A Guide To Understanding Web Hosting Server Security Using Modsecurity, Ssl Certificates, Hardware Firewalls, And Ddos Protection

By Author: James
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Web hosting servers are akin to custodians of valuable data because they manage vast quantities of data. Whether you are a savvy business proprietor or an enthusiastic hobbyist, you rely on web hosting providers to protect your digital assets. However, hold fast! There are a variety of shady individuals lurking in the online domain, making it a potentially hazardous environment.
Web operators have donned their digital capes and set out to combat hackers and miscreants. To protect their servers from damage, they employ an assortment of cutting-edge security tools and devious strategies. 
This article describes the primary security tools and strategies that web hosts employ to safeguard their servers from damage.
CXS
CXS is an abbreviation for Configserver eXploit Scanner. It is responsible for analysing all files on the server to determine whether they contain malicious content or can be used for malicious purposes. CXS scans files as they enter the server and scans all extant files on the server periodically ...
... to determine if they have changed. When it detects a vulnerable file, it places it in the quarantine directory so that it cannot be executed by malicious actors.
Modified Security
ModSecurity (also known as ModSec) is an open-source web application firewall also known as WAF. It actively identifies and blocks requests that match specific malicious patterns by monitoring HTTP traffic. This may involve SQL or JavaScript injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other forms of attack.
When editing a website or application, false positives in ModSecurity rules may prohibit it. This will result in a 403 (forbidden) error, as it will be impossible to execute anything that ModSecurity deems to be potentially malicious. Typically, you can contact your web host and request that they whitelist your false affirmative action so it is not blocked in the future.
SSL Certificate
SSL certificates encrypt data transmitted between consumers and servers, thereby preventing man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks. Furthermore, it prevents the compromise of user data. SSL certificates are typically necessary for e-commerce and credit card processing websites. 
The manner in which various browsers (such as Chrome, Safari, and others) handle websites without SSL certificates has recently undergone some fascinating adjustments. SSL certificates are now an absolute requirement for all websites, particularly those that process transactions. 
Why, you ask? Well, if you don't have an SSL certificate, your website visitors are in for an unpleasant surprise: browser warnings that your site is not secure. And, let's be honest, this is a significant trust-killer and engagement-killer. 
However, there is more! Search engines are also participating in the SSL movement. They adore websites that take security seriously and flaunt their SSL certification. 
Thanks to free SSL certificates provided by certificate authorities such as Let's Encrypt and Sectigo, obtaining an SSL certificate for your website has never been simpler. 
Physical Firewall
In front of your servers, a hardware firewall provides an additional layer of external security. Its primary function is to scan all traffic sent to its servers in order to identify potentially malicious traffic before it reaches your website. Additionally, you can restrict the IP address using your hardware firewall. 
An external hardware firewall is especially advantageous because it reduces the workload of the server's internal software firewall (CSF/iptables, etc.). 
A less occupied server allows the server to concentrate its resources on its primary function. However, it is crucial to ensure comprehensive security. Having a properly configured software firewall in addition to a hardware firewall is required. 
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Defence
In a DDoS attack, a group of typically compromised systems is used to attack another server by flooding it with traffic in order to overburden it and disrupt its normal operations. This can be problematic, particularly for the web hosting service. 
Someone who dislikes a particular website hosted on one of their servers could attempt to bring it down with a DDoS attack. Due to the fact that this is a shared web hosting server serving multiple clients, it may affect all other accounts on the same server.
DDoS Protection can detect and block targeted DDoS attacks before they reach the target server. If it functions properly, the end user should be oblivious of the attack.
CloudLinux
CloudLinux has a multitude of immensely useful features, but its shared web hosting is where it truly shines. For security purposes, CageFS software is included. It is responsible for securing each hosting account within its virtual environment, preventing other users, their accounts, and their data from being viewed or altered. This aids in resolving numerous security issues associated with traditional shared hosting, such as malicious scripts on a single account infecting the entire server. 
CloudLinux is also responsible for preventing users from exceeding their allocated server resource quotas. CloudLinux can, for instance, restrict a user's account to using only 100% of its CPU and 2GB of memory. This means that even if there is excessive traffic or malicious activity on that hosting account, the server's resources will not be blocked and it will have no effect on other hosting accounts sharing the same server.
Website Hosting Security Procedures
In addition to utilising a secure hosting provider, it is essential to implement web security measures on your own to protect your website from security issues. 
Here are some things to consider if you desire to maintain the security of your web hosting.
Backup Your Data Routinely
A backup enables you to rapidly restore a hacked or otherwise problematic website. Backup your data frequently, either manually or automatically.
It is recommended that you maintain additional copies of your data on your local computer or hard drive. This is especially crucial if your web host retains archives for a limited time.
Employ SSL Encryption.
SSL is essential for securing access to and from your site. Additionally, it helps protect sensitive customer data. If your web host does not provide complimentary SSL certificates, you can purchase one from an SSL certificate authority. If the website has an SSL certificate, the browser will display a padlock icon next to the URL, which visitors can select to view certificate information. 
Eliminate Unused Programmes
Criminals could gain access to a website via web application vulnerabilities such as coding errors, web server misconfigurations, design faults, and a lack of form validation. Therefore, it is essential to routinely monitor applications and remove unused or compromised ones. WordPress is made more secure by removing obsolete, unused themes and plugins
Alter Your Password Routinely
Attackers can readily crack weak passwords, putting your website and sensitive information at risk. We advise altering your password every 3 to 6 months. To expedite the process, generate and store all of your passwords using a password manager. This also prevents password fatigue and the reuse of passwords across multiple accounts.
Configure A Web Application Firewall
A web application firewall (WAF) filters and monitors the traffic between your web application and the internet, blocking suspicious or malicious requests and issuing alerts for further investigation. It protects web applications against cyberattacks such as cross-site scripting (XSS) and SQL injection. 
Not all web hosting services include a web application firewall, so you may be required to purchase one separately. In addition to the security advantages, it is simple to activate and includes a free plan.
Conclusion 
Improving the security of your web host is crucial for protecting your company's reputation and sensitive data. 
The first stage is to locate a web hosting company with security protocols including software security, SSL certificates, backups, and DDoS protection. Additionally, it is essential to adhere to web hosting security best practises. These measures include backing up website data, removing unused applications, routinely changing passwords, scanning for malware, and regularly updating software.
We trust this article assists you in securing your company's website and the websites of your customers.