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Written by Craig B

What Is Server Maintenance

What Is Server Maintenance

As its name implies, server maintenance is the process of keeping your computer server operating at peak performance. A company initiates a server maintenance plan to ensure that the essential hardware and software for the company’s survival function as expected. Here are some excellent arguments for creating a server maintenance strategy.

Why is Server Upkeep So Crucial?

Server maintenance is essential since the server enables all corporate PCs to function without interruption. If the server fails, the computers fail, and the business suffers as a result. Comparable to a person going to the doctor for a checkup, server maintenance is the best approach to ensure that everything is healthy and working well.

How frequently must servers be maintained?

Unlike people, who have annual physical exams, servers require far more frequent care. Servers must be continuously checked, updated, and maintained. Since maintaining a server is such a time-consuming task, businesses frequently pay external service providers to do so.

Server Maintenance Is Vital to Your Company

The server is the lifeblood of your company’s computers. Consider what would happen to production if all computers were offline for even several hours. There is the potential for catastrophic financial loss. Regardless of the size of your business, if you have computers, you need a constantly operational server.

Server Upkeep Extends the Lifespan of Your Computers

Correctly functioning servers survive longer and must be replaced less frequently. Therefore, maintaining your servers properly will save you both time and money.

Server Upkeep Improves Productivity

Since the health of the server directly affects the health of the computers in the building, a healthy server implies healthy computers. This is essential for any company. When computers function properly, your employees may continue working without interruptions due to computer problems. When your employees are more productive, so is your organization as a whole.

Even the most meticulously maintained servers are susceptible to failure. If your server has a problem and crashes, you will have a much greater chance of recovering your data from a server that has been routinely maintained than from one that has not.

Wired IT Group is a full-service information technology (IT) vendor, based in Phoenix, AZ. Our team is capable of designing, installing, and maintaining all of your IT solutions from network management, server maintenance, network systems to security systems, and low voltage cabling we have you covered. Call us today at 480.210.8799 for more information about our managed IT  services.

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Written by Craig B

Server Maintenance

Server Maintenance

Server maintenance is the process of keeping server software up to date and functioning in order for a computer network to perform properly and without downtime or data loss. Regular maintenance will keep the server functioning smoothly and prevent a complete or partial network breakdown. It includes checking the server’s performance, ensuring that automatic system monitoring utilities are correctly installed and configured, identifying potential security threats, and regularly backing up data.

You can get the best performance out of your server and considerably extend its life if you know how to manage it. It just takes a little time. Servers may be simply maintained to reduce downtime.

The Function of Servers

A server is a computer that runs on its own and offers data and other services to one or more other computers in a network. The fundamental advantage of a server is that it enables for centralized management and monitoring of network access and data, as well as power, hard disk, and processor redundancy that are often not accessible in a PC.

Servers come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

  • A file server is a central storage location for files that client computers can access.
  • A domain controller is a server that handles network security authentication requests (such as logging in, validating permissions, and so on). A domain is a notion that allows a person to gain access to several files, folders, and network locations using a single login and password combination, while also preventing certain users from accessing other private data.
  • Instead than having each client computer running software, a Remote Desktop Server (or Terminal Server) allows secure remote access to office and line-of-business applications to employees or contractors via a centralized server. This makes software deployment and personnel expansion more scalable and cost-effective.
  • Web server: A web server is a computer that stores and distributes websites over the Internet; many people and small businesses rent web server space from other businesses, but for large businesses with high traffic, a dedicated web server makes sense.

In most cases, server maintenance necessitates the following:

  • Examining the log files on the server
  • Determining the amount of available hard drive space
  • Inspecting the permissions of folders
  • Apps for network temperature monitoring
  • Ensuring acceptable system redundancy
  • Inspecting the security features
  • Patching your security software
  • Looking through server logs for security alerts or evidence of attempted computer hacking
  • Antivirus software should be updated on all network computers.
  • Service packs and software updates that are crucial
  • Performing complete backups on a regular basis to ensure that critical data can be recovered from storage in the event of a system breakdown

Steps to Success in Server Maintenance:

1. Double-check that your backups are operating.

Before making any modifications to your server’s database or system, be sure you’ve taken a backup and that your backups are working properly. Make sure you’ve chosen the proper backup and the right place.

2. Examine your disk use.

Don’t use your server system as an archiving system and keep your disk storage clean. Remove any outdated emails, logs, or software versions that are no longer in use. Faster recovery equals a lower data footprint. Keep an eye on how much space you’re using on your hard drive. Your server may cease running if your partition reaches 100%, and database tables and data may get corrupted and lost.

3. Keep an eye on RAID alarms.

Keep an eye on your RAID status; RAID should be used on all servers. A single disk failure can bring the entire system down.

4. Update your operating system.

If you use Linux, you should always update your system because such operating systems release regular updates, and staying on top of these updates might be tough. You can solve this problem by using automatic patch management solutions and setting up monitoring to notify you when a system is out of current. You may miss vital security upgrades if you update your server manually (or not at all). If you can’t automate your updates, set up a timetable to keep your system up to date. This will keep hackers out of your machine.

5. Make sure your Control Panel is up to date.

If you use a hosting cpanel, make sure it’s up to date as well. This will bring your system up to date and resolve any known hosting issues.

6. Make sure the application is up to date.

If you’re utilizing a CMS or an open source tool for your online application, especially popular ones like WordPress, make sure to update it.

7. Examine remote management software.

Maintaining your remote server via remote console, remote reboot, and remote rescue mode are all necessary tools for remote server administration.

8. Look for hardware issues.

Hardware issues are normal, but they can be a major problem, therefore check the log for any hardware issues such as disk read errors or network failure.

9. Examine the server’s consumption.

Examine the use of your server’s disk, CPU, RAM, and network.

10. Go over each user’s account.

You’ll want to remove these users from your system if you’ve had staff changes, client cancellations, or other user changes. Storing old sites and users is a legal and security risk.

11. Passwords should be changed.

Passwords should be changed every 6 to 12 months, especially if you’ve given them out to others for maintenance.

12. Verify the system’s security.

Use a remote auditing tool like Nessus to check the security of your server on a regular basis.

Wired IT Group is a full-service information technology (IT) vendor, based in Phoenix, AZ. Our team is capable of designing, installing, and maintaining all of your IT solutions from network management, server maintenance, network systems to security systems, and low voltage cabling we have you covered. Call us today at 480.210.8799 for more information about our managed IT  services.

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What Are Managed IT Services?

What Are Managed IT Services?

Managed Information Technology services enables businesses to delegate their IT operations to a professional 3rd party organization specializing in administering these duties. These 3rd party organizations, called managed service providers (MSPs), have the responsibility for the complete or part of a business’ IT systems, in agreement through a Service Level Agreement (SLA). IT equipment is usually acquired by their client, and subject to the SLA, MSPs might provide 24-hour monitoring, issue determination and reporting, and more.

In accordance with the SLA, MSPs bill a fixed-fee for delivery of their services over a settled length of time. The SLA defines specifically what services are going to be furnished and in which degree they will be provided, in addition to benchmarks for measuring the progress of these services.

Cloud computing has enabled managed IT services to extend beyond the areas and confines that would restrict the average break then fix IT using the acceptance of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) technologies, in addition to Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) and Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS). These abilities enable MSPs to scale at a rate significantly larger and faster than in-house IT processes or break then fix providers.

The Managed IT Services Model

MSPs use a wide range of IT proficiency to resolve matters efficiently. Unlike break then fix providers, MSPs can utilize the updated processes and software to actively overlook end-points, keeping systems up to date and stopping problems before they come up. These services are available all day, all year, enabling end-users to keep their nights and weekends off whereas the MSPs do the grunt work on duties and processes done when doors are closed.

MSP services are usually provided at a flat periodic rate in tiered stages, providing a higher degree of automation and a greater level of management at higher levels according to the particular service level agreement. End users just pay for the services they need, and are able to increase or decrease their stages based on business requirements and demand.

Not unlike other necessary business tasks such as utilities, the end-user pays for services offered off-site, like remote monitoring and management, help desk resolutions, back-up, and catastrophe recovery, etc. These services become vital operating costs to retain core functionality, instead of added costs applied throughout exceptional issue solutions with break then fix models. MSPs allow their end users to run their businesses more efficiently and more smooth than they would otherwise. In addition, they provide SaaS-based solutions at a cost that can’t be reached with in-house options.

Nevertheless, managed services don’t inevitably make the enterprising IT professional outdated; for the end user, IT professionals may act as an end-point contact that oversees the relationship, offers feedback and analyzes the reports given by the MSP. Since most of the common work is being done by the MSP, the IT professional is capable of higher-quality productivity and has the adaptability to take on larger, more convoluted projects than they would, apart from not having the time or volume to take on.

Benefits of Managed IT Services

Through outsourcing SMBs can reap the benefits of getting IT support at a considerably reduced cost comparing to gathering a comparable in-house team. Furthermore, MSPs can also provide a wealth of experience from actively administering several client accounts that in-house teams would not jointly have.

Furthermore, by using MSP’s agencies can predict their monthly, quarterly, and yearly expenses on IT, and are free from the need to focus on this area of operational preparedness. This will allow SMBs to concentrate on growing their business instead of worrying about daily IT issues or requirements.

An additional benefit is a greater chance for security proficiency and successfully established security policies. MSPs work with conventions like PCI compliance day-in, day-out, and should be able to guide your organization within the range and regulations it is required to adhere to. For many agencies, particularly in finance, health care, schooling, and other sectors, this kind of regulatory adherence is mandatory for the IT part of their business, and requires the proficiency and knowledge that MSPs can offer. MSPs can ease risk in this manner at the same time assuring that the professionals in charge of your IT operations are always up-to-date on present information, technologies and procedures that is going to keep your infrastructure working proficiently and successfully going forward.

Find Managed IT Services in Phoenix, AZ

Wired IT Group is a full-service information technology (IT) vendor, based in Phoenix, AZ. Our team is capable of designing, installing, and maintaining all of your IT solutions from network management, server maintenance, network systems to security systems, and low voltage cabling we have you covered. Call us today at 480.210.8799 for more information about our managed IT  services.

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What is Server Security?

What is Server Security?

With opponents creating increasingly refined ways of attacking, strong server security is vital in safeguarding your business. Thankfully, it does not have to be complex. This post will detail what server security is, clarify why it’s so critical for your business.

What is server security?

Server security protects the processes and devices used to safeguard the invaluable data and assets held on businesses servers, in addition to safeguarding the server’s resources. Because of the delicate information they hold, servers are often targeted by cybercriminals searching to attack weaknesses in server security for financial reasons. Servers are at the heart of every company’s IT framework and enables large numbers of users to access the same information or functions, usually remotely. Overall, they’re used to run e-mail systems, power the internet, and host files. The issue, however, is that something like weak passwords, nonexistent anti-virus software, or user error can expose the business to considerable loss. To be the most effective, security for servers needs to be arranged in layers. For the greatest safeguarding, you need to look into possible issues in the network, the server’s OS, and any applications or software hosted on the server.

Should I be concerned?

For any business, the risk of being attacked by cybercriminals is all too real, and there is great deal at stake. Juniper Research estimated that by the year 2020, the average cost of a data breaches will topple $150 million. In addition to the primary financial loss, a security breach could also result in bad press, that can damage a brand and its standing. Whereas Marriott International and Yahoo! are some of the biggest names that have been at the forefront of enormous data breach scandals, smaller businesses are not impervious. According to Accenture, forty-three percent of cyberattacks are intended for small businesses.

Securing your server

Looking for direction on how to secure a server can bring up a mind-blowing variety of technical information. The following breaks down the main web-server security practices that you should implementing for effective safeguarding.

Use a secure connection

Passwords are susceptible to savage attacks in which cybercriminals use state-of-the-art algorithms to test countless letter and number combinations attempting crack passwords. A more secure option to password based verification is utilizing SSH (Secure Shell) to create a more secure connection with your server. SSH keys comprise of a pair of cryptographical secure keys containing public and private keys. The public key can freely be shared but the private key needs to be kept stringently secret by the user. utilizing SSH encrypts all data that is sent back and forth. A proxy server may also be utilized as an additional security measure. Proxy servers conceal every user on your network behind the proxy’s IP address, making it more difficult for hackers to target certain devices to get access.

Connect through a private network or VPN

One other suggested security discipline is to use a private network or virtual private network (VPN) to guarantee secure data interactions. A private network is limited to specific users or servers via the use of private IP addresses. The same environment can be attained when connecting remote servers via a VPN. This encrypts the data to and from the server and allows users the same usefulness like they were connected via a local private network.

Employ SSL/TLS

Certificates for server security are one other powerful safeguard. Certificates for server security are cryptographic protocols – SSL and its replacement TLS – that are utilized for verification and/or encryption. To put it simple, they safeguard network communications by jumbling delicate data sent through the internet, like usernames, passwords, and credit card specifics, enabling servers to substantiate entities.

Regularly update your OS

An essential step in keeping your server secure is guarantee that you’re always running the most recent version of your OS. Hackers routinely reveal weaknesses in software that developers then work to reinforce. Security patches are released as updates and need to be installed right away, preferably automatically. Not keeping your OS, or other software that are running on your server, up-to-date, practically leaves it open to known weak points.

Configure the OS based on best server security practice guidelines

For the best safeguarding, guarantee that your OS is configured accordingly to the best server security practices. These comprise of, but are not limited to:

  • Changing over the default passwords on installed 3rd-party softwares
  • Set user privileges to the minimum necessary for the user to do their job
  • Deleting or terminating any needless accounts
  • Creating strict guidelines for passwords and guaranteeing all system passwords conform
  • Deactivating any needless services or applications.

Find IT Services in Phoenix, AZ

Wired IT Group is a full-service information technology (IT) vendor, based in Phoenix, AZ. Our team is capable of designing, installing and maintaining all of your IT solutions from server security , network systems to security systems and low voltage cabling.

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