Server security actively involves securing a server and the information stored on it from unauthorized access or attacks. Typically, this entails implementing a combination of hardware and software measures to shield the server from both network and physical threats.
Some common measures employed to secure servers include:
- Firewalls: Firewalls actively control network traffic, both incoming and outgoing, based on predetermined security rules. A network security system known as a firewall accomplishes this task. Organizations frequently employ firewalls to actively block incoming traffic from untrusted sources. Firewalls may be hardware-based, software-based, or a combination of both. This proactive approach helps prevent unauthorized access to a server.
- Encryption: Encryption involves the active process of encoding data to prevent unauthorized access. When data undergoes encryption, it transforms into a coded format that only someone with the correct decryption key can access. This technique is commonly used to protect sensitive information like passwords and financial data, whether it’s transmitted over a network or stored on a server.
- Access control: Access control is the process of restricting server or network access to authorized users exclusively. You can achieve this by utilizing user accounts, passwords, and other authentication methods, including two-factor authentication, which requires users to provide two forms of identification to access a server.
- Regular updates and patches: To address known security vulnerabilities, it is crucial to regularly update and patch the server’s operating system and applications. This practice assists in preventing attackers from exploiting these vulnerabilities to gain access to the server.
In summary, organizations regard server security as essential for safeguarding sensitive information stored on a server and ensuring that only authorized users can access it. Implementing appropriate security measures allows organizations to actively contribute to protecting their servers and preventing unauthorized access.