SFTP

SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) is an updated secure variation of FTP(File Transfer Protocol). Basic FTP is not fully secure, in that the files being transferred could possibly be intercepted by an outsider. In fact, the perpetrator can even change the data within the files, and view the files discreetly without disrupting their path. With SFTP you’ll have an extra layer of security since the files will be encrypted using government standard 128-bit encryption.

SSL

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is extremely crucial for any ecommerce site. With SSL all private information such as credit card/bank account information, phone numbers, addresses, and email addresses are kept private. Without this kind of security measure in place, you and you’re customers are being left susceptible to credit card fraud and identity theft. In many cases the credit card information can be stolen instantly, and online purchases can be made before the cardholder even knows what hit them. Aside from the lack of security that is associated with not having SSL enabled on your server, you’re also going to lose business. Every site with SSL enabled receives an SSL certificate which is then placed on the checkout page. Many customers look for this when shopping online, and will refuse to shop with you if you do not have this certificate.

Data Backups

Many people realize the importance of backing up their personal computer, however the importance of backing up your websites files is often overlooked. A lot of work is put into building a website, as I am sure you are probably aware of, and you may find it shocking to learn that all of this information can be wiped out and lost forever in just one hour. If you do not backup your data, this data loss would be permanent, and you would literally have to start back at square one! If you want to keep this from happening then you will need to make sure you choose a web hosting plan that automatically conducts routine server backups.

Overall Network Security

When choosing a web hosting plan, the above factors are definitely of great importance. However, there are many more important aspects to consider in regards to overall server and network security. To ensure the safety of your website and your online business, you’ll need to choose a web hosting solution that is reputable and known for having top notch security.

NTTA (NTTA America) Inc., wholly owned subsidiary of web hosting and services company NTT Communications, is set to discuss its latest white paper on network security.  The white paper focuses on the increasing number and development of network attacks, the impact of “silent threats” and how both small and large networks can help to mitigate these growing problems.  The paper is set to be presented by Darren Grabowski, manager of NTT American Security and Abuse Team, on December 1 at the IEEE Globecom 2008 conference in New Orleans.  The white paper will be publicly available at NTT America’s website starting on December 3.

Grabowski states that spam, phishing, malicious software and DDoS attacks are all growing problems that just are not going to go away.  He says that small and large networks must work cohesively to deploy monitoring systems and report their findings to mitigate these threats.  Grabowski ended by remarking that most companies already have such tools incorporated into their networks, saying that more of them simply need to invest a small amount of time and effort into using these mechanisms and protecting themselves in a more proactive manner.

The firm is presenting the white paper as a part of a broader initiative spearheaded by NTT’s Dr. Kazuhiko Ohkubo.  Along with other panelists, Ohkubo will be introducing comprehensive approaches in regard to better security in advanced telecommunications networks, basing new service creations on the ring of trust and secure ROI management.

Aptly titled “The Silent Threat”, the white paper touches on how millions of computers connected to the internet are being compromised at an alarming rate.  It also reveals how a single botnet initiation has the ability to enslave thousands of machines, abuse the internet infrastructure and cause financial havoc.  The white paper outlines the measures small and large networks can take to mitigate these common threats simply by utilizing many of the tools they already have in place.  Darren Grabowski believes such measures will prevent attacks while keeping expenses at a minimum.

The NTT America Security and Abuse Team has the task of responding to security and abuse issues such as spam, port scanning, malware, DDoS attacks and across NTT’s entire Global IP Network.  They are also responsible for consistently monitoring the network, utilizing a number of tools such as those that look for trends in bandwidth consumption in comparison to legitimate traffic, as minimal consumption often shows signs of a silent threat.

As a U.S. subsidiary of NTT Communications Corporation, NTT America acts as North America’s gateway to the Asia-Pacific region.  It provides world-class IP networking services, managed network and enterprise hosting solutions to customers and service providers throughout the world.