Enhancing Bare Metal Server Security: Essential Tips For Protecting Your Infrastructure

Bare metal servers are servers that are physically deployed and managed by a public cloud service provider (CSP) but dedicated to and controlled by a specific client. The CSP is therefore responsible for physical security. The client is responsible for all other aspects of security. With that in mind, here is a straightforward guide to bare metal server security.

CSP-side bare metal server security

The CSP is responsible for physical security and environmental controls. That said, it is the client’s responsibility to ensure that the CSP is managing these responsibilities to the necessary standard. The client should therefore be aware of the key points to check.

Physical security

There are three main components to physical bare metal server security. These are surveillance and monitoring, access control, and hardware security.

Monitoring

A combination of cameras and sensors should be deployed to ensure that all activity in the data center is constantly monitored. This monitoring will typically require a combination of automated tools and human staff.

Access controls

This involves using advanced authentication methods such as biometric scanners and key cards to restrict entry to the data center. Only authorized personnel should have access, with multi-factor authentication adding an extra layer of security. Access logs should be maintained to monitor and audit entry and exit activities, helping to identify any unauthorized attempts promptly.

Hardware security

Servers should be housed in locked enclosures, which can deter unauthorized physical access. Tamper-evident seals and sensors should be applied to server racks and enclosures. These measures help detect any unauthorized attempts to access the servers physically, providing an alert mechanism if tampering is detected.

Environmental controls

To ensure the continued availability of bare metal servers, data centers should have robust environmental controls.

Temperature control

Data centers should be equipped with robust cooling and airflow-management systems to keep bare metal servers at optimum operating temperatures. Ideally, these should be capable of adjusting temperatures dynamically.

Humidity control

Proper humidity levels are vital to prevent static electricity and condensation. Data centers should maintain humidity levels between 40-60%. As with temperature control, it’s best if a data center can implement humidity-management systems that can make dynamic adjustments.

Dust and contaminant control

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters should be used in the ventilation systems to capture dust particles. Regular cleaning schedules for the data center and strict entry protocols for personnel can further reduce the risk of contaminant ingress.

Client-side bare-metal server security

The client is responsible for all other areas of security, including, and especially, network security. Here are three key steps all businesses must take to ensure their bare metal server security.

Firewalls and intrusion detection and protection systems (IDPS)

Firewalls act as a barrier between the secure internal network and untrusted external networks, such as the internet. They control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Configuring firewalls to restrict access to only necessary services and ports reduces the attack surface, enhancing the security of bare metal servers.

Intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) are critical for identifying and responding to potential security threats in real time. IDPSs monitor network traffic and server activities for suspicious behavior that may indicate an attack or compromise.

By analyzing patterns and signatures, IDPSs can detect unauthorized access attempts, malware, and other malicious activities. Integrating IDPS with alerting mechanisms allows for prompt responses to threats, minimizing damage and preventing breaches. Deploying both Network IDPS (NIDPS) and Host IDPS (HIDPS) provides comprehensive coverage, ensuring robust protection for bare metal servers.

Network segmentation

Network segmentation reduces a network’s attack surface. It also confines attackers’ movement within the network and hence ensures that if one segment is compromised, the attack does not easily propagate to others.

Moreover, network segmentation enables more granular access control. In particular, it enables specific policies to be applied to different segments based on their security needs.

Implementing VLANs, subnets, and access control lists (ACLs) helps enforce strict boundaries and restrict access to authorized users and devices only. This minimizes the risk of unauthorized access and internal threats, ensuring that each segment remains secure and independently controlled.

Network segmentation also facilitates more effective monitoring and management of network traffic. Security teams can tailor monitoring tools and intrusion detection systems (IDS) to focus on specific segments, enhancing the detection of anomalies and suspicious activities.

Regular patching and updates

Regular patching and updates are vital for maintaining the security of bare metal servers. Patches address known vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. Keeping server software up-to-date ensures that the latest security fixes are applied. It therefore reduces the risk of breaches and data theft.

Updates also often include performance improvements and bug fixes, which enhance the overall stability and compatibility of server applications and operating systems. Regular updates prevent compatibility issues that could arise from outdated software, ensuring seamless integration with new technologies and security tools.