Tag: CSF Firewall

Brute-Force Attacks Explained and How to Prevent Them

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One of the most common threats faced by servers and websites today is the brute-force attack. Whether you’re hosting a blog, an e-commerce store, or applications on a VPS, understanding brute-force attacks is essential for keeping your data and users safe.

At Hosteons, we take server security seriously and encourage all customers to harden their VPS right after deployment. Here’s everything you need to know about brute-force attacks — and how to prevent them.

🔎 What Is a Brute-Force Attack?

A brute-force attack is when hackers try to guess login credentials by repeatedly attempting different combinations of usernames and passwords. They use automated tools that can test thousands (even millions) of combinations in minutes.

The goal is simple: gain unauthorized access to your VPS, control panel, CMS (like WordPress), or email accounts.

⚠️ Why Brute-Force Attacks Are Dangerous

  • Unauthorized Access – Hackers can gain root or admin access.
  • Data Theft – Sensitive customer or business data may be stolen.
  • Malware Installation – Attackers may install ransomware or backdoors.
  • Resource Overload – Constant login attempts can overload your server.

🛡 How to Prevent Brute-Force Attacks

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Avoid simple or repeated passwords. Use a password manager to generate and store complex credentials.

2. Enable SSH Key Authentication

For VPS access, disable password logins and use SSH keys instead. This makes brute-force attempts nearly impossible.

3. Change Default Ports

Move services like SSH (default port 22) or RDP (default port 3389) to non-standard ports to reduce automated attack attempts.

4. Install Fail2Ban or CSF

These tools monitor login attempts and automatically ban IPs showing suspicious activity.

5. Limit Login Attempts

Configure your CMS or control panel to lock accounts after too many failed attempts.

6. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Adding an extra verification step ensures attackers can’t get in even if they guess the password.

7. Monitor Logs Regularly

Check your server logs to detect unusual login attempts early.

8. Keep Software Updated

Outdated software often has vulnerabilities that brute-force bots exploit.

🚀 How Hosteons Helps Keep You Secure

When you choose Hosteons VPS or VDS hosting, you get:

  • Full root access to configure strong security
  • Ability to install Fail2Ban, CSF, or WAFs
  • Support for 10Gbps ports to handle high traffic securely
  • No-KYC hosting with privacy-friendly payment options
  • Global server locations with reliable infrastructure

✅ Conclusion

Brute-force attacks are one of the oldest tricks in the hacker’s playbook, but they remain a serious threat. The good news? With a few proactive steps like using SSH keys, enabling firewalls, and monitoring logs, you can effectively protect your VPS and websites.

At Hosteons, we provide the tools and flexibility to secure your hosting environment from day one.

👉 Explore our VPS and VDS plans today: https://hosteons.com

🔐 Secure Your VPS Like a Pro: 6 Simple Firewall Rules That Block 90% of Attacks

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Running a VPS gives you full control — but it also comes with responsibility. Whether you’re hosting with a budget VPS or a high-performance Ryzen VDS from Hosteons, security should always be a top priority.

Automated bots and malicious actors are constantly scanning servers looking for open doors. The good news? With just a few simple firewall rules, you can block 90% or more of common attacks — no advanced security knowledge needed.

🚧 Step 1: Deny All by Default

Your firewall should start from a “zero trust” position. Block all incoming traffic unless explicitly allowed.

iptables -P INPUT DROP
iptables -P FORWARD DROP
iptables -P OUTPUT ACCEPT

This is the safest starting point for VPS security.

✅ Step 2: Open Only the Ports You Need

For most users, these are the essential services:

iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 22 -j ACCEPT   # SSH
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -j ACCEPT   # HTTP
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -j ACCEPT  # HTTPS

If you’re using a custom SSH port, be sure to update that here.

🛡️ Step 3: Rate-Limit SSH to Stop Brute-Force Attacks

SSH is the most frequently targeted service. Add a rate-limiting rule to block repeated login attempts:

iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 22 -m state --state NEW -m recent --set
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 22 -m state --state NEW -m recent --update --seconds 60 --hitcount 3 -j DROP

This prevents bots from guessing passwords through brute force.

🧼 Step 4: Drop Invalid or Malicious Packets

Invalid packets are often used in scanning or attack attempts. Drop them:

iptables -A INPUT -m state --state INVALID -j DROP

This helps prevent certain types of kernel-level exploits and misbehavior.

🔁 Step 5: Allow Loopback and Established Connections

Let your server communicate with itself and continue existing sessions:

iptables -A INPUT -i lo -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -m state --state ESTABLISHED,RELATED -j ACCEPT

Without these, things like internal services and return traffic might break.

👀 Step 6: (Optional) Block Ping (ICMP)

Ping isn’t harmful by itself, but attackers use it to detect live servers. You can hide yours:

iptables -A INPUT -p icmp --icmp-type echo-request -j DROP

Note: avoid this if you use ping-based monitoring tools.

💡 Bonus: Use CSF for Easier Firewall Management

Not comfortable with command-line tools? Hosteons VPS plans fully support CSF (ConfigServer Security & Firewall)— a beginner-friendly, feature-rich firewall system with:

  • Easy interface via DirectAdmin
  • Built-in brute-force detection
  • Country-level blocking
  • Port scan detection
  • Daily logs and alerts

Perfect for users who want simplicity without sacrificing power.

🔄 Don’t Forget to Save Your Rules

After setting your rules, make sure they persist after a reboot.

On Ubuntu/Debian:

iptables-save > /etc/iptables/rules.v4

On CentOS/RHEL:

Use iptables-save along with persistent packages, or configure firewalld.

🔐 VPS Security Starts with You

Whether you’re running a personal blog, game server, or production site on a VPS from Hosteons, implementing basic firewall rules should be your first line of defense.

These 6 rules are easy to set up and highly effective. For extra protection, consider:

  • Enabling fail2ban
  • Using SSH keys instead of passwords
  • Running regular security updates

At Hosteons, we offer high-performance, SSD-powered KVM VPS and Ryzen VDS backed by robust network security and full root access — so you’re always in control.

🔒 Ready to launch your secure VPS?

👉 Explore our VPS plans now