Essential IT Security Practices: From Network to Web Application Protection

Previous perception

When I first entered IT as an operations engineer, I thought security meant only changing passwords to complex ones, moving SSH to a non‑standard port, and preventing logins.

Current perception

After years of experience with server hacks, DDoS attacks, and database tampering, I realized security is far broader; understanding more reveals how little we actually know.

1. Network security

Many companies lack third‑party audit systems; we built an ELK stack for operation traceability and log monitoring, achieving the desired effect. Additionally, devices can use ARP binding, IDS/IPS, firewalls, regular password changes, HTTPS encryption, and periodic vulnerability scans.

2. Host security

Most systems lack host intrusion detection; free open‑source tools like OSSEC or HIDS can provide real‑time malicious code detection. Hardening includes enforcing strong passwords, limiting failed login attempts, applying mandatory access controls, and renaming default accounts.

3. Application security

Recommend multi‑factor authentication, password complexity (8‑20 characters, mixed types, change ≤ six months), login‑failure handling, sensitive data labeling, comprehensive audit logging, session limits, request throttling, and priority‑based resource allocation.

4. Data security and backup

Implement off‑site backups, hardware redundancy, data masking for non‑production use, strict access controls (e.g., via bastion host), and regular database upgrades to mitigate known vulnerabilities.

5. Web business security

Set reasonable session timeouts, limit concurrent sessions, enforce SSL/TLS with strong cipher suites, comprehensive audit logs, code reviews before deployment, prohibit clear‑text passwords, require two‑step verification for critical changes, generic error messages, password policies, account lockout, and session protection.

Source: 运维人生 http://www.ywadmin.com/?id=75