To keep your website and database secure, it is critically important to secure your server from different hacks and attacks.
cPanel is the first choice for all companies and individuals who are looking for a Linux server with a control panel as it comes with enormous features which makes it popular amongst all the end customers but it also has few flaws in terms of security and user management.
End customers usually put every security measure to keep the server, website and database secure which increases more complexity to manage different accounts.
To make your server more secure by using Cpanel & WHM interfaces, it is recommended to follow certain security features but also advisable not to enable/disable below features for security’s point of view.
Below are the points, NOT to use in the cPanel Cloud Server
Not to Enable vulnerable encryption parameters
Encryption is a major issue with cPanel. cPanel admin or users always focus on enabling all the encrypted services, to transfer the data more securely via TLS, which ultimately lead to the opposite results of what they are seeking.
It is highly recommended, not to enable weak ciphers i.e. DES & RC4
Not to enable SSL V2 & V3 (SSL protocols)
SSL V2 & V3 (SSL protocols) which are highly vulnerable and are more prone to attacks, so it is advised not to enable them.
Never Enable SMTP Restrictions
Mostly spammers bypass the mail server by sending bulk emails. It is always advisable not to enable SMTP restrictions, as it prevents the mail server from bypassing.
Outgoing SMTP connections will move to the local mail server by enabling this feature will overflood the mail server with unauthenticated emails.
Third-party software is not recommended
It is not recommended to use third-party software as hackers can squeeze in easily through third-party software. Another reason is for security perspectives as it can weaken security.
Do not enable updates
For the security point of view, it is advisable to not enable the automatic updates of WordPress plugins as it can cause conflict with cPanel’s version of Wordpress. By default, cPanel has configured all the software to update automatically.
Do Not enable Password Authentication
For best practices, Do not enable SSH password once users have created as it will disconnect all the connected users including root users.
By disabling, Password Authorization Settings, users have to use SSH Keys for secure login.
To track user activities, it is advisable to provide Sudo access to track user and disable direct root access
Do not enable Send passwords when creating a new account
It is strongly recommended to not enable this feature to avoid security risk, as this feature allows us to send a password in plaintext to new users at the time of creating a new account. This will lead attackers to gain access of particular account. This can cause a humongous risk for other active accounts on a particular server.
Not to rely on Cookie IP Validation
This feature deny attackers to gain access to your servers' cPanel & WHM interfaces via session cookies but it is recommended to not rely on Cookie-based IP Validation
Security is the most needed aspect for every business, for every live application, for every website and database. But, end-user usually put a huge risk while trying to make the server “MORE” secure and by putting extra but Not-needed features in cPanel cloud servers. So, by keeping the above points in mind, you can prevent your cPanel servers from different attacks and hacks.