Make Your cPanel Experience Safer and Secure

Posted by Jamison on 28 09 2015.

For those who want to make use of cPanel, there are a number of features offered by the control panel itself that are going to help increase the security of their accounts. These features are highly recommended to be used, as these can help them get the most out of their use of the control panel, in the safest and most secure way possible.

All in all, these security-enhancing options that can be accessed from the cPanel interface can make the life of users, particularly the new ones, a lot easier. And while it is true that software security is often a complex and broad subject that many tend to have problems understanding, there are actually some simple steps they can start with.

These steps can be taken right away so that cPanel users can already begin feeling more comfortable knowing that they already have an enhanced security. Much thanks to the features of this web hosting administration system, users are going to have an easier time boosting their security.

Here are 5 of the best safety- and security-increasing tips for cPanel users.

1. Input and Implement the Use of Hard-to-Crack Passwords

There is a default username and corresponding password given to new cPanel accounts. It is worthy to note that the same login information is set for multiple accounts aside from cPanel. This is why it is only necessary to have this set of credentials changed as soon as one gets access to the account, in order to avoid security issues. In place of the default password, hard-to-crack codes should be set in place.

A hard-to-crack password is one that combines letters, numbers, and characters. For those having a hard time creating a difficult-to-guess password, cPanel has a password generator feature that can be used to obtain suggestions. To further increase password difficulty and snooping activities, here are a couple more tips:

• Enabling SSL access to the control panel. This can be done by going to the ‘Tweak Settings’ option found in the ‘Server Configuration’ settings.

• Configuring password strength. Making it a requirement for user-level accounts to use high-level security passwords should also be implemented.

2. Install and Use Anti-Virus and Anti-Rootkit Programs

It does not make any sense to just hope that viruses or hackers will not be able to gain access into a user’s cPanel account.

Fortunately, there are several add-on applications that can be used for the purpose of protecting cPanel accounts against viruses and hacking activities. One of these is ConfigServer Security and Firewall (CSF), which is a very popular firewall program. Aside from securing cPanel accounts better, it also gives advice on how to boost security. ClamAV is another helpful plugin.

It is also important to have a rootkit detection program in place, so that stealthily running malicious programs can be denied access to cPanel accounts. A good example of an add-on is the Rootkit Hunter.

3. Get Rid of the Default SSH Port Number

Secure Shell, better known as SSH, is what gives users the ability to remotely access their server making use of cPanel. While the command line for this is basic, users should understand that, in most cases, it is the best, easiest, and fastest way for reconfiguring, fixing, or updating.

The thing about SSH though, is that it comes with a default port number, which is 22. Being default, many people are aware of what it is. This then puts remote access on the line. Intruders may attempt to access it, which means that the user’s server is at risk, in the event that it goes unchanged.

There are several ways to prevent this, such as by performing the following steps:

• Redefining the port number. Entering a random number, like 1058, makes it harder for intruder attempts to be successful. Users just need to make certain that they select a port number that is not yet in use.

• Modifying the configuration. Changing to version 2 of SSH may also be necessary, as this can increase security.

By simply performing these three steps, cPanel users can already add additional layers of security to their accounts and servers.