A Web Developer's Guide to Securing a Server

A short book in the series "Web Security Topics", by the well-known authors Nigel and Jenny Chapman. Written for Web developers who act as part-time sysadmins, this handy guide deals with a crucial aspect of Web security - securing the system on which your Web applications are hosted. It provides a clear, easy-to-understand introduction to securing a Web server host running a Unix-like operating system such as Ubuntu Server.

The book offers a commonsense, practical approach to everyday security for busy developers who have to take responsibility for setting up and securing Web servers for small businesses and non-profit organizations which do not have critical security requirements.

Based on first-hand practical experience combined with extensive computing knowledge, this book explains the important principles and processes which every developer administering a server host needs to understand. Full of down-to-earth advice, it describes how to avoid the main pitfalls and security risks when administering a server host - and explains why each step must be taken.

Topics covered include the available methods for remotely administering a server and transferring files to it, systems of permissions based on user accounts, how to restrict users and processes to minimize security risks, how to prevent unwanted connections by eliminating inessential servers and setting up a firewall, and how to recover from break-ins to the server if the worst should happen.

Clear key points provide useful summaries at the end of each section, and a valuable 14-page glossary of technical terms is included.

FREE PDF OFFER: a mail-in form at the back of the book enables every purchaser to claim a free PDF copy from the publisher.

This guide is not intended for developers administering Windows-based servers.