Protect Your VPS from Brute Force Attacks

A Virtual Private Server (VPS) is a popular choice for businesses due to its balance of performance and cost. However, like any other server, it requires protection against brute force attacks. A brute force attack involves repeated attempts to guess a user's password and gain unauthorized access to their account. This can compromise server data and take complete control of the server.

First, buy VPS from a reputable provider that includes security essentials. Gaining more information about this choice can simplify your decision-making process. Then, use complex passwords, enable 2FA authentication, and Disable Root Server Logins to make your server as secure as possible.

What is a Brute Force Attack?

A brute force attack occurs when hackers try combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols through trial and error to discover usernames and passwords for unauthorized access. This attack is the most common hacking attack that can be successfully carried out due to the vulnerability of login credentials and the authentication system.

Consequences of a Brute Force Attack

If you do not take the necessary precautions, a brute force attack can have the following consequences:

1. Unauthorised access to your server.
2. Data loss or theft.
3. Complete control of your server.

Therefore, consider buying a secure VPS and implementing solutions to prevent hackers from using the server to perform malicious actions.

10 Best Practices to Prevent Brute Force Attacks on VPS

Brute force attacks deal with the login and authentication process of user accounts, so solutions to prevent these attacks should also be in the area of:

1. Use Unique and Complex Passwords
• Set a complex and unguessable password for the account.
• Update passwords every 60 to 90 days to enhance their security and make them harder to guess or crack.
2. Restrict Root Access and Disable Root Logins
• Disable root login for regular users and create a dedicated administrator account with limited privileges.
• Limited the number of administrators with root access to reduce the risk of unauthorized access and maintain server security.
3. Use SSH Keys for Authentication
• The public key is added to the VPS, while the private key is stored on your local machine.
• This makes it harder for hackers to access your server.
4. Use Brute Force Attack Detection Tools
• Tools like Windows Defender Firewall and RdpGuard can help prevent brute-force attacks on Windows OS.
• Tools like Fail2Ban and DenyHosts can block IPs suspected of brute force attacks on Linux OS.
5. Keep Operating System And Applications Updated
• This will provide positive changes such as improved security, performance, and compatibility.
6. Monitor Logs and React to Suspicious Activities Regularly
• Use automated monitoring tools and real-time notifications to speed up the process of detecting unusual patterns and remediating threats.

What To Do After A Successful Brute Force Attack?

If you detect a successful brute force attack, take the following actions immediately:

1. Implement all the previously reviewed solutions to make your VPS more resistant to such attacks.
2. Try to make a radical decision and buy VPS from a more reliable and secure provider.

Brute-force attacks involve repeated attempts to discover login credentials. If successful, these attacks can disrupt the entire state and performance of the VPS. So, try to implement the solutions introduced to eliminate your server's vulnerabilities to a large extent. This will allow you to continue using the server in a more secure and stable state.