Round Tale

Apache or Apache HTTP Web Server is one of the most popular servers due to robust software, strong security, exceptional performance and its economical value. Also it supports several popular programming languages including Python, Perl, MySQL and PHP. Additionally, all Unix, Linux, Windows and OS operating systems support Apache.

What is a DDoS Attack?

A Denial of Service or DDoS attack is an attempt by a malicious user to make system resources unavailable. This is accomplished by sending a mass number of packets to the server causing it to overload and lock up. Hackers generally target sites like banks, root name servers and credit card payment gateways.

A frequent attack method occurs when the perpetrator externally attacks the server so that regular traffic is left with little or no response making it unavailable. This results in the computer or server being reset or the communication between users and the equipment fails.

Preventative Measures

Luckily there are a few methods to stop these attacks. Many web hosting providers utilize a Proxy Shield that can handle a DDoS attack up to 4GB per second. This is one of the most effective security measures available to date. It is also one of the most expensive so only large corporations can afford them.

To handle smaller DDoS incidents, hardware and software firewalls will generally do the trick. These stop the DDoS attack in the initial stage so little information is lost and the equipment can function normally.

Preventative Measures for an Apache Web Server

There is a specific method to stopping a DDoS attack on an Apache Web Server called mod-evasive. This is a module configured specifically for the Apache web server that can stop even the hardest hitting DDoS attacks, can be used for traffic detection, work with firewalls and send abuse reports.

This measure creates an internal table of IP addresses that will deny any single IP that’s blacklisted, that’s attempting to access a page numerous times or that’s launching more than 50 simultaneous connections per second from the same line. This technique eliminates attacks from a single-server attacker to a highly distributed attacker.

Mod_evasion has a built-in scaling capability with a cleanup procedure. Due to the design, only scripted attacks are recognized and blocked so that legitimate requests remain in tact and functional. A user can even click the reload button numerous times in a row and the system will identify that it isn’t a threat.

Security has been an issue in the computing industry for years. With hackers becoming more insightful with workarounds, combating their methods is proving to be more difficult. This security measure adds an extra level of protection to those utilizing an Apache server.

Apache or Apache HTTP Web Server is one of the most popular servers due to robust software, strong security, exceptional performance and its economical value. Also it supports several popular programming languages including Python, Perl, MySQL and PHP. Additionally, all Unix, Linux, Windows and OS operating systems support Apache.

What is a DDoS Attack?

A Denial of Service or DDoS attack is an attempt by a malicious user to make system resources unavailable. This is accomplished by sending a mass number of packets to the server causing it to overload and lock up. Hackers generally target sites like banks, root name servers and credit card payment gateways.

A frequent attack method occurs when the perpetrator externally attacks the server so that regular traffic is left with little or no response making it unavailable. This results in the computer or server being reset or the communication between users and the equipment fails.

Preventative Measures

Luckily there are a few methods to stop these attacks. Many web hosting providers utilize a Proxy Shield that can handle a DDoS attack up to 4GB per second. This is one of the most effective security measures available to date. It is also one of the most expensive so only large corporations can afford them.

To handle smaller DDoS incidents, hardware and software firewalls will generally do the trick. These stop the DDoS attack in the initial stage so little information is lost and the equipment can function normally.

Preventative Measures for an Apache Web Server

There is a specific method to stopping a DDoS attack on an Apache Web Server called mod-evasive. This is a module configured specifically for the Apache web server that can stop even the hardest hitting DDoS attacks, can be used for traffic detection, work with firewalls and send abuse reports.

This measure creates an internal table of IP addresses that will deny any single IP that’s blacklisted, that’s attempting to access a page numerous times or that’s launching more than 50 simultaneous connections per second from the same line. This technique eliminates attacks from a single-server attacker to a highly distributed attacker.

Mod_evasion has a built-in scaling capability with a cleanup procedure. Due to the design, only scripted attacks are recognized and blocked so that legitimate requests remain in tact and functional. A user can even click the reload button numerous times in a row and the system will identify that it isn’t a threat.

Security has been an issue in the computing industry for years. With hackers becoming more insightful with workarounds, combating their methods is proving to be more difficult. This security measure adds an extra level of protection to those utilizing an Apache server.

These days, it is more important than ever to keep your website current with the latest security measures.  Why so much emphasis on security?  Because hackers are always looking for ways to penetrate servers and websites to thieve sensitive information.  There are is a lot you can do to ensure better website security and the tips in this article should taken very seriously.

1.) Update Your Applications and Scripts

Running outdated web applications and code on your site is liking giving hackers an open invite.  So if you have older versions of WordPress or Joomla installed, it is advisable that you immediately check for and perform the necessary updates.  This goes for any application or programming languages used for your site.  For a knowledgeable hacker, compromising Joomla 1.0 is as easy as uploading a shell script to an insecure form.  If successful, they could end up with complete control of your account.

2.) Create Strong Passwords

A password can be a simple but effective security mechanism.  However, this is only the case when following a strict set of rules.  When securing login sessions and other areas of your site, never apply a password that can be easily guessed by others or is used for other accounts.  If someone knows just one of your passwords, they can keep trying it for each of your accounts until they are successful.  This could not only lead them to the control panel login of your hosting account, but also the financial institution you do your online banking with.

3.) Mask Your Folders

It is always wise to cloak your website files and folders that are stored on the server.  Many security experts suggest keeping a blank index.html file in each of the folders stored in your public directory.  Doing this will ensure that the contents cannot easily be viewed by internet users.  This process is made simple with the cPanel control panel and its Index Manager function.  You can take this one step further by password protecting the administrator folder that contains the scripts you are running.  This is highly recommended as it provides an added layer of security that will make an intruder have to work that much harder.

What If I Still Get Hacked?

As we eluded to earlier, there is a possibility that even after adhering to all of these tips and more, your website can still be compromised by a hacker.  Should your site be successfully exploited, there are a couple of things you should do right away to minimize the damage.  The first step that needs to be taken involves changing all of the passwords associated with your website.  This goes from your control panel and administrative areas to everything else in between.  Next, go through your hosting account to find and update all old applications and plugins as they could easily be the culprits that led to exposure.  Any website can be compromised and if it happens to you, your sensitive information can be used for criminal gain in one way or another.  Prevention is the key so employ all the measures you can to ensure you are protected against the existing and emerging threats.