Top Actions to Secure Your Anonymous VPS After Launch

Once you have set up your anonymous VPS, you may wonder how you can ensure that it operates efficiently and is secure before commencing any hosting or development activities. In response to this concern, we have compiled a list of essential measures that you should take after launching your VPS.

By following our recommended guidelines, you can safeguard your VPS against potential security breaches and ensure that it operates smoothly. These measures are crucial whether you intend to host a website, game server, or develop an application.

Our post-launch checklist serves as a comprehensive guide to the essential tasks that must be performed to guarantee optimal functionality and security of your anonymous VPS.

Keep Your Server Up-to-Date

In order to ensure that any previously fixed bugs and security issues do not hinder your intended tasks, updating your server and packages should be your first priority. This is a critical step in maintaining your server's peak performance and security.

To update an Ubuntu server, you may utilize the following commands:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

For a CentOS 7 server, the commands are:
sudo yum check-update
sudo yum update

If you're using a Windows server, you may perform an update through the Settings > Windows Update interface. Regular server and package updates help to prevent potential issues that may arise from outdated software, ensuring that your server remains at peak performance and security.

Secure Your Server with Fail2Ban

Protecting your VPS server from brute-force attacks is crucial, as it will be targeted by bots scouring IP addresses to crack passwords around the clock, regardless of its intended use. These malicious bots have no regard for the server's importance, only its vulnerability to attack.

To defend against these attacks, Fail2Ban is an essential tool that blocks malicious IP addresses and limits repeated password attempts, dramatically reducing the chances of a successful brute-force attack. By implementing Fail2Ban, you can help secure your VPS server and safeguard against unauthorized access attempts.

The Importance of Changing Your RDP/SSH

As mentioned earlier, the default RDP and SSH ports are often the main targets of automated attacks. To reduce the number of attempts made by attackers and lessen the server load, changing the ports is recommended. This can lower the probability of a successful attack significantly.

The default port for RDP is 3389 and SSH uses port 22 by default.

When changing your RDP/SSH port, it's essential to choose a port number that's not commonly used. This will make it harder for attackers to discover your new port and increase the overall security of your server.

One way to choose a new port is to select a random number between 1024 and 65535 that's not already in use by another service on your server. Another option is to use a non-standard port that's not commonly used for RDP or SSH, such as 2222 or 54321.

Utilize a Non-Root User Account

If you've recently launched your anonymous VPS, chances are you're logging into your root account on Linux or your Admin account on Windows. However, it's strongly recommended that you create a non-root account immediately to run your applications or host your services. This is because running applications as a root user grants them elevated privileges, and if an attacker exploits a vulnerability in an application, they could gain access to your entire system.

Furthermore, if an application has a bug, it could lead to the deletion of your system files, or you might accidentally enter a wrong command that could break your server. To prevent such issues, it's best to reserve root access only for tasks that require it.

Keep your VPS secure with server monitoring tools

As a server administrator, it's crucial to have server monitoring tools available from the outset to ensure the server is functioning optimally. Early monitoring of the server's performance, including its load, disk statistics, and network performance, can help detect any irregularities as they occur. The utilization of several efficient command-line monitoring tools such as iostat, htop, and netstat can be quite helpful in this regard. These tools allow you to identify performance bottlenecks, diagnose potential issues, and prevent system failures.

In addition to these tools, it's also beneficial to set up alerts to notify you of any sudden spikes in usage or unexpected changes in system behavior. This can be achieved using various server monitoring software such as Nagios, Zabbix, and PRTG. By setting up these alerts, you can quickly respond to any potential issues before they become critical.

Moreover, server monitoring is not a one-time task but an ongoing process that requires regular checks and maintenance. Regular monitoring can help you identify trends, identify areas for optimization, and plan for future growth. Keeping a watchful eye on your server's performance can help prevent costly downtime and ensure that your server is running at peak efficiency.

Setting Up Domain Mapping for Your Server

If you're planning on using your VPS server for hosting, it's important to understand the significance of connecting it to a domain name. A domain name will make it easier for users to access your service by typing in a URL instead of an IP address. In addition, using a domain name can make your website more memorable and professional.

One way to connect your domain to your VPS server is to set up an A record in your registrar's control panel. This will allow you to point your domain to the IP address of your server, ensuring that anyone who types in your domain name will be directed to your website. Another option is to direct your domain's nameservers to Crypadvise, a hosting provider that can help manage your domain and add an A record to the IP address in the Crypadvise control panel.

Once you've established a connection between your domain and the VPS server, you'll be able to fully utilize the power of your VPS for hosting your website or online service. You'll also have greater control over your domain and website, enabling you to make changes and updates as needed. Overall, linking your domain to your VPS server is an important step in building and maintaining your online presence.