How to secure your server (basics)

A few foundational steps dramatically reduce the risk to your VPS or dedicated server.

The essentials

  • Strong root password, and use SSH keys rather than passwords where possible.
  • Install and configure a firewall (such as CSF) and allow only the ports you need.
  • Keep the operating system and software updated.
  • Disable services and ports you don't use.

Harden access

  • Consider changing the default SSH port and disabling direct root login.
  • Enable brute-force protection (CSF/cPHulk).
  • Set up backups so you can recover quickly.

Stay alert

Monitor your logs and resource use for anything unusual. Want a security review or help hardening your server? Open a ticket — it's part of what we do on managed servers.

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