Securing Your Windows Server 2022 VPS: A Comprehensive Guide

windows 2022 security
windows 2022 security

Windows Server 2022 is a robust operating system designed to power the most demanding enterprise applications, databases, and web servers. However, like all systems exposed to the internet, it’s a potential target for malicious actors. This guide will walk you through essential steps to ensure your Windows Server 2022 VPS or server remains secure, giving you peace of mind for your data and applications.

1. Update Windows Server Regularly

Keeping your server updated with the latest patches is crucial for security. Microsoft frequently releases updates to address vulnerabilities and bugs.

  • Open the Windows Update Settings:
  • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
  • Click Check for updates and install any available updates.

Tip: Consider enabling automatic updates to ensure your server stays current without manual intervention.

2. Secure Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)

RDP is commonly targeted by attackers, so taking measures to protect it is essential.

  • Change the Default RDP Port: By default, RDP uses port 3389, making it a popular target.
  • Open Regedit and navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\WinStations\RDP-Tcp\PortNumber.
  • Change the port value to an alternative unused port number.
  • Limit RDP Access:
  • Use a firewall to allow RDP connections only from trusted IP addresses.
  • Consider using a VPN for RDP access, providing an additional layer of security.

3. Create Strong Password Policies

Using complex passwords and requiring periodic changes helps mitigate brute-force attacks.

  • Go to Group Policy Management: gpedit.msc.
  • Navigate to Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Account Policies > Password Policy.
  • Configure settings such as minimum password length, complexity requirements, and password expiration.

4. Enable Windows Firewall

The built-in Windows Firewall is a powerful tool for filtering incoming and outgoing traffic.

  • Open Windows Defender Firewall and click on Advanced Settings.
  • Create inbound and outbound rules that allow only the necessary ports and applications.
  • Block any unnecessary connections that may pose a risk.

5. Configure User Account Control (UAC) and Least Privilege Access

UAC prompts users to confirm changes that require administrative privileges, limiting unauthorized system changes.

  • Go to Settings > Control Panel > User Accounts > Change User Account Control settings.
  • Ensure UAC is enabled.

For access control, create limited accounts for day-to-day tasks and use administrative accounts sparingly.

6. Install and Configure Antivirus Software

Protect your server from malware by installing a reputable antivirus solution. Microsoft Defender Antivirus, which is included in Windows Server 2022, is a good starting point.

  • Enable Real-time Protection: Regularly scan your system for threats.
  • Schedule Regular Scans: Configure the antivirus to automatically scan at regular intervals.

7. Regularly Backup Data

Having a solid backup strategy ensures your data remains safe in case of a security breach.

  • Configure Windows Server Backup:
  • Go to Server Manager > Add Roles and Features > Windows Server Backup.
  • Schedule regular backups, storing them offsite for additional security.

8. Disable Unnecessary Services and Features

Minimize your attack surface by disabling services you don’t need.

  • Open Server Manager, click on Manage, and select Remove Roles and Features.
  • Carefully review and deselect roles or features not required for your server’s operation.

9. Enable Network Level Authentication (NLA) for RDP

NLA adds an additional layer of security by requiring users to authenticate before a session is established.

  • Open System Properties > Remote Settings.
  • Under Remote Desktop, select Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication (recommended).

10. Audit Security and Event Logs

Regularly review security logs to identify and respond to suspicious activity.

  • Go to Event Viewer > Windows Logs > Security.
  • Review logs for login attempts, access violations, or other suspicious activity.

Conclusion

Securing your Windows Server 2022 VPS or server requires a multi-layered approach. By following these best practices, you can greatly reduce your risk of cyberattacks, keep your data safe, and ensure that your server performs optimally. At Hosteons, we prioritize security and are here to support you every step of the way.

Stay safe and secure!

Security Advisory and Patch from WHMCS For 7.3, 7.4 and 7.5

Make sure all providers and resellers using WHMCS have patched your WHMCS installed due to below security advisory for WHMCS:

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WHMCS Security Patch Released for 7.3, 7.4 and 7.5
https://blog.whmcs.com/133497/security-patch-released-for-73-74-and-75
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Four potential security issues have been identified in WHMCS 7.5 and earlier.
It is recommended that you apply this patch as soon as possible.

The issues resolved include:
– Project permissions within the Project Management addon
– Potential XSS on admin homepage
– Improper client password reset logic
– Improper admin access to remote servers via WHMCS Connect

You can apply this patch using the Automatic Updater.
The Auto-Updater allows you to apply the patch to your current version,
or update to the latest available version (7.5.2) of WHMCS.
Learn more at https://docs.whmcs.com/Automatic_Updater#Configuring_Your_Update_Settings

Alternatively, you can download the patch for your version at
https://download.whmcs.com/#patch

To install the patch:

1) Download the appropriate files for your version of WHMCS
2) Upload all files found within the zip file to the root WHMCS directory
overwriting any existing files

If you are using WHMCS 7.2 or earlier, you should upgrade to WHMCS 7.5.2.

Respective Release Notes:
7.3: https://docs.whmcs.com/Version_7.3.1_Release_Notes
7.4: https://docs.whmcs.com/Version_7.4.3_Release_Notes
7.5: https://docs.whmcs.com/Version_7.5.2_Release_Notes

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If you are a hosteons.com client and need help just submit a ticket from our website we will help you with it

Credit Card data security at hosteons.com

PCI Compliance

We don’t store any credit card or debit card details in our billing system, we are using stripe as our payment processor.

Once the client makes payment on our website, the card details are sent to Stripe over SSL and in return Stripe’s secure servers send our billing system a token which is stored in our billing system, we just store this token and never store any card details in our system (we do store last 4 digits of credit card) so that client can identify which card is being used to make payments.

Whenever an invoice is due and if you paid with credit card earlier, we just use this token to charge your card again.

Since we don’t store credit card details in our system we don’t need PCI Compliance and you can use your credit card/debit card without worrying about any security breaches or misuse of your credit card.

for any further queries feel free to submit a ticket in client portal at https://my.hosteons.com