close security vulnerabilities.

Source of Security Vulnerabilities

Cheap VDS servers often come with basic security measures. However, issues such as lack of system updates, weak password policies, and unnecessary services being left open can lead to security vulnerabilities. This may result in serious problems like DDoS attacks, malware propagation, and data breaches.

Step 1: Check for Updates

First, ensure that your server's operating system and all software are up to date. Connect to your server via SSH:

ssh root@server_ip_address

Then, check for updates using the following command:

apt update && apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Implement Strong Password Policies

Using strong passwords on your server is one of the simplest ways to enhance security. You can change existing users' passwords with the following command:

passwd username

When creating passwords, use a combination of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters.

Step 3: Disable Unnecessary Services

Disabling unused services on your server will reduce security risks. List running services with the following command:

systemctl list-units --type=service

To stop unnecessary services:

systemctl stop service_name

And to disable automatic startup:

systemctl disable service_name

Step 4: Firewall Setup

Setting up a firewall on your server is an effective way to control incoming and outgoing traffic. You can set up UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall):

ufw allow OpenSSH

After allowing SSH access, open only the necessary ports:

ufw allow 80/tcp

ufw allow 443/tcp

To enable the firewall:

ufw enable

Step 5: Implement DDoS Protection

To protect against DDoS attacks, you can use a tool like fail2ban. First, install fail2ban:

apt install fail2ban

Then, edit the configuration file:

nano /etc/fail2ban/jail.local

Add the following settings:

[sshd]
enabled = true
port = ssh
filter = sshd
logpath = /var/log/auth.log
maxretry = 5
bantime = 600

After saving the configuration, start the fail2ban service:

systemctl start fail2ban

Conclusion

We have outlined the steps you need to take to secure your cheap VDS servers. By following these steps, you can significantly enhance your server's security. Remember, security is an ongoing process, and regular updates and audits are essential.