Minimizing The Security Risks Associated With Console Management

Minimizing The Security Risks Associated With Console Management

Anybody responsible for running a large network, whether that be of servers in a data center or terminals in a corporate office, knows the time-saving abilities a properly set up console management system can provide. Time savings lead to cost savings, and for a department that is running on a tight budget (as more and more IT departments seem to be these days), even moderate cost savings can be beneficial. A console server is usually an expensive piece of kit, but this is sometimes necessary for mission-critical applications; and being able to replace several admin staff with one to control several servers from one location, means the cost is often justifiable.

A high-level view of a console management system is simply that of one or more management servers connected by Ethernet (or more usually serial) link to the servers that need to be remotely managed. One administrator can then remotely access each individual machine, install software or updates or, in the event of crashed machine, reboot it.

There are multiple ways you can set the system up, depending on what OS you are running and how much security needs to be built into the system. The best way to ensure extremely high levels of security is to make the console server only accessible by having the user sitting in front of it, accessing it with a keyboard. However, this is not always practical.

Instead, if you do need to access the system over the internet, the most secure way to set up is to have a separate IP address for external use, which is kept private. If possible, the only port that should be left open to the world is one for accessing the system via SSH, and this should not be on the standard port 22; choose a different, random number. The admins that need to access the console sever from an external location should log in using SSH, both using a public/private key and a password.

For an additional layer of security, your firewall should be on a separate server, between the console system and the internet connection. By default, you should block access to every application on every port and then re-enable access as you see the need. If your admin staff needs to access the system from home, they should try to subscribe to an internet connection with a static IP address. Although it is not always possible, by using this type of setup, the administrator can then register these addresses in the firewall and access from any other addresses can be blocked.

Console management can provide large cost savings and make your company more efficient. However, as with any similar type of technology, it opens up your systems to potential misuse. By being smart and ensuring the systems are properly secured, you will minimize any associated risk.

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