Benefits of Dedicated Server

Dedicated server means you have entire web server. There are numerous benefits for dedicated server. Dedicated server is not shared with anyone.

Benefits of dedicated server are: -

• Complete root access of dedicated server – When you have entire server, you can manage resources and you will see significant advantages as compared to shared hosting and dedicated hosting. The server’s disk space, bandwidth, RAM, etc., can be managed by yourself. You can install your own software and configure settings and access to the server logs. Root is the main advantage of dedicated server. You can run your applications and you can also implement server security practices. You can also install different operating system through your hosting provider.

• Manage your business flexibly – Dedicated server contains all your business needs. With a dedicated server, you can decide and implement your own server configuration. As your business grows you can add more or modify existing configurations and applications. Dedicated server gives more flexibility when new opportunities arises. If your business requires constant upgrade than dedicated server is your platform. Now day’s customer requires higher expectations. They want to access service and with very high expectations. Dedicated server loads web page at very lightning speed and provide best experience.

• Improves reliability and performance with dedicated server – Reliability is one of the benefits of dedicated server. Dedicated server gives peak performance and reliability. Reliability minimal server crashes are very less. Your website can handle heavy web traffic because dedicated server comes with large amount of disk space. If your website homepage contains images and videos, you have enough amount of bandwidth you require. Dedicated server contributes to optimum customer experience. A dedicated server provides foothold on web without any upfront expenses. You have exclusive server and it is completely yours. Don’t overlook technical. Your organization IT team can handle your website.

• Dedicated server security – One of the most important benefit of dedicated server that you have complete access. Dedicated server is completely isolated from other servers. Dedicated server offers great security such as: -Malware and hacks – It offers host’s monitoring, strict access control and secure firewalls. This free you to concentrate on your business.

• Freedom to implement as per your needs - Dedicated server gives a freedom to manage security according to your needs. You can set high level of security. You can install your applications on the server. Such applications can include new layers of access control and security. With your own implemented security, you becomes more confident with dedicated server. You are completely sure about customer and business data because of isolation.

Conclusion: -

Dedicated server has many benefits in terms of disk space, security, allocating resources, etc. Connect with HTS Hosting, best hosting company in India providing Windows shared hosting, Linux dedicated hosting and other reliable hosting services.

Source: https://htshosting.org/blog/2021/04/benefits-of-dedicated-server/

Secure Hosting

Cyber-attacks are increasing day by day. Hosting providers are doing each and everything to provide secure hosting to their customers. On-going situation of covid-19 has changed lot of things. Hackers are taking advantage because many company’s employees are now working from home. And the companies or individuals who are planning to start their business are more concern about web security. In 2020, we can see lots of data breaches of many tech giants.

Now day’s hosting providers are working on security to decrease data breaches and malicious activities online. Business owners require secure hosting for their organizations. Secure hosting covers all major security aspects of your website. Though many hosting provider’s only provides SSL with their plans. But lot of approach need to followed.

Secure hosting is a process of providing fully secured hosting service. Security hosting includes server security, firewall, and anti-malware on web hosting control panels. HTS Hosting provides secure hosting plans. Secure hosting encrypts all transactions between web browser and server. Below factors you should consider while choosing hosting provider: -

Software Security – Every hardware requires software to run. Web hosting is completely managed by software’s. Servers also require OS operating system to operate properly. There are different type of OS that you can choose to increase the security of your website. Mostly, web hosting control panels run on Linux-based servers and Windows-based servers. Most users prefer to use Windows OS. As Windows is more highly commercialized and everyone knows how to operate with Windows. But in terms of security Linux is more capable in providing security and provides simplicity to use. You can choose any operating system according to your preference. Apart from operating system, keep in mind that every software has numerous level of vulnerability. Make sure to install regular updates. Many business organizations are now preferring CMS (content management system) because it is easy to manage. CMS offers highly powerful. CMS offers plugins to extend its functionality. Always update your plugins and CMS to new version. Keep your web applications updated. Use the latest version of scripts.

DDOS (Distributed Denial of Service) – DDOS attack sends multiple requests to the target URL. DDOS bring down websites with large number of request. When server faces high memory consumption, service is interrupted. To mitigate DDOS attacks maintain network architecture. None of the website is safe from DDOS. Create a strong responsive plan to stop DDOS attack.

Malware Scanning – Hackers tries to find vulnerabilities and install malware into the system. Malware installation can make your data stolen or even all your data wipes out. Malware affection on servers can lead to loss of revenue in your business. Running daily malware scan on website reduce amount of isolation so that any infections on server will be removed.

Firewall – Data centers use ample amount of firewall to protect whole networks from hostile and malicious traffic. Hosting providers deploy large number of firewall to secure network. This helps them to control, monitor and safeguard from malicious traffic. Firewall cannot provide you full security but can give you security at certain levels. Firewalls are only dedicated to controlling and maintaining web traffic. In some cases, firewall breaches are generally caused by configuration errors.

Conclusion: -

Secure hosting is very important because business owners require high amount of security on their website. To mitigate such security measures follow above practices. For secure hosting services connect with HTS Hosting best hosting company in India provides windows dedicated hosting, Windows shared hosting and many other hosting plans.

Source: https://www.htshosting.org/knowledge-base/web-hosting/68/secure-hosting

VPS Security

Now day’s VPS (virtual private server) security seems to be very important. A concern that is discussed at very high scale by big companies and also by every individual with an online presence. Cyber threats are real and should not be taken lightly. In this article, we will address security measures that should be taken carefully to mitigate cyber threats: -

• Many network administrator uses SSH or secure shell to log in to their servers. SSH is used to manage servers. SSH can be used in brute-force attack. Brute-force attack is a process of submitting passwords and passphrases to guess password. It is always recommended to change default SSH port to customize. Use strong password policies, strong password policy consist of upper and lower-case characters, numbers and special characters.

• Update your software to latest version. Many administrators don’t update because they don’t want to wait. Using old version of software’s makes VPS more vulnerable. You can also automate this process depending on the OS you’re using. In Linux, cron job utility is used on VPS to run on specified time and date.

• Analyzing VPS logs helps you to stay in control. VPS logs shows what’s happening with your VPS. By analyzing VPS systems, you’ll know actual issues and problems. VPS logs helps to track monitor events, traffic levels, user activity and resource usage.

• Consider installing firewall. Firewall provides better security for your VPS. Firewall gives you intuitive interface for managing firewall policies. Configure firewall with following: -

• Filtering traffic that matched your defined pattern.

• Blocking/accessing for suspicious IP addresses.

• Closing unnecessary ports.

• Make a daily audits.

• Updating and preparing with new security challenges.

• Brute-force attacks happen because of weak passwords. Never keep easy passwords that are easy to guess. Password should be easy to remember, hard to guess. Attackers uses large dictionaries containing all the alphabets, numbers and special characters. There are many tools that are used in finding brute-force attacks. In cPanel, cPhulk is used to block logins after several failed login attempts. cPhulk also block failed logins in WHM, FTP and email-based ones.

• Control user access gives authorization to specific resources. Don’t give root access to every user. Tools like SELinux allows admin to control process initializations, file systems and network interfaces.

• Removing unwanted packages/ modules is another way to improve security of VPS. Every package has weakness and administrator should worry about the security of VPS. Install only required packages/ modules that you’re actually using. Avoid installing unnecessary packages/ modules and services, this can invite potential threats.

• Firewall main role is to deny unknown sources of suspicious traffic. Firewall act as first line of defense. But firewall is not fully secure. That’s why you need anti-malware solution for your VPS. Install anti-malware solution to block potential viruses for your VPS.

Conclusion: -

VPS security is very important and should be taken very serious. Following above security measures will help to stop cyber threats on VPS. Connect with HTS Hosting for secure VPS. We provide corporate web hosting, Linux dedicated hosting and other low-cost hosting services.

Source: https://www.htshosting.org/knowledge-base/vps-server/67/vps-security

Server Security

 Server security provides security to data held on the servers. Server security comprises of different methodologies and techniques to protect server and its data. Server security helps in preventing from intrusions, black hat hacking and other malicious activities. Server security measure are typically implemented in different layers. Insecure servers are at great business risk and can cause network security issues.

Layers are: -

• Base OS (operating system) – Focuses on security of critical component and services.

• Hosted websites and applications – Managing and regulating content and services hosted on server.

• Network security – It protects against online exploits, attacks and malware’s.

Securing server: -

Securing large and complex servers requires special skills. Any business organization should be aware of risk involvement and basic cyber security measures. Apart from setting up firewall, there are lot of other techniques and methods that should be consider for securing servers.

Good security practices helps to improve your business server and network security. If you are not following any security measures and practices then you should follow below points: -

• Keep them locked. Authorize only the required users.

• Monitor and restrict access to unused ports.

• Regularly check your server reports and always remember to analyze security logs.

• Maintain stable power supply.

• Asses their environment for risks.

Servers generally requires: -

• Regular backups and updates

• Reliable anti-malware solution

• Reliable support services

• Firewall

Server security checklist: -

• Log all server details – Always remember to log all transactions in server. Incoming and outgoing traffic logs help in detecting potential threats. Monitor access logs and follow up suspicious activity. Logs should be created for each and every activity such as – account logins, system configuration and changing permissions.

• Transcript server details – Identify and make not of important details related to server. Such as server ID (identification) number and MAC (media access control).

• Install updates – Regularly check for updates of all installed software’s and other applications that requires recent updates.

• Physical Security – Consider using security guards to prohibit unauthorized access. Restrict access to server room and ensure keys are kept securely.

• Uninstall unused software – Remove unused and unnecessary applications and software’s and operating system component. And disable unnecessary services.

• Observe hardware – Regularly lookout hardware maintenance and routinely check your server. Replace damaged components.

• Backup Procedures – Constantly backup all your data and routinely checks operating system as directed. Regularly test recovery images.

• System integrity – Employ multi-authentication methods such as two-factor authentication for all system logins. Remove account that are no longer used and necessary.

Maintain Server Security: -

Protect your business from evolving potential threats. Cybercriminals always try to find bugs and vulnerabilities. They normally target those servers that are using default configuration. There are many server security solutions that are available at good cost. You will find safe solutions offering security to the servers.

Conclusion: -

Now day’s server security is very essential and should be implemented in every organizations. Consider following above points to secure server. For better security connect with HTS Hosting, best hosting company in India provides best in class server security. We offer different plans such as – corporate web hosting, Linux Dedicated hosting and other hosting plans.

Source: https://www.htshosting.org/knowledge-base/website-security/66/server-security

DNS Zone

 What is DNS zone?

For all purposes, DNS (domain name system) is considered as internet’s contact book. This is how it’s metaphors. Domain’s DNS zone is like contact list in your mobile phone. You save mobile number with a name. Most times you promptly forget phone number. You will only search by name. Same goes with domain name. Here name is the domain name, subdomain and service. Phone number is the IP address. The concept is same you only have to remember website domain name.

DNS (domain name system) zone is a way to direct domain’s (website) visitors to correct webpage to correct web page under your registered domain. Let just start with NS (nameservers). If you know how to register domain name. You’ve interacted with nameservers. Nameservers are used to direct traffic from the internet to actual webpage.

Nameservers looks like a regular URL. Nameservers are basically domain name created via A record. You have to provide them at domain registrar level to route, your domain from the internet to your hosting server. That is where your actual Domain DNS zone take over.

DNS Records: -

DNS (domain name system) makes easy to excess websites. Without DNS system we have to remember to complex IP address. There four basic type of DNS entries: -

• A Record – A record points domain and subdomain directly to IP address. This will generally is the entry point of your website. In A record domain is translated from domain into IP address on the hosting server. You can also use A record to point web traffic to specific subdomains to different servers.

• CNAME Record – C stands for canonical and CNAME points domain and subdomain to another domain and subdomain. CNAME helps to points one name to another. For example –

If you want example.com and www.example.com points towards same domain.

You have to make entry for CNAME record www.example.com pointing towards example.com.

• MX (mail exchange) Record – Mail exchange is used to direct email. Mail server is responsible for accepting all emails on the behalf of domain name.

• TXT (text) Record – Text record is used to prove ownership of a domain name. This record is required for variety of reasons to prove third-party such as google analytics that you own particular domain. You create TXT entry, then third-party search engines verifies your DNS zone to prove ownership.

• NS (nameserver) Record – NS records indicates which DNS server is authentic for that domain. NS records tells internet that where are the domain’s IP address.

• SPF (sender policy framework) Record – Sender policy framework helps to prevent in email spoofing. These are essentially just another type of TXT entry.

Conclusion: -

Although to learn that how to manage DNS (domain name system) is by actually practicing it. Above shows the different type of DNS records that are used while registering domain name. Make sure to enter correct entries in DNS records. You should consult with your hosting provider before making any changes. Incorrect entries might cause your website unavailable. HTS Hosting best hosting company in India provides corporate web hosting, Windows shared hosting and other hosting plans. We offer 24*7 customer support while registering new domain and helps in entering DNS records.

Source: https://www.htshosting.org/knowledge-base/web-hosting/65/dns-zone

The Advantages and Limitations of Serverless Architecture

•  A serverless architecture provides a reliable and efficient solution to create as well as run services and applications in a way which eliminates the need for managing infrastructure. It is an event-based, design pattern for software, which does away with the requirement for provisioning, handling and scaling databases and servers. It enables businesses to run their applications through third-party services and eliminates the requirement with regard to investing money in buying and maintaining physical or virtual servers. There are numerous cloud providers that manage the complexities of coding, computing and server management along with allocating resources dynamically. In serverless architecture one’s applications run on such servers the management of which is carried out by third-parties. Hence, one doesn’t have to scale, provision or maintain servers for running one’s applications, storage systems and databases.

A Serverless architecture has two main models and these are BaaS (Backend as a Service) and FaaS (Function as a Service). Backend as a Service (BaaS) lets developers focus on tasks that are related to managing the frontend of applications and does away with the requirement of handling tasks that have to do with backend development, such as hosting, database management and cloud storage. It results in developers not having to write codes for tasks that are related to server-side, such as user authentication, encryption, database management etc.

Function as a Service (FaaS) refers to an event-driven model by which small code’s modules are executed. FaaS triggers certain functions in response to the execution of certain events in application modules.  Cost-efficiency, simplification of processes and dynamic scaling of resources is the result.

Serverless aims at reducing time as well as complexity and the cost that is involved in running a scalable and reliable server.

When should Serverless Architecture be used?

A serverless architecture caters to futuristic business goals in fast-paced work environment through automated resource allocation, improved scalability and response time. Moreover, it is a cost-effective solution as it reduces the operational overhead of a business that is using it. Serverless makes application development and workflow extremely efficient. It should be used when there is a requirement for automatic scaling with demand. It serves to reduce significantly server cost and does away with the need to take care of server maintenance. It should be used to ensure that the resources of developers are free for projects that are related to enhancing business value.

Additionally, serverless architecture can be used in one’s business in the following scenarios:

• For building real-time applications that have high-latency.

• For catering to unpredictable workloads that have to do with developmental requirements which change rapidly and for complex scalability requirements.

• For getting precise status of a device and for processing smart device applications with the aid of IoT (Internet of Things).

• For creating secure customer delivery dispatch systems and for aiding dynamic resizing capabilities.

• For dynamically resizing images/transcode video.

• For simplifying multimedia’s processing for different devices.

• For integrations that have to do with support service in order to meet the demands of modern software.

Advantages of Serverless Architecture

There are numerous benefits of serverless architecture, which result in its popularity and which render developing as well as deploying software trouble free. Its main advantages are mentioned below.

• Reduced time to market due to releases that are based on modules.

• Cost-effective pricing models.

• High-quality of software development.

• Enables developers to focus on writing codes along with optimizing application designs.

• Enables a business to gain a competitive edge as well as entrepreneurial innovation.

• Eliminates the need for managing infrastructure by a user.

• Does away with a business’ requirement to invest in internal infrastructure.

• This event-based architecture, wherein application modules are independent of each other, ensures that failures do not affect an entire application.

• Ensures faster deployment of apps and enhanced flexibility in releases.

• Deployment of code is facilitated within minutes through the command-line interface.

• Enables on-demand scaling of applications.

• Function as a Service architecture lets developers develop purposeful and independent functions.

• Eliminates worries with regard to infrastructure security, as the cloud provider is responsible for ensuring it.

Limitations of Serverless Architecture

There are certain limitations of serverless architecture. These are as follows:

• Workloads that are long-running can be costlier on serverless than on dedicated servers.

• There can be delays while processing a cold start request during the execution of functions.

• One will be dependent on one’s providers when it comes to debugging and monitoring tools.

• One will have very limited control over the architecture and availability of the platform.

• Developers can experience an increased level of complexity due to a large number of functions.

• There can be implementation problems, such as deployment, versioning etc. due to the presence of small-sized modules.

• There can be challenges in carrying out integration testing for a collection of deployed functions.

• A system’s customization and flexibility might be impacted due to the control exercised by cloud providers over the interaction among the various components.

To digress, cloud technology is utilized by web hosting companies in one of their web hosting services, called cloud hosting, which makes websites accessible over the Internet. The most reliable web hosting service providers are usually referred to as the “Top Cloud Hosting Company”, the “Best Website Hosting Company”, the “Best Windows Hosting Company” etc.

Conclusion

To recapitulate, serverless architectures involve application designs that rely on third-party Backend as a Service (BaaS) and/or have custom codes which are managed and run in ephemeral containers on a FaaS (Function as a Service) platform.

A serverless architecture reduces significantly the need for an always-on server component. It helps to achieve reduced operational cost and reduced time to market, along with many other benefits. Its major downside is an increase in reliance on vendor dependencies.

Source:https://www.htshosting.org/knowledge-base/dedicated-server/64/the-advantages-and-limitations-of-serverless-architecture

Web Application Firewall

 WAF (web application firewall) helps in protecting web applications by filtering suspicious and malicious HTTP traffic. WAF main role is to monitor and block malicious HTTP/S traffic. WAF works by adhering set of policies that helps to determine malicious traffic and secure traffic. WAF can be in any form such as – software, and appliance as-a-service. Many WAFs requires to update policies constantly to counter new vulnerabilities. WAF cover basic browser level attacks such as – cross-site scripting (XSS) and SQL injection. Web application firewall can be implemented in three different ways: -

• Network based firewall are hardware based. Network based firewall are installed locally. Minimizing latency but such firewall are expensive and they require storage and maintenance of physical component.

• Host-based firewall is fully integrated into application software. Host-based firewall is less expensive than network-based firewall. Only downside of host-based firewall it consumes local server resources, maintenance costs and implementation complexity.

• Cloud-based firewall offers affordable option. This firewall is easy to implement. Cloud-based firewall offers turnkey installation. Cloud-based firewall has minimal cost, as users have to pay monthly and yearly for security as a service. Cloud-based offers solution to protect potential threats without any additional work or cost. Downside of cloud-based firewall user’s handover responsibility to third-party.

Types of web application firewall: -

• Blacklist Web Application Firewall: -

The blacklist web application firewall works by protecting known attacks. Blacklist WAF works specifically on specific signatures. This prevents known attacks that could exploit known vulnerabilities and issues.

• Whitelist Web Application Firewall: -

Whitelist web application firewall uses signatures but also employs logical decision and permitting traffic. This firewall meets specific criteria; it means that requests allowed from precise URL. But whitelist requires maintenance every time. You will need to setup WAF core rules to match new applications behavior.

• Hybrid Web Application Firewall: -

Hybrid WAF uses blacklist WAF and whitelist WAF.

• Benefits of web application firewall: -

Web application firewall provides well-informed response to potential threats. WAF blocks suspicious and malicious web traffic. WAF also helps in zero-day threats, security vulnerabilities, cross-site scripting (XSS), SQL injections and other types of malicious attacks. Web application firewall is special designed to mitigate automation script attacks.

Web application firewall protection on OSI (open system interconnection): -

WAF protects OSI layer 7 – application level. It includes attacks against like cookie manipulation, SQL injection and URL attacks. They also target web applications protocols HTTP and HTTPS that are used connect with web browser and servers. For example – Attacker sends DDOS attack to flood target IP address to server layer. On 7 layer, web pages are delivered and generated in reply to HTTP requests. WAF mitigates server by acting as a reverse proxy to block malicious web traffic.

Conclusion: -

Thus, cyber-attacks are increasing day-by-day. To stop such attacks you should implement firewall in your systems and in your web servers. This will help to mitigate malicious activities on your systems. To stay in the online market you need fully-secured servers. Connect with HTS Hosting best hosting company in India provides corporate web hosting, Linux dedicated server hosting and other hosting plans.

Source:https://www.htshosting.org/knowledge-base/website-security/63/web-application-firewall