{"id":147,"date":"2025-03-12T16:42:43","date_gmt":"2025-03-12T16:42:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/blogs\/?p=147"},"modified":"2025-03-12T16:42:49","modified_gmt":"2025-03-12T16:42:49","slug":"tips-for-securing-servers-and-computers-for-peace-of-mind","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/blogs\/tips-for-securing-servers-and-computers-for-peace-of-mind\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips for Securing Servers and Computers for peace of mind"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/blogs\/tips-for-securing-servers-and-computers-for-peace-of-mind\/#Theres_been_rampant_hacking_of_user_information_and_celebrity_photos_as_of_late\" >There\u2019s been rampant hacking of user information, and celebrity photos as of late.<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/blogs\/tips-for-securing-servers-and-computers-for-peace-of-mind\/#Secure_the_Computer_with_a_Firewall\" >Secure the Computer with a Firewall<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/blogs\/tips-for-securing-servers-and-computers-for-peace-of-mind\/#For_Linux_Machines_Install_BFD\" >For Linux Machines Install BFD<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/blogs\/tips-for-securing-servers-and-computers-for-peace-of-mind\/#Install_an_Antivirus\" >Install an Antivirus<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/blogs\/tips-for-securing-servers-and-computers-for-peace-of-mind\/#Check_Logs_and_Event_Viewer_Regularly\" >Check Logs and Event Viewer Regularly<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/blogs\/tips-for-securing-servers-and-computers-for-peace-of-mind\/#Lockdown_Your_Router\" >Lockdown Your Router<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/blogs\/tips-for-securing-servers-and-computers-for-peace-of-mind\/#Use_Proper_Judgment\" >Use Proper Judgment<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/blogs\/tips-for-securing-servers-and-computers-for-peace-of-mind\/#BROUGHT_TO_YOU_BY_PROLIMEHOST\" >BROUGHT TO YOU BY PROLIMEHOST<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/blogs\/tips-for-securing-servers-and-computers-for-peace-of-mind\/#VPS_SERVICES_LIGHTNING_FAST_SSD_VIRTUAL_SERVERS\" >VPS SERVICES: LIGHTNING FAST SSD VIRTUAL SERVERS<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/blogs\/tips-for-securing-servers-and-computers-for-peace-of-mind\/#DEDICATED_SERVERS_BACKED_BY_A_999_SLA_NETWORK_UPTIME_GUARANTEE\" >DEDICATED SERVERS: BACKED BY A 99.9% SLA NETWORK UPTIME GUARANTEE<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/blogs\/tips-for-securing-servers-and-computers-for-peace-of-mind\/#ASIA_OPTIMIZED_NETWORK_IMPROVING_CONNECTION_SPEED_AND_QUALITY\" >ASIA OPTIMIZED NETWORK: IMPROVING CONNECTION SPEED AND QUALITY<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Theres_been_rampant_hacking_of_user_information_and_celebrity_photos_as_of_late\"><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-148\" src=\"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/05\/ComputerSecurity_m_0907.jpg\" alt=\"Dedicated server security\" width=\"530\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/05\/ComputerSecurity_m_0907.jpg 530w, https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/05\/ComputerSecurity_m_0907-300x170.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/05\/ComputerSecurity_m_0907-512x290.jpg 512w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 530px) 100vw, 530px\" \/>There\u2019s been rampant hacking of user information, and celebrity photos as of late.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It makes users think and worry about security of their computers, servers and data. With this write up, we provide some tips and some guidelines for better security and peace of mind, although by no means is this an in-depth and \u201cend all be all\u201d of network and data security, although it is a good start and will give us a head start into at least securing our data, computers and servers.<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Secure_the_Computer_with_a_Firewall\"><\/span>Secure the Computer with a Firewall<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"  wp-image-149 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/05\/firewall-for-servers.jpg\" alt=\"firewall for servers\" width=\"349\" height=\"217\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/05\/firewall-for-servers.jpg 577w, https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/05\/firewall-for-servers-300x187.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/05\/firewall-for-servers-512x319.jpg 512w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 349px) 100vw, 349px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>It is imperative that your computer or server is secured to prevent direct attacks to that device, and there are a few ways to accomplish this. Whether the computer runs on a desktop operating system of Windows, Linux such as Ubuntu, or Mac OSX or later, the computer hardware can be secured by installing a software based firewall. There are many firewall applications for the different operating systems available, but their basic functions should all be pretty much the same \u2013 they restrict access by blocking traffic to incoming or outgoing ports, or by restricting access based on certain criteria or policies.<\/p>\n<p>For windows, there\u2019s a built in firewall application, as well as a few free and paid ones, such as Comodo and UnThreat to name a few. For Linux, there is CSF, as well as the built-in Iptables. Mac OS also has built in firewall functionality as well as third party. We will not get into the detail of specific firewalls, but basically give an overview of what needs to be configured (refer to the specific firewall\u2019s user manual in order to achieve these configurations).<\/p>\n<p>Basically we need to block all incoming ports (we can also block outgoing ports for more security) and enable only those that we are certain that we will be using. In the case of a webserver, the https port 80 and https 8443 ports are needed so we enable those ports. If we need DNS server functionality, we also enable the DNS port 53. For mailing, we turn on port 25 for smtp (outgoing mail), as well as 110 (POP3), 143 (IMAP), 993 (IMAP SSL), and even 587 (alternative smtp port). For a full list of common tcp\/upd ports that are required by your applications, you have to refer to their respective user manual, but for the common default ports for particular applications, you can check <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_TCP_and_UDP_port_numbers\">https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_TCP_and_UDP_port_numbers<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Remember to only enable the ports that you will need, and disable all other ports. If you are securing a desktop computer, chances are you need to close down all the incoming ports as you do not want anyone connecting to your desktop.<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"For_Linux_Machines_Install_BFD\"><\/span>For Linux Machines Install BFD<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-150 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/05\/computer-security-e1431372354317.jpg\" alt=\"computer-security\" width=\"283\" height=\"163\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/05\/computer-security-e1431372354317.jpg 589w, https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/05\/computer-security-e1431372354317-300x173.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/05\/computer-security-e1431372354317-512x295.jpg 512w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 283px) 100vw, 283px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>IF the computer is a Linux based machine, install Brute Force Detection (BFD). This will ban IP addresses that have tried to connect multiple times with incorrect logins to the computer, and prevents brute force methods of trying to crack user\/password logins. You can even configure the script to send you an email once it has detected a brute force hack attempt. Read through their website on instructions on how to install and configure the script.<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Install_an_Antivirus\"><\/span>Install an Antivirus<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft  wp-image-151\" src=\"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/05\/VIPRE-antivirus-technology.png\" alt=\"VIPRE-antivirus-technology\" width=\"333\" height=\"228\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/05\/VIPRE-antivirus-technology.png 444w, https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/05\/VIPRE-antivirus-technology-300x205.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 333px) 100vw, 333px\" \/>Make sure to install an antivirus application to make sure you do not get infected with nasty malware that can compromise your passwords and sensitive computer data. There are a lot of firewall applications that are free, as well as paid ones. Although which one is better, we cannot recommend and this article will not dive into which antivirus to use. When an antivirus is installed, also make sure that the virus definitions are up to date, as an antivirus with outdated definitions is pretty much vulnerable to new viruses to keep showing up. And also make it a point to scan the computer hard drive at least once a week to make sure that no files are infected.<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Check_Logs_and_Event_Viewer_Regularly\"><\/span>Check Logs and Event Viewer Regularly<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>This is more for server administrators than regular desktop users. Make it a habit to check for computer logs to monitor the computer performance and detect any suspicious activity. For Linux, the logs are normally located in \/var\/logs. You can also create a cron job to send you daily email with log summaries. For windows machines, you can look at event viewer to monitor the health of the computer server. In event viewer, there are different log types: application log which are events that are logged by the programs, security logs are events like successful login attempt or unsuccessful login attempt, and system logs that are events logged by system components. By monitoring events and logs, you can keep your computer running in top shape and prevent rogue applications from taking over your machine.<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lockdown_Your_Router\"><\/span>Lockdown Your Router<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>You can secure your computer all you want, but if your network is not secure then you are still vulnerable. The best way to secure your network from the entry point is by locking down your router. Make sure login to the router\u2019s administrator portal is only allowed internally, meaning you should only access your router\u2019s configuration from inside your LAN, not from outside.<\/p>\n<p>Also, only enable DMZ (demilitarized zone) when really needed. DMZ routes all incoming traffic to the computer in the DMZ, so this exposes your computer to the public if enabled.<\/p>\n<p>Just like in your computer, make sure to enable the firewall of the router if it has one. Make sure to disable all incoming traffic from the router level, as this is your first line of defense. Unless you are hosting servers in your network that are needed to be accessible, you should disable most, if not all, incoming ports.<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Use_Proper_Judgment\"><\/span>Use Proper Judgment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>This can be the most overlooked cause of infections and hacks from unauthorized users. Make sure to use proper judgment when browsing the internet or when installing applications. Do not just go installing applications from anyone, especially those that are attached to emails. If the application is not from a trusted source, chances are it has a virus and best to stay away. The same goes when browsing sites, do not just go opening links and installing plugins that the website tells you. A lot of times these sites have malware that can infect your computer. Make sure your antivirus is running as it can detect most malwares, which provide you that security when an external application tries to install itself. Also enable popup blocker, which is built into most modern web browsers.<\/p>\n<p>In closing, the more you keep your own network and computers secured, the lesser chance you have of getting infected with malicious software and viruses. And the better chance you have of keeping your data and secured files off the hands of unwanted eyes. Best of all, think before you click. Don\u2019t just blatantly follow links and open emails, if they sound fishy, look fishy, chances are they are fishy and best to stay away.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2014\/08\/unnamed-e1408122780935.jpg\" alt=\"ProlimeHost Cheap Dedicated Servers\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"BROUGHT_TO_YOU_BY_PROLIMEHOST\"><\/span>BROUGHT TO YOU BY PROLIMEHOST<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>We\u2019ve been in the web hosting industry for over a decade, helping hundreds of clients succeed in what they do best and that\u2019s running their business. We specialize in Virtual Private Servers (VPS) and dedicated servers, with data centers in Los Angeles, Denver &amp; Singapore.<\/p>\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"VPS_SERVICES_LIGHTNING_FAST_SSD_VIRTUAL_SERVERS\"><\/span>VPS SERVICES: LIGHTNING FAST SSD VIRTUAL SERVERS<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>Our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/ssd-vps-server\/\">Virtual Private Servers<\/a>\u00a0all feature high performance Xeon processors and SSD storage in a RAID10 configuration to optimize your server\u2019s performance, which dramatically enhances visitor experiences on your site.<\/p>\n<p>That speed is backed by unparalleled 24\/7 support, featuring both outstanding response AND resolution times to maximize your uptime.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Now is the time to join the ProlimeHost virtual private server revolution.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"DEDICATED_SERVERS_BACKED_BY_A_999_SLA_NETWORK_UPTIME_GUARANTEE\"><\/span>DEDICATED SERVERS: BACKED BY A 99.9% SLA NETWORK UPTIME GUARANTEE<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>We only use enterprise-class hardware in our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/los-angeles-dedicated-servers\/\">dedicated servers<\/a>\u00a0and offer a four (4) hour hardware replacement. Throw in IPMI for remote management, support for public and private networks, free operating system (OS) re-installs, and SATA, SAS &amp; SSD (including NVMe) storage. Call 1-877-477-9454 or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/contact\/\">contact us<\/a>. For everything from gaming, AMD, GPU and AI servers to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/discounted-dedicated-server-deals\/\">cheap dedicated servers<\/a>, we\u2019re here to help.<\/p>\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"ASIA_OPTIMIZED_NETWORK_IMPROVING_CONNECTION_SPEED_AND_QUALITY\"><\/span>ASIA OPTIMIZED NETWORK: IMPROVING CONNECTION SPEED AND QUALITY<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>Procuring an Asia optimized server improves the connection speed and quality between the server and the users in Asia or China. This can reduce latency, packet loss, jitter, and bandwidth issues that can affect the performance and reliability of the server and the applications hosted on it. For more information, please call 1-877-477-9454 or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/contact\/\">contact us<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"There\u2019s been rampant hacking of user information, and celebrity photos as of late. It makes users think and&hellip;","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":152,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"csco_display_header_overlay":false,"csco_singular_sidebar":"","csco_page_header_type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1,10],"tags":[209,205,145,123,43,15,24,107,113,198,139,106,33],"class_list":{"0":"post-147","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-geneal","8":"category-tutorials-tips","9":"tag-amd","10":"tag-asia-optimized-network","11":"tag-cheap-dedicated-servers","12":"tag-china-optimized","13":"tag-dedicated-server","14":"tag-dedicated-server-security","15":"tag-dedicated-servers","16":"tag-dedicated-servers-usa","17":"tag-gaming-servers","18":"tag-gpu-servers","19":"tag-prolimehost","20":"tag-virtual-private-servers","21":"tag-vps","22":"cs-entry"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/147","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=147"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/147\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/152"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=147"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=147"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.prolimehost.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=147"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}