Following the recommendations below will help you keep your server secure:

- Set your own strong administrator password right away. More information about passwords.
- The password must be not only strong but also unique, i.e. you must not use it as a password anywhere else!
- Change the password immediately if you suspect someone may have learned it, for example if you used it on a public network or shared it so that some work could be done on the server. It does not matter with whom: our technical support staff, a friend or an administrator you know.
- Keep the password in a secure place, and remember that it can be stolen from your own computer or your mailbox!
- Do not give anyone access to the server without a good reason. Even if you change the password afterwards, there is no guarantee that a backdoor has not already been installed on the system.
- Regularly check for new accounts with administrator rights. A new account (other than administrator) most likely means your server has been hacked.
- Do not use the server for web surfing or visiting any websites you are not familiar with! In 90% of cases, infection happens through the web browser!
- If you really have to use a web browser, be sure to install an antivirus with real-time monitoring on the server and update it regularly.
- Install security-related system updates in a timely manner.
- Install only the software you really need on the server, and avoid installing questionable software, especially network software.
- Scan all files you upload to the server with an antivirus (before uploading them), even if the server has an antivirus installed. Never, under any circumstances, run any cracks or keygens on the server!
- If possible, use the firewall to restrict access to RDP / radmin to your own IP addresses only. This will protect your server from intrusion if your password is stolen.
- Regularly back up the data that matters to you. Keep the backups on your local computer.
- Make the effort to monitor the amount of traffic used by the server. If it differs a lot from the usual, that is a reason to take a closer look.
- Check the system log for suspicious connections to the server, and enable advanced auditing if needed.
- Pay attention to overall performance. If the server has become very slow (especially combined with increased traffic usage), or unknown errors and warnings appear, it is a good reason to check the server.
- Remember that in the event of a serious compromise, unless you are an expert in these matters or use the services of one, the only guarantee of a 100% clean server  (and the fastest solution) is a complete reinstallation of the operating system.

If necessary, you can ask our specialists for help. Please keep in mind that all consultations on security, auditing and protection setup, like any other administration questions, are provided on a paid basis only.