What is OpenVPN and Why Should You Care About That?

A cloud hosting provider is a company that offers users virtual resources for remote infrastructure management and application deployment. Unlike traditional web hosting, cloud-based service providers allow for flexible configuration of rented resources, helping clients save on hardware, software, and system administration costs. In this article, we’ll review the key factors to consider when choosing a cloud hosting provider, starting with the core services these companies offer. Provided Services There are three main service models that cloud hosting companies typically offer. Ideally, a reliable provider should support all three: IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): Basic infrastructure resources such as virtual servers, networks, and storage. PaaS (Platform as a Service): Software platforms for various tasks: database management, big data analytics, containerized app development, machine learning systems, and more. SaaS (Software as a Service): Fully managed software solutions that run on the provider’s infrastructure, reducing the load on the client’s computer or mobile device. Key features offered by best cloud providers include: A firewall to protect against DDoS attacks and malware. Automated backups with redundant data storage across multiple locations for disaster recovery. Data encryption to ensure confidentiality; even provider staff cannot access your information. Pricing When evaluating pricing, focus not just on the base rate but on what’s included in the package. Some providers attract customers with low prices, but cheaper plans often come with limited resources or features. For instance: Low-cost plans may not suit clients who handle large data volumes due to disk space limits or slow storage performance. Some providers may offer a “cheap” cloud server but fail to mention that your virtual resources are shared with other clients, reducing performance. Keep in mind: a high-performance server cannot be truly cheap. Company Experience As a rule, the longer a provider has been in the cloud hosting  business, the more reliable it tends to be. However, reputation also matters: look for verified online reviews rather than marketing claims. If a provider has been operating for over 5 years and maintains a solid reputation, it’s usually a trustworthy choice. A broad range of services is also a good indicator of expertise. Certification and Standards A strong advantage is certification under ISO 27001, the international standard for information security management. While not legally required, it shows that the company has a well-structured approach to security: defined access levels, regular internal and external audits, and continuous process improvement. Free Trial Period A trial period can significantly influence a provider’s credibility. If a provider offers 5–10 days (not just a day or two) for testing, it’s a positive sign that they’re confident in the quality of their services. Hardware Pay attention to the performance of CPUs and disk subsystems. Ideally, a provider should offer configurations for different needs, from entry-level setups to high-performance solutions using modern server-grade processors and NVMe drives, which significantly outperform traditional SSDs in speed and reliability. Reliability and SLA A reliable provider must guarantee service uptime in its Service Level Agreement (SLA), typically expressed as a minimum annual availability percentage. The SLA should also guarantee that you receive the computing power and software specified in your plan and that you can modify configurations, add or remove resources, and perform other key management tasks. Data Center Location Providers often advertise the geographic location of their servers as an advantage, but the data center’s certification level is far more important. Look for certification under Tier III, which represents the optimal reliability level (Tier I being the lowest and Tier IV the highest and most expensive). Tier III data centers can perform maintenance without downtime thanks to redundant infrastructure components. Technical Support The quality of technical support is a key differentiator. Pay attention to: Response time. It should be clearly stated in your contract. Willingness to help with tasks like auditing or migrating infrastructure from other services. Professionalism and courtesy—hallmarks of a customer-oriented provider. Contract Termination Even with the best cloud hosting provider, circumstances may change. Before signing up, check: How and when you can retrieve your data. How the provider destroys virtual machines and ensures complete data deletion upon termination. Checklist: Choosing a Cloud Hosting Provider Before making your decision, verify that your provider offers: Support for IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS models with additional features. Flexible, well-priced service packages. 5+ years of experience in the market. (Optional) ISO 27001 certification. A 5–10 day trial period for testing. Multiple hardware configurations with scalable performance. SLA-backed uptime guarantees and resource reliability. A Tier III–certified data center. Qualified, responsive technical support. A secure and transparent contract termination process.

When setting up a virtual server, an important decision is choosing the best server OS for your tasks. The operating system will largely determine the server's overall functionality and affect its performance and security. In this article, we'll examine several available options and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each so you can make an informed choice. How Operating System Choice Affects Your Server Let's define the list of factors that the hosting operating system influences: Performance An operating system is software that manages hardware and provides an interface for interacting with it. Like any software, the operating system consumes part of the computing resources. For example, Windows Server will consume more than Ubuntu Server due to factors like the graphical interface. Before installing a particular operating system, determine whether you need the services and functionality it provides. A graphical interface won't affect web server functionality at all. Are you willing to spend additional resources on more comfortable administration? Compatibility In general, most software will be available to both Linux and Windows users. Developers are interested in having versions for different operating systems. Even some Microsoft applications, which theoretically should be interested in promoting their operating systems, run on Linux—for example, MS SQL databases. But, of course, not all Microsoft software can be run on Linux. For Windows, there's a special software layer that allows running Linux applications—WSL. If a Windows port of the application doesn't exist, WSL will help run it. Both Windows and Linux allow users to perform most work tasks. Compatibility affects administration convenience and performance. For example, PHP is available on both operating systems, but on Linux it runs faster. And running some applications will require additional effort. Cases where technology is only available on one operating system are rather exceptions. For example, if a company needs a terminal server or Active Directory, they'll have to use Windows Server. Licensing Almost all Linux distributions are distributed free of charge, while you'll have to pay for Windows Server and additional components. Security What's more secure: Windows or Linux? This is quite a debatable question. In general, each operating system has a sufficient number of information security tools available. System security primarily depends on the user. You can catch a virus on both Windows and Linux. But the probability of catching a virus on Windows is higher, simply because most viruses target Windows systems. Windows Server Virtual Servers Windows is one of the most popular operating systems. In 2008, Microsoft released a special version for virtual servers—Windows Server. Windows Server offers high performance, a rich set of features, and broad compatibility with other software and services. However, it can be more expensive in terms of licensing. Windows Server has many different versions, each with its own features and areas of application. Depending on the Windows Server version, additional functionality may be available to the user. For example, cloud infrastructure support, improved resource management and security, and tools for easier server management and monitoring. Depending on the specific business needs and constraints, one of the Windows Server versions may be better suited for use on a virtual server. Advantages of Windows Server Ease of use. Windows Server has a familiar and understandable interface that's easy to learn. Compatibility. Windows operating systems are very widespread, and many applications have versions specifically for them. For working with applications that don't have a special Windows version, WSL exists. Support. Windows Server has extended support from Microsoft, which means the server will receive updates for a long time. Integration with other Microsoft products. Windows Server easily integrates with other Microsoft products, such as Active Directory, Exchange, and SharePoint. Disadvantages of Windows Server Complexity of hosting websites. When working on Windows, as with any other operating system, you can host websites, but it will be more complex. Licensing cost. Many solutions that are free to use on Linux require paid licenses on Windows Server. Security vulnerabilities. Many viruses target Windows operating systems specifically, which increases the risk of server infection. Hardware requirements. Windows Server is quite demanding on hardware, and versions newer than Windows Server 2008 don't support 32-bit architecture. Virtual servers are mainly used by companies and enterprises, not private individuals. For them, the question of benefit stands above the convenience of a familiar interface. Therefore, using Windows Server as a server operating system is usually the exception rather than the rule. For example, Windows Server is used to implement remote desktops and terminal servers. Linux Virtual Servers The Linux kernel is the heart of the Linux family operating system. It's a set of software that provides basic functions: memory management, filesystem operations, and communication with hardware. The Linux kernel provides the connection between software and computer hardware, allowing programs to interact with computer resources. It also provides mechanisms for multitasking, allowing multiple programs to run simultaneously and ensuring their security. Linux operating systems are various Linux distributions that have their own features and toolsets. Each distribution is suitable as an operating system for a server, but they are usually used for different purposes: Ubuntu is used as a desktop OS, Debian as a base for other distributions, Kali Linux for network security, and distributions like Rocky Linux or AlmaLinux for server tasks. Next, we'll look at some of these systems and talk about what tasks they should be used for as operating systems for VPS/VDS. Advantages of Linux systems: Reliability Free software Configuration flexibility Compatibility with many hardware platforms Low resource requirements Large selection of shells Disadvantages: Administration complexity Limited application support Unfamiliar interface Absence of some popular applications Debian Debian is an operating system based on the Linux kernel and freely distributed under the GNU GPL license. Debian is one of the most stable and reliable Linux distributions and supports a large number of processor architectures, including x86, x86-64, ARM, MIPS, and PowerPC. Debian has a package manager mechanism that allows easy installation and updating of software, as well as creating backups and restoring the system. Debian also has a configuration management system that allows easy system setup and administration. For server tasks, Debian provides stability and long-term support, which are necessary for reliable long-term server operation. It also has many tools for server monitoring and management, as well as an extensive support community for problem-solving. Ubuntu Ubuntu Server is one of the Debian-based distributions used in server environments. It's the familiar Ubuntu OS to many, but without a graphical interface. Interaction is carried out through the terminal. Ubuntu Server offers a high degree of stability and reliability, as well as extended system management and configuration capabilities. It also has an apt package manager, which makes it easy to install and update software. Ubuntu Server is used for deploying web servers, databases, network equipment, cloud services, and much more. It also supports virtualization and is used as a guest OS in virtualization environments such as VMware and VirtualBox. Kali Linux Kali Linux is a Linux distribution specializing in information security and penetration testing tools. It's based on Debian and has over 600 tools for conducting security tests. If you plan to work in information security, then Kali Linux is ideal for this task. In addition, Kali Linux is also used for information security training and practicing skills in this area. However, it should be kept in mind that some tools in Kali Linux may be illegal or unethical in some countries and jurisdictions, and their use may violate laws and regulations. Therefore, before using Kali Linux, you need to ensure that you're acting in accordance with applicable law. Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux Note: CentOS, which was previously popular for server tasks, ended its traditional support model in 2021. CentOS Stream became a rolling-release distribution that serves as an upstream development platform for Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), making it less suitable for production servers that require stability. As a result, the community created two enterprise-grade alternatives that continue the legacy of CentOS: Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux. Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux are free, open-source distributions created as direct replacements for CentOS. Both are built from RHEL sources and offer long-term support and stability, maintaining binary compatibility with RHEL. One of the main advantages of these distributions is that they provide proven and reliable software and security and stability updates. They also have the dnf package manager (evolution of yum), which allows easy installation and updating of software. As server operating systems, Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux are used for deploying web servers, databases, network equipment, and various services. They're also suitable for use in virtualized environments such as VMware and VirtualBox. Which Linux System to Choose If you don't plan to use your server for high-load tasks, then Ubuntu or another desktop Debian distribution with a friendly interface will suit you, in which you'll be comfortable working. If we're talking about using a server in commerce with high load, then choose Rocky Linux or AlmaLinux. These operating systems are oriented toward use in such conditions. If you want to work in information security, then choose Kali Linux. Conclusion In this article, we examined the main operating system options for a virtual server. Each has its own advantages, disadvantages, and areas of application. Still, it's important to remember that the listed operating systems, in most cases, provide a decent level of performance and operability.

Today, in the world of information technology, there are many different practices and methodologies. One of these methodologies is DevSecOps. In this article, we will discuss what DevSecOps is, how its processes are organized, which tools are used when implementing DevSecOps practices, and also why and when a business should adopt and use DevSecOps. What Is DevSecOps DevSecOps (an abbreviation of three words: development, security, and operations) is a methodology based on secure application development by integrating security tools to protect continuous integration, continuous delivery, and continuous deployment of software using the DevOps model. Previously, before the appearance of the DevSecOps methodology, software security testing was usually carried out at the very end of the process, after the product had already been released. DevSecOps fundamentally changes this approach by embedding security practices at every stage of development, not only when the product has been completed. This approach significantly increases the security of the development process and allows for the detection of a greater number of vulnerabilities. The DevSecOps methodology does not replace the existing DevOps model and processes but rather integrates additional tools into each stage. Just like DevOps, the DevSecOps model relies on a high degree of automation. Difference Between DevOps and DevSecOps Although DevOps and DevSecOps are very similar (the latter even uses the same development model as DevOps and largely depends on the same processes), the main difference between them is that the DevOps methodology focuses on building efficient processes between development, testing, and operations teams to achieve continuous and stable application delivery, while DevSecOps is focused exclusively on integrating security tools. While DevOps practices are concentrated on fixing development bugs, releasing updates regularly, and shortening the development life cycle, DevSecOps ensures information security. Stages of DevSecOps Since DevSecOps fully relies on DevOps, it uses the same stages as the DevOps model. The differences lie in the security measures taken and the tools used. Each tool is implemented and used strictly at its corresponding stage. Let’s consider these stages and the security measures applied at each of them. Plan Any development begins with planning the future project, including its architecture and functionality. The DevSecOps methodology is no exception. During the planning stage, security requirements for the future project are developed. This includes threat modeling, analysis and preliminary security assessment, and discussion of security tools to be used. Code At the coding stage, tools such as SAST are integrated. SAST (Static Application Security Testing), also known as “white-box testing”, is the process of testing applications for security by identifying vulnerabilities and security issues within the source code. The application itself is not executed; only the source code is analyzed. SAST also relies on compliance with coding guidelines and standards. Using SAST tools helps to identify and significantly reduce potential vulnerabilities at the earliest stage of development. Build At this stage, the program is built from source code into an executable file, resulting in an artifact ready for further execution. Once the program has been built, it is necessary to verify its internal functionality. This is where tools like DAST come into play. DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing), also known as “black-box testing”, is the process of testing the functionality of a built and ready application by simulating real-world attacks on it. The main difference from SAST is that DAST does not analyze source code (and does not even require it); instead, it focuses solely on the functions of the running application. Test At the testing stage within DevSecOps, the focus is not only on standard testing such as automated tests, functional tests, and configuration tests, but also on security-oriented testing. This includes: Penetration testing (“pentest”) Regression testing Vulnerability scanning The goal of testing is to identify as many vulnerabilities as possible before deploying the final product to the production environment. Release After product testing has been fully completed, the release and deployment to production servers are prepared. At this stage, the security role involves setting up user accounts for access to servers and necessary components (monitoring, log collection systems, web interfaces of third-party systems), assigning appropriate access rights, and configuring firewalls or other security systems. Deploy During the deployment stage, security checks continue, now focusing on the environments where the product is deployed and installed. Additional configuration and security policy checks are performed. Monitoring Once the release has been successfully deployed, the process of tracking the performance of the released product begins. Infrastructure monitoring is also performed, not only for production environments but also for testing and development environments. In addition to tracking system errors, the DevSecOps process is used to monitor potential security issues using tools such as intrusion detection systems, WAF (Web Application Firewall), and traditional firewalls. SIEM systems are used to collect incident data. DevSecOps Tools DevSecOps processes use a variety of tools that significantly increase the security of developed applications and the supporting infrastructure. The integrated tools automatically test new code fragments added to the system. Alongside commercial products, many open-source solutions are also used, some offering extended functionality. Typically, all tools are divided into the following categories: Static code analysis tools: SonarQube, Semgrep, Checkstyle, Solar appScreener. Dynamic testing tools: Aikido Security, Intruder, Acunetix, Checkmarx DAST. Threat modeling tools: Irius Risk, Pirani, GRC Toolbox, MasterControl Quality Excellence. Build-stage analysis tools: OWASP Dependency-Check, SourceClear, Retire.js, Checkmarx. Docker image vulnerability scanners: Clair, Anchore, Trivy, Armo. Deployment environment security tools: Osquery, Falco, Tripwire. Implementing DevSecOps Before adopting DevSecOps practices in your company, it should be noted that this process does not happen instantly; it requires a well-thought-out, long-term implementation plan. Before implementation, make sure your company meets the following criteria: A large development team is in place. Development follows the DevOps model. Automation is extensively used in development processes. Applications are developed using microservice architecture. Development is aimed at a fast time-to-market. The process of implementing DevSecOps consists of the following main stages: Preparatory Stage At this stage, project participants are informed about the main ideas of using the DevSecOps methodology. It is important to introduce employees to the new security practice, explain the main advantages of the DevSecOps model, and how it helps solve security challenges. This can be done through seminars or specialized courses. Current State Assessment At this stage, it is necessary to ensure that DevOps processes are already established within the team and that automation is widely used. It’s also important to understand the current development processes of your product, identify existing security issues, conduct threat modeling if necessary, and assess potential vulnerabilities. Planning the DevSecOps Implementation At this stage, decisions are made regarding which tools will be used, how the security process will be structured, and how it will be integrated with the existing development process. After successful completion of the familiarization and planning stages, you can begin pilot implementation of DevSecOps practices. Start small, with smaller teams and projects. This allows for faster and more effective evaluation before expanding to larger projects and teams, gradually scaling DevSecOps adoption. It’s also necessary to constantly monitor DevSecOps processes, identify problems and errors that arise during implementation. Each team member should be able to provide feedback and suggestions for improving and evolving DevSecOps practices. Advantages of Using DevSecOps The main advantage of implementing the DevSecOps methodology for business lies in saving time and costs associated with security testing by the information security department. DevSecOps also guarantees a higher level of protection against potential security problems. In addition, the following benefits are noted when using DevSecOps: Early Detection of Security Threats During Development When using the DevSecOps methodology, security tools are integrated at every stage of development rather than after the product is released. This increases the chances of detecting security threats at the earliest stages of development. Reduced Time to Market To accelerate product release and improve time-to-market, DevSecOps processes can be automated. This not only reduces the time required to release a new product but also minimizes human error. Compliance with Security Requirements and Regulations This requirement is especially important for developing banking, financial, and other systems that handle sensitive information, as well as for companies working with large datasets. It’s also crucial to consider national legal frameworks if the product is being developed for a country with specific data protection regulations. For example, the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) used in the European Union. Emergence of a Security Culture The DevSecOps methodology exposes development and operations teams more deeply to security tools and methods, thereby expanding their knowledge, skills, and expertise. Why DevSecOps Is Necessary The following arguments support the need to use the DevSecOps methodology in business: Security threats and issues in source code: Vulnerabilities and security problems directly related to the source code of developed applications. Source code is the foundation of any program, and thousands of lines may contain vulnerabilities that must be found and eliminated. Security threats in build pipelines: One of the key conditions of DevOps is the use of pipelines for building, testing, and packaging products. Security risks can appear at any stage of the pipeline. External dependency threats: Problems related to the use of third-party components (dependencies) during development, including libraries, software components, scripts, and container images. Security threats in delivery pipelines: Vulnerabilities in systems and infrastructure used to deliver applications, including both local and cloud components. Conclusion The DevSecOps methodology significantly helps increase the level of security in your DevOps processes. The model itself does not alter the existing DevOps concept; instead, it supplements it with continuous security practices. It is also important to note that DevSecOps does not explicitly dictate which tools must be used, giving full freedom in decision-making. A well-implemented DevSecOps process in your company can greatly reduce security risks and accelerate the release of developed products to market.