The Columbia university Information & Technology department has recommended to practices the following rules that can be used to create and maintain a network-attached server that will provide both a functional environment and security for its data. Since there is less possibilities to have both a fully secured environment and useful network connectivity, there will always be a balance between security and functionality.
* Don’t put everything on one server.
* Keep servers physically secure. ( Servers should never be used by anyone as a desktop machine)
* Check the security of all applications on the server.
* Get on mailing lists and keep up to date.
* Turn off unneeded services.
* Use anti-virus and firewall software.
* Keep logs, and keep them safe.
* Keep track of what’s running.
* Use hardening tools to limit security holes.
* Do not allow insecure or unencrypted remote access.
* Update update update.
* Make a recovery image and do Backups.
* Be prepared in case the worst happens.
For more information you can refer their site at http://www.columbia.edu
- Server setup/ Initial Hardening
- Regular maintenance
- Set measures to safeguard your Servers from disasters.
- Software installation and configuration
- Software/OS updates
- Security audits
- System optimization
- Recover your Systems Management Server sites.
- Emergency resolution
- Unlimited admin hours
- 24×7 monitoring
- Live Chat, MSN, AIM, Toll Free availability
Filed under: Server Management
