Protect your hosting environment with proper firewall setup. This guide explains how to configure firewalls to block malicious traffic and enhance security.
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Understanding Firewalls
- Purpose: Firewalls monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
- Types: Software firewalls (installed on servers) and hardware firewalls (dedicated network devices).
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Configuring Firewalls in Plesk
- Access Firewall Settings: Log in to your Plesk control panel and navigate to "Tools & Settings" > "Firewall."
- Enable Firewall: Ensure the firewall is enabled. If not, follow the prompts to activate it.
- Create Rules: Click "Add Rule" to define new firewall rules. Specify the rule type (allow, deny), port numbers, and IP addresses.
- Save and Apply: Save the new rules and apply them to activate the firewall configuration.
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Common Firewall Rules
- Allow Specific Ports: Enable access to necessary ports (e.g., HTTP: 80, HTTPS: 443, FTP: 21).
- Block Malicious Traffic: Deny access from known malicious IP addresses or ranges.
- Restrict SSH Access: Limit SSH access (port 22) to specific IP addresses for enhanced security.
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Monitoring and Maintenance
- Regular Reviews: Regularly review and update your firewall rules to adapt to changing security needs.
- Log Monitoring: Monitor firewall logs to identify and respond to potential security threats.
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Additional Security Measures
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Implement IDS to monitor network traffic for suspicious activity.
- Regular Updates: Keep your server software and firewall updated to protect against the latest threats.
For additional security measures, check our Security section.