How to Protect your Server from Brute Force Attack?

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Server security is always essential, especially regarding websites or online businesses that rely on online information. But even the best-protected servers can be compromised by brute force attacks. In this article, we’ll look at how to protect your server from brute force attacks and give you some pointers to avoid them in the first place.

AccuWeb Dedicated Server provides multiple antivirus software to protect your server from brute force attacks. In addition, we install Antivirus at no additional cost, and the default Microsoft Windows Firewall will also be pre-installed.

We can install Antivirus and CSF for Linux Dedicated Server without extra cost.

What is a Brute Force Attack?

A brute force attack utilizes trial-and-error to guess login information, encryption keys, or find a hidden web page. Hackers work through all possible assortment expecting to guess correctly. These attacks are made by ‘brute force,’ i.e., they use excessive attempts to force their way into your private account(s). 

It is an old attack method, but it’s still effective and popular with hackers because, depending on the length and complexity of the password, it can take a few seconds anywhere.

What is a Server Brute Force Attack?

Server brute force attack is a form of hacking in which hackers attempt to gain access to a system by trying many different passwords or login combinations.

Server brute force attacks can also occur when an attacker tries to guess the login credentials for accounts that do not need a password, such as administrators or root accounts.

Password guessing techniques used in server brute force attacks include dictionary attacks and username enumeration.

How to Determine Brute Force Attacks?

You may be right if you think someone is trying to break into your server or steal your data. But there’s probably a much simpler explanation. Several most common attacks are brute force attacks. 

A brute force attack is easy to recognize and investigate; you can detect them using your Apache access logs or Linux log files. The attack will leave a series of unsuccessful login tries, as seen below:

How Does a Server Brute Force Attack Work?

A brute force attack is when a hacker repeatedly attempts to enter user credentials or passwords on a login page or other authentication mechanism. Repeated login attempts can exhaust the server’s resources, leading to a Denial of Service (DDoS) issue.

What Can You Do to Protect Server from Brute Force Attack?

Server brute force attacks are a common attack vector that cybercriminals use to gain access to systems and data. Unfortunately, as server security increases, so does the prevalence of brute-force attacks. 

Some Effective Strategies Against Server Brute Force Attacks Include –

• Microsoft Windows Firewall

Our Windows Dedicated Server provides a pre-installed Microsoft Windows Firewall. It is a powerful security tool that can help protect your server from malware and other online threats. It prevents unauthorized access to your server, protects the data from being stolen, and keeps spyware and other malicious software from being installed on your computer.

• CSF Firewall

Dedicated Server Linux comes with a free Config Server Firewall (CSF). This firewall software is installed on your server for its protection as it prevents the exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications. In addition, the CSF blocks malicious scripts injected into web pages by other users.

• Use Strong Passwords 

The first step in protecting yourself against a server brute force attack is creating strong passwords that must be at least 8 characters long and include a combination of at least one upper- and lower-case letter, number, and symbol.

• Strengthen Your Login Process 

To increase the security of your login process, use two-factor authentication or make it mandatory for users to enter a verification code after logging in.

• Monitor User Activity 

Keep an eye on user activity to identify suspicious behavior. For example, if you notice an increased number of logins or attempted logins from unknown users, take action to protect your system.

• Two-Factor Authentication

It is a security feature that uses two pieces of information to unlock a user’s account. If the first piece of information is incorrect, the user won’t be able to access their account.

•  Use Captcha

Captcha is a security question used to verify a user’s identity. It’s usually a series of pictures or letters a user must answer to access a website or submit a form.

Conclusion

In today’s era, online businesses and websites, big or small, are constantly under attack by hackers looking to gain access to confidential data or rob the company of its precious resources. So, as an antidote to such hostility, AccuWeb Hosting’s Dedicated Server provides Microsoft Windows Firewall, and CSF to protect your server from brute force attacks. Employing all these listed solutions allow you to monitor and restrict access to your server using rules and filters, thus protecting your vital data.