Having your own virtual private server seems like a safe bet when it comes to creating a website. Sure, the provider ensures that no outsider personnel ever get to access the physical server and covers some online threats. Well, this is not the time to let your guard down, as you will not be completely safe from online threats if you do not take any action yourself. And to do that, you need to know what you are up against.
Malicious software – Malware
Malware is a type of software that is designed to harm your devices and software. Malware can come in many forms, for example, Trojans, adware, ransomware, spyware, viruses, and so on. It is important to note that most of the malware, 92% is delivered via e-mail. On the brighter side, the development rate for Windows-focused malware has decreased since 2015. Now, let’s talk a bit more in-depth about the most common types of this malicious software.
Ransomware, once it infects your system, encrypts all the data you have. The attacker then demands a ransom to give you access to your data, and if not paid, it will remain locked for you. If you have a big and booming business, chances are, you will agree on the payment which can reach sums between 20,000$ and 50,000$.
Next up is more personal attacks that hackers carry out. Hackers can use social engineering to play into your natural selections as a victim and make you divulge secret information. Lastly, there is phishing. If you have not heard the term, you still probably at one point in your life received an email from a Nigerian prince asking for assistance. Phishing is an attempt to trick you into providing your security details while posing as an authority figure or someone else trustworthy. Therefore, you should never provide any of your login credentials or credit card numbers, especially online.
How to protect your data?
First thing is to be smart about providing information, keep your passwords somewhere safe and set up two-factor authentication where possible. Remember to make the passwords complex by using upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols as it drastically decreases the possibility of your account being brute-forced by hackers. Also never open any suspicious links in email, even if it came from a friend, as their account could have been breached and then used to further the spread of malware. Beware not only of links but attached files, for they may also carry threats. Lastly, be wary of attacks from your access points. Keep your online connection secure by setting a password for your Wi-Fi and always have a firewall as well as an antivirus program installed.
Just follow these simple instructions and your VPS server will stay safe. Knowledge is power.
