In the vast realm of server security best practices, one thing you don’t do is place a production server directly on a general office LAN. Might sound like a no-brainer for some, but that means you also know how dense these best practices can get.
Separating servers from regular LAN traffic creates a more controlled environment overall. This article offers various cybersecurity strategies for modern-day servers to stay future-ready.
Key Takeaways:
- Separate production servers from general LAN traffic to reduce unnecessary exposure
- Define server addresses and services for more precise firewall rules
- Use firewall policies to control approved server access
- Combine endpoint protection with network controls for layered security
- Review server security controls regularly to address changing needs
5 Server Security Best Practices for Your Business Network
The honest truth I have to drop here is that these best practices consider more than just server endpoint protection. As important as that may be, reliable cybersecurity comes with a layered strategy.
From dedicated server zones to defining specific server addresses and fine-tuning firewall policies, the right approach will always be a comprehensive one. Moreover, you can maintain a strong server security posture with the help of a thorough recurring checklist. The good news for you is you have everything you need here to get started, and then some.
“You don’t want a production server plugged into the wide open LAN that’s for general use”
1. Isolate Servers With a Dedicated Network Zone
To expand on a previous point, putting a production server on the same open LAN that’s for everyday use can lead to quite a bit of trouble. What you don’t want is unnecessary exposure, especially when it comes to the potential for internal threats. One way to avoid this is by connecting the server to an unused firewall port and creating a dedicated server zone.
Once you have that in place, the dedicated zone creates a defined network boundary. This is where firewall security controls can be applied specifically to the server. In addition to these notes, separating the server means the traffic can be managed independently from LAN activity.
2. Defining Specific Server Addresses and Services
After creating the dedicated server network, it’s time to define the systems and services that your firewall policies will reference. Address and service objects offer specific references that can be used to create more precise firewall rules.
In addition to that, defining individual systems and services supports broader network security practices as a whole. This is heavily influenced by allowing access to be narrowed, rather than permitted across the board.
3. Restrict Server Traffic with Firewall Access Policies
For starters, it helps to remember that firewall policies determine how the server communicates with other network zones. This includes which traffic is permitted as well. An example of restricting server traffic through firewall policies is pretty simple.
First, you’ll want to create a server-to-WAN policy that gives the server basic internet access. However, there also needs to be a LAN-to-server policy in place.
The steps below offer a guiding light on how to get it set up on your own:
- Create server-to-WAN policy
- Set the destination to WAN
- Then make sure traffic is allowed
- Create LAN-to-server policy
- Select the speed test service and apply the policy
- Specify My Computer as the permitted source and apply the restriction
- Create the server RDP rule
Another point to take with you: restricting the LAN-to-server rule to the My Computer address means the hosted service isn’t accessible from every LAN system.
For added context, the RDP rule offers another example of explicitly defining server access, rather than leaving server connectivity wide open. It’s true that next-gen firewalls can cover more than just the basics, but this section shows just how far the nuance in network security can go.
4. Deploy Server Endpoint Protection
Firewall segmentation and access policies protect the server’s network environment. However, businesses also need to consider protecting the server itself. Endpoint protection for servers gives you an added security layer, while complementing your segmentation and access policies.
The helpful takeaway here is that combining network controls with endpoint security minimizes reliance on a single defensive measure. Endpoint strategies should also be a part of your network security best practices checklist, and that includes your servers.
5. Build a Network Security Best Practices Checklist
If you still feel like surface-level security measures will cut it in the long run, a realistic best practices checklist will show you otherwise. Modern threats have really stress-tested the capabilities of traditional security measures.
Here’s how you include server security best practices into that checklist:
- Separate the server from the general office LAN
- Use a dedicated firewall interface
- Define server and user address objects
- Create server-specific access rules
- Restrict access to necessary users, devices, and services
- Protect the server endpoint
- Review and maintain firewall policies
I’d like to point out that this checklist builds directly on the segmentation, object creation, and firewall policy concepts. Not only is this crucial for server protection, but it’s a necessary pillar in any modern business network security strategy.
In the same vein, all of these steps, rules, and technicalities are what lead a lot of organizations to utilize managed services. This goes beyond server security.
It also includes angles like security configuration, ongoing management, maintenance, hardware upgrades, and a whole lot more. You stay in control of the final decisions while the professionals handle the day-to-day nuance of server and network security.
Server Security Best Practices Quick Overview
The five practices listed throughout this article focus on different stages of protecting your production server. While each recommendation contributes to the big picture, the tips and tricks along the way are what lead you to layered and effective cybersecurity strategies. For a quick reference when you need it, the table below has what you’re looking for.
| Best Practice | What It Does | Key Security Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Isolate Servers With a Dedicated Network Zone | Places production systems in a separate network segment | Keeps critical infrastructure away from unnecessary LAN traffic |
| Define Server Addresses and Services | Establishes specific systems and applications for access rules | Makes permissions more targeted and manageable |
| Restrict Server Traffic With Firewall Policies | Determines which connections can reach or leave the server | Prevents broader access than the server requires |
| Deploy Server Endpoint Protection | Secures the server at the system level | Adds another defensive layer beyond the firewall |
| Maintain a Security Checklist | Provides recurring checks for core server security controls | Helps prevent security configurations from becoming overlooked |
Effective server security comes from a blend of multiple protective measures. While network segmentation establishes the initial security boundary, defined services, firewall policies, and endpoint strategy further limit potential exposure.
A Final Word
Server security best practices should go beyond the initial firewall setup. By controlling unnecessary connections and securing your servers on multiple levels, you can eliminate a lot of potential for internal and external threats. For a better visual on the steps you should take toward server security, check out this video for even more helpful information.
Another layer to your security strategy should include expert, hands-on support. This is where our team at Firewalls.com steps in. From getting you aligned with the right hardware to security strategy and more, we have it all under one roof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Should a Production Server be Separated From the General Office LAN?
Separating the server reduces unnecessary exposure and allows firewall controls to manage its traffic independently from regular LAN activity.
How do Firewall Policies Improve Server Security?
Firewall policies control which connections can reach or leave a server. This allows your business to restrict access to approved users, devices, as well as services.
What are Address and Service Objects Used for in Server Security?
Address objects identify specific systems, while service objects define particular apps or services, which helps to create more targeted firewall rules.
Is Endpoint Protection Necessary if a Server Already Has Firewall Security?
Yes, endpoint protection adds another layer of defense directly on the server, while complementing network segmentation and firewall controls simultaneously.
How Often Should Companies Review Their Server Security Controls?
Server security controls should be reviewed regularly to guarantee policies, access requirements, network configurations, and endpoint protection match ongoing business needs.
