Server downtime is one of the biggest challenges for organizations. According to a 2022 report, 40% servers experienced outages globally in the last one year. When it comes to maintaining Windows server, many organizations invest in an in-house team, however, it is advisable to partner with a web hosting company, such as i2k2 Networks, that provides dedicated Windows server hosting. Continue reading as we present five practices to improve the efficiency of your managed Windows server.
Restrict Remote Access
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), developed by Microsoft, is a great feature that allows admins to access the server remotely to diagnose and fix issues. While RDP has undergone several security upgrades, unauthorized users can still access the server, if it is left unchecked. Organizations can restrict the RDP through various ways such as:
- Configuring the use of certificate-based authentication system (CBA system)
- Configuring firewall rules to only allow authorized people to access the server remotely
- Leveraging “VPN tunneling” which helps to secure the communication among the network resources
Patch Management
Patch management is one of the vital practices that help keep the server working efficiently. It helps in eliminating bugs and fixing loopholes in security wireframe. It goes without saying that when operating in an integrated environment, where several Microsoft products are linked together, it is vital to update the security patch or update the managed Windows server operating system to a minimum version to keep all the services running.
Audit Log-In Policy
Servers shouldn’t be accessible for “in-person logins” no matter the access level of the user. Organizations are advised to conduct periodic audits to review who, when, and how many times logged in to the server, which will help them to minimize the risk of data loss/breach. Following are some vital tips to help organizations optimize their log-in policy:
- Scan servers and conduct audits to identify corrupt files
- Save mirror logging data in a separate server
- Maintain server monitoring regularly to check for unauthorized log-ins
Disaster Recovery Protection
Creating backups is among the most vital tasks in any IT architecture. Disaster recovery protection (DRP) is an essential process for any organization, allowing it to anticipate and prepare for ways to regain access and functionality to its IT infrastructure. This can take place due to several reasons, such as cyberattacks and natural disasters. To be on the safe side in the event of server downtime, it is advisable to create at-least two off-site data backups.
Firewall Configuration
Firewall configuration is a vital security practice to strengthen the firewall security. It involves configuring IP addresses and domain names, which ultimately helps in preventing cyberattacks. Limiting RDP is another simple yet helpful practice that prevents unauthorized users to establish a connection to the server using a port.
Final Word
When looking for dedicated server windows hosting services, look no further than i2k2 Networks. We leverage the latest technologies, rich expertise, and an unmatched customer support system to provide cost-effective, performance-oriented, and secure Windows dedicated server hosting. To discuss your requirements, call +91-120-466-3031 or +91-97-1177-4040. Alternatively, you can fill out our contact form, and we will respond at the earliest.