, 25 February 2021

These are the features that ensure your server is secure and easy to manage

When it comes to choosing a server, security should be a top priority. As servers are usually utilized within enterprise environments, it’s important to keep the data of your business and clients secure. In this article, we’ll discover which is the best server for security.

What is a server?

A server is used to respond to requests made in a network. The device that has made the request is referred to as the ‘client,’ and servers are rarely turned off, as they are constantly dealing with these client requests. 

Servers can come in the form of either hardware or software – if a business is using a physical server, they will store it in the office space, while software-based servers are located in the cloud. Cloud servers will still take a physical form, but these are in data centers and are managed by a third party.

Servers have become a crucial element of modern business environments. Whether you set up your business server on premises or are connected to the cloud, utilizing a server can enable you to store your data, back up your network in case of emergency, and engage in collaborative working. Ultimately, servers can help businesses become more secure, efficient, and productive – saving time and money over the long run.

Why choose a Windows server?

Servers run on operating systems, just like desktops. Two of the most common are Windows and Linux, but others include macOS, Unix, and Fedora.

In general, Windows server operating systems offer the most range. They tend to be more expensive than their competitors but provide greater integration with Microsoft products, which are often used in work environments. 

Most companies find it easier to install and run their network on Windows, as opposed to other operating systems, such as Linux. Linux is open-source – meaning, it has been developed and is supported by a community. Windows, however, offers its users a greater level of formal support. So, while Linux is cheaper, its users can spend more money resolving issues.

Windows operating systems also enable remote desktop access, while Linux servers are command-line based.

What to consider when selecting your Windows server 

There are plenty of factors to consider when choosing your Windows server. For example: How much support will you require? Are you or members of your team tech-savvy, or will you need help with using your server and fixing any potential issues? 

Here are three top considerations:

Security 

Windows security is vital for anyone, but is especially crucial when running a business. In an enterprise, you will have a lot more sensitive data on the web to protect than commercial users and will be a greater target for cybercriminals. So, when you’re selecting your solution, you want to keep security in mind. After all, 63% of cyberattacks target small and mid-sized businesses, and this number only continues to rise. 

The best Windows Server for security will be the latest version. Microsoft prioritizes updates to server security procedures, such as patch management and anti-malware. If you haven’t updated Windows Server 2008 to the latest version, this is worth considering.

Budget

What is your budget? And what is the scale of your network? The larger your operations, the more expensive your server solution will be. You could opt for a cheaper operating system, but may find you face additional costs further down the line. Microsoft Server is available in three editions: Essentials, Standard, and Datacenter. Essentials is ideal for small businesses, covering a network of up to 25 users and 50 devices, while Standard is designed for physical or minimally virtualized environments. Datacenter is perfect for highly virtualized data centers and cloud environments.

Physical or cloud?

Finally, do you want a physical server or would you prefer to connect to the cloud? There are pros and cons to both, including the above concerns – server security, cost, and adoption. Using the cloud, you rely on the third party to keep your data secure while benefiting from collaborative working and instant backup. With a physical server, you have a dedicated piece of equipment for the role, which will not be shared by any other businesses. With less outside interruption, applications can run smoother and faster.

Learn more about choosing the best server for your small business.

Key features

Windows Server is ideal for business. Microsoft regularly updates its operating system to ensure it is equipped with the latest Windows security measures.

• The system includes Windows Defender, an anti-malware feature that can defend your network by detecting malware and protecting against it. Windows Defender will also report on its findings to keep your system up to date.

• The Code Integrity feature scans your server for signs of corruption or malicious software. You can use Code Integrity when Secure Boot is enabled.
• Credential Guard defends against cybercriminals stealing credentials, while Control Flow Guard protects memory corruption vulnerabilities. By imposing tight restrictions on how applications execute code, Control Flow Guard prevents the execution of arbitrary code through vulnerabilities such as buffer overflows.

How can I make my Windows server more secure?

Despite the built-in security features of Windows servers, there are still measures you can use to keep your systems as safe as possible. 

The first three steps you should take to secure your Windows server are:

1. Control access The more changes that are made to a server, the more vulnerable it can be to attack. You should shut down access to the smallest number of admins and give access to new users if necessary. 
2. Install antivirus Multi-layered protection must include a next-gen antivirus solution that can block complex attacks targeting your servers and connected endpoints. 

• Automate patches Server patches are updates that fix issues in your operating system’s code. Without these patches, your server is more vulnerable to attack. Automating this process means updates are applied straight away. 

Windows security 

With features specific to Windows servers, including Sharepoint Server Protection and Exchange Server Protection, Avast Business offers a comprehensive server antivirus solution to help protect your business against threats. 

Comprising threat intelligence and cloud-based technology, the software includes powerful tools such as malware scanners and data encryption to protect your server and connected endpoints. Check out our website to discover our server antivirus solutions.