Firewalls play a vital role in protecting networks from potential attacks. More than likely, you already have a firewall on your home computer or laptop that assists in detecting malicious files in your email, scans sites for possible malware, and takes other measures to protect your device from attacks. But did you know that a firewall can serve a similar purpose for your dedicated server? Still, if you're relying on a "traditional" firewall for your dedicated server security, you may not be getting the most advanced protection possible. Making the switch to a next-generation firewall (NGFW) can provide you with an added layer of security. Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know about NGFWs. What Is a Next-Generation Firewall? What's the difference between traditional firewalls and NGFWs, anyway? For starters, a typical firewall uses packet information from open systems and layers to scan, control, and otherwise monitor connections to

In the world of cybersecurity, there are defenders and there are attackers. Defenders are constantly looking for new ways to keep their data safe on the internet, while attackers are typically quick to circumvent whatever new security technology may have been put in place. This inevitably results in a generally unproductive cycle of attacks and the implementation of new defenses. However, a concept known as moving target defense (MTD) that was created by the Department of Homeland Security is now being applied to cybersecurity to help users better protect their information. If you run an online business or simply want to keep your personal information safe, having a better understanding of the MTD strategy could aid you in your quest to improve overall data security. Let’s take a closer look! Understanding the Moving Target Defense Strategy The primary component that differentiates MTD from standard security strategies is that the attack

Encrypting your data is essential if you're looking to optimize security on a dedicated server. Specifically, data encryption refers to a process where information is translated into an unreadable "code" to minimize the risk of unauthorized access. When data is encrypted, hackers typically aren't able to get any use out of files or folders – even if they’re successful in viewing them. What many people don't realize, however, is that there are two methods of data encryption – full disk encryption and file/folder encryption. While both methods yield similar results and have the same end-goal, they are carried out in different ways. By having a better understanding of how these two methods work, you can determine which encryption option is best for your security needs. Full-Disk Encryption vs. File System Encryption With full-disk encryption, the entire storage disk is secured using a specific, unique key. This is generally the quickest and

These days, more businesses are relying on connected devices than ever. Rather than simply using a network of computers, for example, your organization may begin to utilize tech tools like smartwatches, smart sensors, and other devices that improve efficiency and enhance project management. However, with a larger number of connected devices also comes some major security concerns that your organization must take seriously in order to safeguard sensitive data. While the evolving Internet of Things (IoT) has relied heavily on the cloud for many years, more organizations are beginning to see how dedicated servers can be useful for IoT platforms and provide solutions to many of the security concerns associated with cloud hosting. Common IoT Security Concerns If you rely on cloud hosting, a variety of inherent security issues could put your data at risk. These issues can be compounded when you're using cloud hosting for an IoT platform because you're

When was the last time you revisited your current hosting plan to make sure it’s truly meeting your needs? No one wants to pay more than they need to for hosting, so it’s wise to make sure you’re getting the best value for your current plan by shopping around at least once per year. By ensuring that your hosting is living up to your expectations, you can make better use of your budget and ensure that you’re receiving the best service possible. However, when you begin comparing your current plan to those offered by other hosting companies, you’ll need to keep a few key factors in mind. Uptime Percentages and Reliability Reliability is one of the most important things to look for in a web host, so if you're not getting it, it's time to look elsewhere. Has your server experienced unexpected downtime in the past several months? If so, you

For decades, hard disk drives (HDDs) have been the standard when it comes to hard drive storage, both on personal computers and dedicated servers. In recent years, however, solid state drives (SSDs) have become increasingly popular – and for good reason. Combine the many benefits of solid state drives with recent advancements in this technology, and it's easy to see why SSDs are truly the dedicated server hardware of the future. SSD vs. HDD Storage When setting up a dedicated server, you’ll have two distinct storage choices – a solid state drive or a hard disk drive. ReliableSite is proud to offer both options to users, allowing them to choose which type of storage they would like to add to their hosting account. While there are a variety of differences between SSDs and HDDs, the main characteristic that sets a solid state drive apart is its lack of moving parts. Unlike

Whether you’re building a simple mobile app or a complex computer program, testing is an integral part of the software development lifecycle (SDLC). However, many developers struggle with finding a reliable and secure location to build and host beta software. Luckily, dedicated servers provide an effective solution. If you aren’t already hosting your beta software on a dedicated server, now may be the time to make the switch. Understanding the Software Development Life cycle The software development life cycle is a series of steps that must be completed before a product can be released to a client or the general public. This includes a development phase, a testing phase, user acceptance testing, staging, demonstrating, and final production. No matter what kind of software you’re building, it’s vital to have a secure, flexible, and reliable place to carry out each step of the SDLC. Dedicated servers provide all of this and

Dedicated servers can be used for a variety of practical applications, including hosting websites, company emails, online games, and video streams. But did you know that dedicated hosting can also be beneficial for call centers? Specifically, a dedicated server can be used to place and receive high-quality phone calls through a Voice over IP (VoIP) system. Let’s take a closer look at how dedicated servers can benefit professional call centers across all industries. 1.     Customized Service Whether you’re looking for better-quality phone service for a small, privately owned call center or a large corporation, a dedicated hosting company can deliver. Unlike a traditional phone service provider, a dedicated server host makes it easy to fully customize your plan to suit your business’s specific needs. Dedicated servers come with a variety of customization options, giving you the flexibility you need to truly benefit from your hosting service. For example, you can

These days, even some of the largest corporations and organizations in the world are falling victim to data breaches and other security issues at an alarming rate. It seems as though nobody is safe from the threat of a cyber-attack – which puts many businesses in a difficult position. While companies have an inherent responsibility to protect their clients’ sensitive data, digital security isn’t a one-and-done process. Rather, it requires a multitude of steps that work together to create a comprehensive security protocol. One of the most critical steps in a robust security plan is to set up a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) backup. This can help you avoid losing sensitive data in the event of an attack. Specifically, an FTP backup involves saving copies of all of your important files on a dedicated server that’s stored in a remote location. Below, we’re breaking down the benefits of FTP backups

No matter what size web hosting budget you may be working with, one fact likely remains – you don’t want to spend more than you need to for quality service. One of the most common questions people have when they begin to consider dedicated server hosting is how much it will cost. Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer to this question, as dedicated hosting costs can vary greatly depending on several factors. However, by having a solid understanding of what affects web hosting costs, you can have a better idea of what to expect. 1. Your Operating System When you sign up for a dedicated hosting plan, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is which operating system (OS) you want your server to run on. Most hosting companies allow users to choose between a Linux or Windows OS. Linux is typically a more affordable option, as it’s a free and