An introduction to server protection with Bitdefender

Nowadays, when the digital space is becoming the main field of activity of companies, data security has evolved into a key element of business strategy. The question of "how to secure servers" is no longer only an issue for IT specialists, but the basis for the functioning of every company that wants to protect its critical resources against cyber threats. The company's servers are a treasure trove of valuable information, from customer data to its own trade secrets, and their protection is a priority to ensure not only business continuity, but also the trust of customers and business partners. Many companies are wondering how to protect servers against hacker attacks and secure valuable data. In this text, we will look at best practices and solutions that will help protect servers against the most common threats, such as hacker attacks, spyware and hardware failures, thus guaranteeing the stability and security of key business operations.

How to secure servers – advanced threat protection

Bitdefender This is probably the most powerful AV/EPP class solution providing this level of protection against ransomware and zero-day threats. Light end/high security, server protection and firewall in all versions, ability to block portable memory, agentless protection of virtual environments, disk encryption, risk analysis and assessment, insight into incidents and individual policies for various addresses. Cloud/on-premis console as standard. Noteworthy are the HyperDetect+SandBox+Ransomware Migitation+Incydenty /*+(EDR) modules used in the Premium /*Enterprise solution.

HyperDetect: Protection against ransomware and zero-day attacks

HyperDetect – the HyperDetect module, providing the highest level of protection against ransomware threats and zero-day attacks. Together with the installation of the Bitdefender agent, a separate virtual machine is installed on the endpoint, which allows for the analysis of heuristics of executable files or scripts at the time of their initiation, i.e. before their actual launch in the production system. HyperDetect is protection equipped with machine learning and supported by artificial intelligence. When the file is launched in the system, Bitdefender will check whether such a file is safe, if so, it will be allowed to operate, if it is not blocked, if the file is suspicious, it can be additionally sent to the Sandbox on the manufacturer's side. HyperDetect is a proactive protection that is the most effective protection against ransomware.

Sandbox Analyzer: Detailed analysis of suspicious files

Sandbox analyzer – a laboratory on the manufacturer's side to which we can send files or URLs for detailed analysis. The uploaded file will be run on the machine and the result will be available in the report. The first report only tells you whether the file is safe or a threat. The second report is a full report based on behavioral analysis, which describes what "damage" this file may cause when launched. For example, if an executable file is downloaded to a computer and the administrator is not sure about its operation, such a file can be sent for analysis. File analysis takes approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on the file size.

Ransomware Mitigation: Preventing Data Loss

One of the fundamental questions in the IT field is how to secure servers to ensure uninterrupted operation of online services. Ransomware Mitigation – Backs up modified files in real time to reduce the risk of data loss during ransomware attacks. Copy files are protected against encryption or deletion by ransomware. This technology not only protects files, but also blocks attacks while they are in progress, and after blocking the attack, the remote IP address of the computer is also blocked for 2 hours to minimize the risk of another attack or the spread of the threat.

Risk management: Audit and management of security risks

Risk management – infrastructure security audit / allows automatic detection of vulnerabilities on endpoints, e.g. the same password for 30 days, UAC disabled, etc. This function is divided into 4 segments:

– network and credentials
- operating system
- apps
– human behaviors

How to secure servers is a key question that system administrators must answer to secure their IT infrastructure. Each segment scans the computer for problems and, in the case of some vulnerabilities, allows automatic remedial actions to be taken or indicates potential security vulnerabilities. 

How to secure servers: Deep differentiation of Bitdefender products

Bitdefender Elite VS Ultra

The question of how to secure servers often leads to considerations about the use of advanced systems for detecting and responding to security incidents. The main difference between Elite and Ultra is EDR. In Elite we have insight into the graph of incidents, but only those detected - EDR gives us a broader spectrum of insight into our entire infrastructure and allows us to carry out more complex/precise investigative activities. The Incidents module gives us the ability to analyze the basis of system resources and EDR extends this with the ability to pay attention to unusual behavior based on MITER threat techniques and Bitdefender research. MITER attack techniques and intrusion indicators give us insight into even the smallest threats and other malware that may be associated with them. 

Differences in EDR functionality and protection

XEDR: The key difference that extended EDR brings to the market is the addition of a new technology to EDR, known as endpoint correlation technology, which provides expanded capabilities not only at the host or endpoint level, but also at the network and organizational levels. In the context of the question "How to secure servers", the importance of data encryption, both at rest and in transit, should not be underestimated. This new technology leverages end-to-end incident correlation between endpoints protected by our EDR agent within the organization.

For example, XEDR involves correlating incidents involving endpoints A and B with endpoint C as the final destination, contributing to a specific attack kill chain. This provides visibility not only from the perspective of the victim machine, but also from the perspective of the attacking machine.

XDR: A breakthrough in EDR technology

Data security is a priority, which is why IT specialists are constantly looking for answers to the question of how to protect servers against unauthorized access. It is worth noting that Bitdefender is the vendor that is developing the EDR technology most thoroughly (we already offer XEDR - i.e. there is a possibility of correlation between points A and B) and in April 2022 we launched XDR, which, as cybersecurity specialists predict, will ultimately replace current SIEMs.

How to secure servers: Summary