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Website Hosting- Security Concerns
By Angel T
Website security is important to all users, no matter the size of the site. A compromised site is valuable to a criminal who may be able to use it for any number of purposes. Automated scanning tools look for vulnerable websites, so it is not correct to assume that a small site will avoid attention. The good news is that these attackers are looking for easy targets, users who have paid minimal or no attention to their website’s security. With awareness of the most important issues and a proper amount of care, most potential problems can be avoided.
Shared servers vs. dedicated servers and virtual machines
The most inexpensive web hosting option is on a “shared server”. This means that the client does not get their own dedicated server, but that they share server space with other clients. Any of these clients can upload malicious code or sites to the server, either through malicious intent or because their own site has been compromised. All other customers who use that server are then put at risk. A more secure option is the “virtual machine” server. This is a “machine inside the machine” that emulates an entire operating system, and for software purposes, each client is on their own independent server. They are still physically on the same machine, but are isolated from each other in software, and the problems of one do not affect the others. These are offered at rates as low as $50 per month, and servers dedicated to a single client are available at around the $100/month range. A business or individual who hosts their own web server onsite will obviously avoid any potential shared service problems, but are subject to even worse problems unless they are highly competent in security matters and are meticulous about applying updates.
Windows vs. Linux servers
Linux has gained a strong reputation as a stable and secure operating system, and it is tempting to assume that the use of a Linux host will guarantee a secure website. The version of Windows that runs on a server is different than the one that operates on a home computer, however, and when properly administered is also a viable option. A choice between the two may come down to which the user is more comfortable with, and what services are intended to be run on the site. The riskiest applications are likely to be services run on the server, such as PHP and SQL, and not the server itself.
SQL injection
The most important website security risk is an attack against a SQL database. This occurs when an attacker sends a deliberately incorrect SQL query in an attempt to break the database. Often, this can allow an attacker complete control over the target machine. It is important with SQL, as with all other services, that security features are properly used, and that updates are applied in a timely manner. Attacks are frequently made against software versions that are long out-of-date.
Planning for security
Some websites are simple and have little or no sensitive data, and need only basic security measures. Increased amounts of user information and database storage require greater attention to security. Take time during website design to identify what the site’s potential threats and vulnerabilities might be, and plan with those in mind. Proper authentication and session management are crucial, but it is also important to validate all incoming and outgoing data to ensure that it is what it is claimed to be. When portions of the site are protected by access controls, make sure that they are always enforced, and that users are not able to enter through a browser history link.
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