7 Ways to Manage Host Security

Host and server and network security should be among a network’s top priorities. Furthermore, the most dangerous element in an organization is the end-users, as they will directly interact with the company’s resources and network. Cybersecurity professionals must secure their networks and resources against threats from end-users, removable media, and peripherals.

One of the best ways to ensure this level of security is to become a trained and certified network defender with the knowledge and skills to protect the organization from the threats that plague networks.

What is host security?

With an advance in technology comes the advance In the way organizations work. With the advancement in technology, the number of devices connecting to the network is also increasing, and organizations needs to implement security policies, especially when these are not corporate devices. From handheld devices like phones and tablets to the new work-from-home environment, more and more devices (hosts) are being added to a network. It is of utmost importance that these devices be protected at all times, both software and hardware. This is where host security comes ins.

How do you manage devices and host security?

Two general areas that must be covered when dealing with network security devices are:

• Using protocols and software for protecting data. This method involves software to help an organization protect internal network components like personal host-based firewalls and antivirus software.
• Addressing the physical components like network components, hardware, and physical security designs for securing the device.

How do you ensure security on a server?

Host security is an important part of server management for server administrators and web hosting providers. Some of the network security techniques that you can use are stated below.

1. Public Key Authentication for SSH

Organizations that want to secure their network needs to avoid using unencrypted access and opt for SSH, https, and SFTP. The organization should use SSH keys instead of password authentication on SSH for better security. With this network security method, there will be no risk of a successful brute-force attack on a weak password.

2. Strong Passwords

A secured server is usually a challenge for criminals. However, many administrators often leave their servers unsecured using easily guessed passwords. This is why. Therefore, it is best to use long and random passwords for restrict users with login type access.

3. Firewalls

A host-based firewall is a software or hardware device that helps to control how a service is exposed to a network and the types of traffic that can enter or go out of a given server. Organizations need a properly configured firewall for better host security to ensure that only publicly available services can be reached outside your servers.

4. Malware Scanning Software

You need a network defense mechanism to keep malicious individuals from your server. Although some malicious individuals will manage to breach your server’s security, you will want to know about this as soon as possible. You will find lots of malware-scanning software you can install on your server.

5. Keep Software Up-To-Date

Generally, out-of-date software may likely comprise of security weaknesses that hackers can use to breach your server. This is why, therefore, organizations need to ensure that they use updated software.

6. Regular Backup

Although this may not be considered a security measure, the major reason for securing a server is to keep the data stored. Since it is impossible to guarantee that a server will not be breached, organizations must back up and encrypt their data in an offsite location. Organizations can then regularly test recovery from backups for neutralizing ransomware attacks.

7. Monitor Logs

One of the essential security tools is the log. A server gathers information about what it does and who connects to it. Furthermore, the patterns in the data collected can then show malicious behavior or security compromises. You can use several apps to monitor your server’s logs.

Some other tips you can use to manage your server and network security are turning off unnecessary services, isolating the execution environment through file auditing and intrusion detection system, etc.

Become a Certified Network Defender

EC-Council’s Certified Network Defender (CND) is a lab-intensive and hands-on network security training that focuses on creating network administrators that can protect, detect, and respond to any threats on the network system. This training program will teach you various techniques to ensure host security. Learn more on the program page.

FAQs

How can we protect data security?

There are lots of ways that you can improve and protect data security. Some of them are beefing up password requirements, setting up two-factor authentication, encrypting data on the device, encrypting cloud data, securing your login information, limiting admin access, locking up your hard copy files, backup and update your data, etc.

What is network security?

Network security is a broad term that covers a multitude of technologies, devices, and processes. In its simplest term, it is a set of rules and configurations designed to protect the integrity, confidentiality, and accessibility of computer networks and data.