How To Protect Your Dedicated Server From Brute Force Attacks?

Running a website requires reliable domain and hosting services. However, even the most robust dedicated servers can fall victim to cyber attacks. 

Brute force attacks remain one of the biggest threats to server security, accounting for a significant portion of data breaches. 

Hackers use these techniques to try over and over again different username and password combinations to get into your Singapore dedicated server without your permission. 

Let’s understand what these cyber attacks are and how to prevent them.

Dedicated Server Security: Understanding Brute Force Attacks

Think of a brute force attack like someone trying every possible combination on a bike lock until they find the right one. Hackers use automated tools that can attempt thousands of password combinations per second to break into your dedicated server. They can steal your data, put malware on your machine, or even shut it down once they get in.

Dedicated Server Security: Signs Your Server is Under Attack

Protected dedicated server administrators should watch for these warning signs of a brute force attack:

• Multiple failed login attempts.
• Unusual patterns in login failures, especially during odd hours.
• Sudden spikes in server resource usage.
• Strange login attempts using common usernames like “admin” or “root.”

Dedicated Server Security: Essential Protection Strategies

Implement Account Lockouts

Your dedicated server security should include an automatic lockout system that temporarily blocks access after several failed login attempts. 

While legitimate users might occasionally mistype their passwords, limiting attempts to 10 or fewer helps prevent automated attacks. 

For additional protection, consider using progressive delays that increase the lockout duration with each failure.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Adding 2FA creates an extra security layer for your protected dedicated server. Even if attackers guess the correct password, they still need a second verification method, typically a code sent to a mobile device. This simple addition makes your server significantly harder to breach.

Use Strong Password Policies

Enforce password requirements that make brute force attacks more difficult. Require passwords to include:

• At least 12 characters
• A mix of uppercase and lowercase letters
• Numbers and special symbols
• No common words or phrases

Monitor Server Logs

Regular monitoring helps identify DDoS protected dedicated server breaches before they cause serious damage. Use log management tools to track login attempts and set up alerts for suspicious activities. These tools can provide daily reports and help you spot potential security issues early.

Change Default Settings

Modify your server’s default settings to make it harder for attackers to target common access points:

• Change the default SSH port
• Disable root login access via SSH
• Limit login attempts to specific IP addresses when possible

Use Firewall Protection

Set up a firewall to block suspicious IP addresses and limit access to your server. Many dedicated server security solutions include built-in firewall tools that can automatically detect and block potential threats.

Dedicated Server Security: Advanced Protection Methods

• Regular Security Updates

Keep your server’s operating system and security tools up to date. A lot of the time, these updates come with fixes for newly found security holes that hackers could try to use.

• Intrusion Detection Systems

Install security software that actively monitors your server for suspicious activities. These systems can alert you to potential attacks and often take automatic actions to protect your server.

• IP Whitelisting

For admin access, consider allowing connections only from specific IP addresses. While this might not be practical for public-facing services, it can significantly improve security for administrative functions.

Conclusion

Protecting your dedicated server from brute force attacks requires a multi-layered approach. By implementing these security measures, you create multiple barriers that make it increasingly difficult for attackers to gain unauthorised access. 

Remember that server security is not a one-time setup but requires ongoing monitoring and updates to stay effective against evolving threats.