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Virtual Private Server Security: What Do I Need It For?

2014-04-07by Cristina Beltran

So you’re setting up an online business. You’ve set up your workplace, complete with your top-of-the-line computers, powered by the best broadband deals you can find. You’re ready to kick ass and your social media team is working hard to get you off the ground, and your name out there. All your processes and your tools and applications are working smoothly. Or so you think.

Your lead IT personnel comes up to you one day and tells you that your servers aren’t very secure and with the limited resources that you currently have, recommends that you should probably invest in a VPS—a virtual private server.

What is a Virtual Private Server?
A virtual private server is essentially a computer that ‘serves’ many things to an end user, such as centralized file-sharing or host web pages. VPS is set up in a virtual space that runs on its own resources. Virtual servers are all hosted or located in one physical server, and a physical server can have more than one virtual private server. In simpler terms, think of it as a furnished and functional unit in an apartment building: separate and independent from each other, can function without having to interact with each other, but are all housed in one place.

Is VPS more secure than a shared server?
The short answer is yes. A shared server is more vulnerable and susceptible to a DDoS attack. Data stored on a shared server can also be compromised if one location on the shared server has been hacked into. This means that any data on your shared server can be accessed by anyone when it gets compromised. This is very dangerous, especially if you store sensitive data on your servers, such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, and the like. That’s why having a VPS should be your top priority if you run an e-commerce site.

To differentiate, when you place your applications on a shared server, you’d normally have part of it “world-writeable”—meaning, a part of all your tools, applications, and even your database, can be written on by other users who have access to that same server. This leaves your data vulnerable to hacking, which could lead to identity theft and fraud. If you’re running an online business, this is one thing that you would definitely don’t want.

With virtual private servers, you can be sure that your data is more secure. A VPS that operates on an independent operating system acts as an additional protection against hackers and other cybercriminals.

VPS System Maintenance

Of course, this security is only as good as you let it to be. For your VPS to be consistently secure, you’ve to make sure that all your software and firmware are up to date. Aside from the regular maintenance of your systems, you also need to regularly scan for scripts that run on your VPS that could possibly harm your system, kind of like a routine virus scanner.  

In short, before you launch your online business, make sure that everything on your end works well, and securely. Don’t just jump in impulsively. If you have to work under a budget, don’t skimp on vital assets such as a secure network and a secure server. Just like in choosing your computer hardware or when you make a broadband comparison to get the best deal, you must also look for a VPS provider that will cater to your security needs. Look for a provider offers 24/7 customer support, so that setting up and maintenance of your VPS system will be a breeze.

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Cristina Beltran

Well known author covering wide range of topics

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