10. What security configurations and tools do I need?

Use Strong Passwords & Multi-Factor Authentication

• Strong Passwords: Ensure all accounts, especially root or admin accounts, use strong passwords. A strong password should include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters, and be at least 12 characters long.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enable MFA for sensitive operations wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of security, making it difficult for unauthorized users to access the system even if the password is compromised.

Install & Configure Firewalls

Regularly Update Operating System & Applications

• Automatic Updates: Keep the operating system and all installed applications up to date.
• Patch Management: Installing security patches is crucial to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.
• Security Audit Tools: Regularly conduct security audits with tools like Lynis or ClamAV to find and fix potential security issues.

Use Intrusion Detection Systems & Intrusion Prevention Systems

• Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Such as Snort, can monitor network traffic and alert potential threats based on known attack patterns.
• Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS): Such as Fail2Ban, can automatically respond to attacks detected by IDS, for example, by blocking traffic from the attacking source IP.

Implement Strict Access Control

• Principle of Least Privilege: Provide users and applications only the permissions necessary to perform their tasks. Unnecessary administrative privileges should be restricted.
• Use SSH Keys: For remote access, use key-based authentication instead of traditional passwords. SSH keys offer higher security than regular passwords.

Data Encryption

• Transmission Encryption: Use SSL/TLS to encrypt all data transmissions, ensuring that data cannot be intercepted or tampered with during transmission.
• Storage Encryption: Encrypt sensitive data stored on the VPS so that even if accessed illegally, it cannot be used directly.

Backup & Recovery Plan

• Regular Backups: Implement a stringent data backup plan, including regular backups of all critical data.
• Disaster Recovery: Prepare and test a disaster recovery plan to ensure quick restoration of operations in case of data loss or system failure.

Conclusion