Servers are responsible for ensuring that the employees, management, customers, and partners have constant access to the company’s services. A server is at the heart of all business activities such as Data Access and Storage, Applications, File and User Control, Remote Accessibility, etc. As such, Servers are seen as a vital part of any IT environment. Unfortunately, with all this power comes an increased threat risk as well.
To mitigate this risk, a lot of companies have made the switch from in-house Servers to cloud-based solutions. Regardless of the technology your company utilizes, there are still a few basic precautions that must be continuously adhered to.
Whether you employ an in-house Server or utilize cloud technology, there are still a few areas that cannot be overlooked. Network setup and security is always in the foreground of any Server utilization (whether on premise or cloud). We recommend all businesses follow these basic measures to ensure security protocols are being met.
- Ensure your Server Room is secure, and that only top level or designated personnel have physical access.
- The Server’s size should be adequate, and able to handle future company expansion.
- User access rights should be assigned with security concerns being paramount
- Install a full-suite antivirus.
- Set up an enhanced firewall.
- Ensure the Server is powered by a fully-functioning Battery Backup System
- Always Back up everything. Even in the cloud, data loss is a reality.
- Activate intrusion detection systems
- Make sure to encrypt all sensitive data
- Ensure that all software is up to date.
- Ensure the Server is monitored 24/7
What happens if a company’s server goes down?
- When a Server goes down, this is often followed by:
- Network disruption and/or failure, interruption of business processes
- Loss and/or limited access to data
- Loss of functioning applications
- Blocked access to services (for customers)
Therefore, Server optimization and Security Management are of the utmost concern. Server security protocols are designed around a comprehensive strategy that provides extensive, long-lasting protection against threats.
Internet interfaces represent the most significant risk source for companies. Users should do everything in their power to secure their Network and Server. Installing antivirus software & firewalls, monitoring of suspicious traffic, etc. are some of the measures to keep the threats away. Servers themselves need to be protected from fire, humidity, power outages, break-ins, theft, and sabotage.
Measures to maintain server security
At TSG Computer Services, we provide dedicated Server Security Services designed to keep your business running. Our security measures include:
- Ensuring server room access is restricted to top-level individuals, and/or designated personnel.
- Preventative Security measures such as AntiVirus, Zero-Day Threat Prevention, Firewall and Intrusion Prevention.
- Minimizing the consequences of successful attacks
- Strong Security Policies and well-defined User Account Access profiles
Apart from securing the cloud server, servers also need to be protected from dangerous hackers who launch attacks via the Internet. Even Servers that are on the cloud, are still located in computer centers and server rooms. Equivalent to cloud protection, hardware in a server room must also be regularly maintained and checked for wear. Hardware is often exposed to a range of physical risks, such as voltage fluctuations or even earthquakes.
Servers are typically set up in a dedicated room designed for centralized communications. This is where all the network traffic ends up. From here, the network traffic destined for internal departments get routed accordingly, and traffic destined for external locations gets sent to switches, routers, firewalls, and finally modems before making their way out into cyberspace.
- These Security steps need to be taken into consideration when installing server based architecture:
- Building the server room away from adjacent rooms, thereby mitigating the risks associated with water pipes and/or too much foot traffic, etc.
- Routing cables up along the ceiling, away from electrical conduits and water pipes.
- Keeping all flammable objects at a good distance from the server room.
- If setting up a server room in a big company, we ensure that the Server Room is placed on its own electrical circuit, using an isolated ground loop. This way, short circuits or tripped breakers will not have any effect on the Server Room.
- Use of emergency generators to safeguard against large-scale power outages, primarily if your servers are used for supplying services to other locations.
- Ensure systems are in place to proactively address potential problems arising from Natural Disasters
Server hardware can also get impacted by changes in temperature and humidity of the air in the room. Therefore, it is recommended that the Server Room be equipped with air conditioners, heaters, and ventilation systems. In addition, a handheld fire extinguisher is also a must-have in the server room.
Precautions to prevent attacks
Once the server is placed in its ideal location, systems are then put in place that strengthens the Server’s security from an internal and external point of view.
The simpler the system, the less error-prone it typically is. This translates into fewer software errors and loopholes that you will have to fix. Just like other systems, Servers should also be configured in such a way to be as simple and transparent as possible.
Therefore, you should only use those hardware components that are necessary for your business to function effectively. The operating system must be configured properly, and services related to the company and its purpose, and interfaces to the Internet should be kept to a minimum. If hardware components, services, or interfaces are no longer needed, then they should be uninstalled or closed. A secure server is the only way to protect a company’s data.
When it comes to the security of your Server, nothing should be left to chance. Our Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) software detects, analyzes, and prevents threats from accessing and impacting your crucial information. Let our security experts show you what a completely fortified server security solution looks like. Please contact us at TSGCS, or send an email to info@tsgcs.ca to schedule a demo.
TSG Computer Services is a Vancouver-based IT Support company who specializes in Security and Solutions for Increased Productivity. Contact us now to see how we can help you.
