Why Security Basics Matter
Updates, access control, logging and recoverable backups complement each other. Prioritize changes against your environment's risks; no single control prevents every breach.
1. Centralized Logging
Collect the logs needed for incident investigation in a controlled location.
- Choose log forwarding and storage appropriate to the environment
- Restrict access and avoid recording passwords or tokens
- Set retention against operational needs and data protection requirements
- Test relevant alerts and agree who handles them
2. Controlled Security Updates
Use supported software versions and agree how updates are handled.
- Identify the update process for the operating system and dependencies
- Test changes before production deployment where possible
- Prepare rollback and any required maintenance window
- Triage critical vulnerabilities against risk rather than waiting for the routine update cycle
3. Proper Backup Strategy
Backups are your last line of defense against ransomware and disasters.
- Follow the 3-2-1 rule: 3 copies, 2 different media, 1 offsite
- Test restores regularly (untested backups are not backups)
- Keep at least one backup offline or immutable
- Document your recovery procedure
4. Access Control
Limit who can do what. The principle of least privilege saves you from both accidents and attacks.
- No shared accounts - every person gets their own
- Use SSH keys, not passwords
- Implement 2FA for critical systems
- Review access quarterly and remove unused accounts
5. Network Segmentation
Don't let a breach in one system compromise everything.
- Separate public-facing services from internal systems
- Use VLANs or separate networks for different trust levels
- Firewall between segments with explicit allow rules
- Consider a VPN for internal admin access
Getting Started
You don't need to implement everything at once. Start with:
- Week 1: Set up centralized logging
- Week 2: Enable automated security updates
- Week 3: Implement proper backups
- Week 4: Review and fix access control
Each step significantly improves your security posture.