Knowledgebase

Securing Your Server Using WHM Features

Securing your server using WHM (Web Host Manager) features is crucial to protect against various security threats and vulnerabilities. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to secure your server using WHM:

  1. Access Control:

    • IP Access Control: Restrict access to WHM and cPanel interfaces based on IP addresses to prevent unauthorized access.
    • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA for WHM and cPanel logins to add an extra layer of security against unauthorized access.
  2. Firewall Configuration:

    • cPHulk Brute Force Protection: Enable cPHulk Brute Force Protection in WHM to mitigate brute force attacks by automatically blocking IPs after multiple failed login attempts.
    • ConfigServer Security & Firewall (CSF): Install and configure CSF through WHM for advanced firewall protection, including intrusion detection and firewall rules management.
  3. Security Policies:

    • Password Strength Configuration: Define password strength requirements for cPanel accounts, including minimum length, complexity, and expiration.
    • Account Suspensions: Set up automatic account suspensions for cPanel accounts that violate security policies or exceed resource limits.
  4. SSL/TLS Configuration:

    • AutoSSL: Enable AutoSSL in WHM to automatically issue and renew SSL/TLS certificates for cPanel accounts, ensuring secure HTTPS connections.
    • SSL/TLS Status: Monitor SSL/TLS certificate status and expiration dates for cPanel accounts through WHM.
  5. File System Security:

    • File Permissions: Set restrictive file permissions for sensitive files and directories to prevent unauthorized access.
    • File Integrity Checking: Implement file integrity checking tools such as Linux Malware Detect (LMD) through WHM to detect unauthorized file changes and malware infections.
  6. Email Security:

    • SPF and DKIM: Configure SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) records for cPanel accounts to prevent email spoofing and phishing.
    • Mailbox Quotas: Set mailbox quotas for cPanel email accounts to prevent abuse and conserve server resources.
  7. Software Updates and Patch Management:

    • cPanel & WHM Updates: Keep cPanel & WHM software up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates through WHM's update manager.
    • Operating System Updates: Ensure that the underlying operating system and server software are regularly updated to address security vulnerabilities.
  8. Security Auditing and Monitoring:

    • Log Monitoring: Monitor server logs, including access logs, error logs, and audit logs, for suspicious activities and security incidents.
    • Security Advisor: Utilize WHM's Security Advisor feature to identify and address security issues and best practices on the server.
  9. Backup and Disaster Recovery:

    • Backup Configuration: Set up regular backups of server data and cPanel accounts using WHM's backup configuration tools.
    • Disaster Recovery Planning: Develop a comprehensive disaster recovery plan and test backups regularly to ensure data integrity and quick recovery in case of emergencies.

By implementing these security measures through WHM, server administrators can significantly enhance the security posture of their servers and protect against a wide range of security threats and vulnerabilities.

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