Hello webmasters,

Please be aware that simply having your own server and performing backups on the same server are not enough to protect your website. Even if nobody else has access to your server, you may still be at risk of hacking. To ensure maximum protection, you should update your server software regularly and perform security audits on a regular basis. Additionally, it is recommended to make backups to a remote storage and periodically download them to your personal computer.

Unfortunately, many webmasters are unaware of the potential threats and do not prioritize website security. Simply relying on points a) and b) can lead to a situation where your website is no longer accessible and your data is encrypted and blocked. This is why following steps 1) and 2) can greatly reduce the risk of data loss.

It is important to note that recent vulnerabilities in server software have made it easier for hackers to gain remote access and superuser privileges. Without taking proper precautions, you are putting your website at great risk.

My customer experienced a similar situation.

Backup services can be compared to insurance: everyone seems to want it, but very few are willing to pay a reasonable price for it. Without proper funding, backup services may only provide a basic FTP repository where backups can be uploaded. While this is a step in the right direction, it only partially solves the problem.

Vulnerabilities in web servers
A program that stores files, such as web pages, and makes them available over a network or the Internet is called a web server. Both hardware and software are required to operate a web server. Hackers typically target software vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to a web server. Let's examine some common vulnerabilities exploited by hackers.

Default settings - Attackers can easily guess these settings, such as the default user ID and password. Default settings can also allow certain tasks, such as running commands on the server, to be performed.
Operating system and network misconfiguration - Some configurations, such as allowing users to execute commands on a server, can be dangerous if the user does not have a strong password.
Bugs in the operating system and web servers - Vulnerabilities found in the operating system or server software can also be used to gain unauthorized access to the system.
In addition to the above, the following can also lead to unauthorized access:

Lack of security policies and procedures - Failure to implement security policies and procedures, such as updating antivirus software and patching operating system and web server software, can create security holes for attackers.
Directory traversal attacks - This type of attack exploits software bugs to gain unauthorized access to files and folders that are not publicly available. Once accessed, an attacker can download sensitive information, execute commands on the server, or install malicious software.
Denial of Service Attacks - This type of attack can cause a server to crash or become unavailable to legitimate users.
Domain Name System Hijacking - An attacker changes DNS settings to point to their own web server, redirecting all traffic that should have gone to the legitimate server to the fake server.
Sniffing - Decrypted data transmitted over the network can be intercepted and used to gain unauthorized access to the server.
Phishing - An attacker impersonates legitimate websites and directs traffic to a fake site to trick unsuspecting users into sending sensitive information such as login details and credit card numbers.
Farming - An attacker compromises Domain Name System (DNS) servers or the user's computer, so traffic is redirected to a malicious website.
Defacement - An attacker replaces an organization's website with another page containing their name and images, along with background music and messages.

How to prevent server attacks
An organization can adopt a policy to protect against web server attacks by:

Performing patch management to install patches that fix software bugs. Patches can be applied to the operating system and server system.
Securely installing and configuring the operating system and web server software.
Using vulnerability scanning tools such as Snort, NMap, and Scanner Access Now Easy (SANE).
Using firewalls to block all traffic coming from the attacker's source IP addresses and prevent simple DoS attacks.
Using antivirus software to remove malware on the web server.
Disabling remote administration.
Removing default and unused accounts from the system.
Changing default ports and settings (for example, FTP on port 21) to custom ones (FTP port 5069).

The threat is real, and it's not just about malicious actors exploiting vulnerabilities; it's about the sheer number of potential entry points. Think about it: a single misconfigured setting, an outdated plugin, or a compromised user account can give hackers the green light to wreak havoc on your website.

And don't even get me started on the importance of regular security audits. It's not just about identifying potential threats; it's about proactively addressing them before they become major issues. Think of it as a digital health check – you wouldn't neglect your physical health, so why neglect your digital one?

But, alas, many webmasters seem to be oblivious to these risks. They're too busy focusing on aesthetics, functionality, or SEO to worry about the security of their online assets. Well, let me tell you, this complacency is a recipe for disaster.

The reality is that server software vulnerabilities are being exploited left and right, making it ridiculously easy for hackers to gain remote access and superuser privileges. It's like leaving your front door wide open, inviting intruders to help themselves. And once they're in, it's a matter of time before your website is compromised, your data is encrypted, and your online reputation is left in tatters.

So, what's the solution? For starters, webmasters need to wake up to the reality of website security. It's not a one-time task; it's an ongoing process that requires constant vigilance and attention. Update your server software regularly, perform security audits with the frequency of a digital doctor's appointment, and make sure you have a robust backup strategy in place.
And, for goodness' sake, don't rely on a single backup stored on your server. That's like keeping your life savings in a single, easily accessible bank account. No, no, no. You need to diversify your backup strategy, storing your data in multiple, secure locations. Think cloud storage, external hard drives, or even a digital safe.