5 Ways to Keep Your VPS Safe from Phishing & Malware

Running a VPS gives you full control and flexibility, but it also means you’re responsible for keeping it secure. One of the biggest threats in 2025 continues to be phishing and malware attacks. These threats can compromise your VPS, steal data, or even turn your server into a botnet.

At Hosteons, we provide the tools and freedom to secure your VPS, but it’s up to you to take the right precautions. Here are 5 proven ways to protect your VPS from phishing and malware attacks.


1. 🔑 Use Strong Authentication

Phishing often targets weak credentials.

  • Disable password logins for SSH and use SSH key authentication.
  • Set up 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) for control panels and CMS logins.
  • Regularly update and rotate your passwords if they’re in use.

2. 🛡 Install Firewalls & Intrusion Prevention

A firewall blocks suspicious traffic before it reaches your VPS.

  • Use UFW (Ubuntu) or CSF (CentOS/AlmaLinux) to control access.
  • Install Fail2Ban to detect and block repeated login attempts.
  • Consider a Web Application Firewall (WAF) for website protection.

3. ⚡ Keep Software & Applications Updated

Outdated software is one of the most common malware entry points.

  • Regularly update your OS, web server, CMS, and plugins.
  • Remove unused or outdated packages.
  • Automate updates where possible for security patches.

4. 🧹 Scan & Monitor Your VPS Regularly

Detect malware before it causes damage.

  • Use tools like ClamAV or Maldet to scan files.
  • Monitor logs with Logwatch or real-time monitoring solutions.
  • Set up alerts for unusual activity such as high CPU usage or unexpected traffic spikes.

5. 📂 Backup & Recovery Plan

Even with strong defenses, no system is 100% safe.

  • Schedule automated backups of your VPS.
  • Store backups on remote servers or cloud storage.
  • Test your restore process so you can recover quickly if attacked.

🚀 How Hosteons Helps You Stay Secure

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

  • Full root access to implement custom security measures
  • High-speed 10Gbps ports for secure, fast transfers
  • Easy-to-use control panel with Virtualizor for backup management
  • Privacy-first hosting with No-KYC signups
  • Flexible payment options, including crypto and local gateways

✅ Conclusion

Phishing and malware attacks are not going away, but with the right precautions, you can keep your VPS safe. By combining strong authentication, firewalls, updates, monitoring, and backups, you’ll minimize risks and ensure your VPS stays reliable and secure.

At Hosteons, we give you the infrastructure and freedom to protect your VPS your way.

👉 Explore our VPS & VDS hosting plans: https://hosteons.com

Brute-Force Attacks Explained and How to Prevent Them

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

How to Protect Your VPS from Hackers in 2025

Virtual Private Server (VPS) gives you power, control, and flexibility for hosting your websites, apps, or projects. But with great control comes great responsibility — and in 2025, cyberattacks are more sophisticated than ever. To keep your VPS safe, you need to apply strong security measures right after deployment and maintain them regularly.

At Hosteons, we encourage all VPS users to take security seriously. Here’s how to protect your VPS from hackers in 2025.


🔑 1. Use Strong Authentication

  • Change the default SSH port from 22 to something less predictable.
  • Disable password-based logins and switch to SSH key authentication.
  • Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts if passwords are unavoidable.

🔒 2. Keep Software Updated

Hackers often exploit outdated software. Run regular updates on your VPS:

apt update && apt upgrade -y   # Ubuntu/Debian  
yum update -y                  # CentOS/AlmaLinux  

Enable automatic security updates where possible.


🛡 3. Configure a Firewall

Set up firewalls like UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) or CSF to allow only necessary traffic and block everything else. Combine it with Fail2Ban to automatically block suspicious IPs.


🚨 4. Monitor and Audit Logs

Use tools like LogwatchGoAccess, or external monitoring systems to watch login attempts, unusual traffic, and system resource spikes. Early detection helps prevent breaches.


👤 5. Limit Root Access

  • Create a separate user with sudo privileges.
  • Disable direct root login via SSH.
  • Use role-based access if multiple people manage the server.

🔐 6. Secure Applications and Databases

  • Keep web apps, CMS platforms (like WordPress), and plugins up to date.
  • Restrict database access to localhost unless remote access is absolutely required.
  • Use strong credentials for MySQL/MariaDB and any control panels.

📦 7. Enable Regular Backups

Even with the best defenses, no system is 100% secure. Automated backups ensure you can recover quickly in case of a hack, data corruption, or accidental deletion.


🌐 8. Consider a WAF or DDoS Protection

Adding a Web Application Firewall (WAF) or enabling DDoS mitigation can stop malicious traffic before it reaches your VPS. Cloudflare and other providers offer affordable protection options.


🚀 Why Choose Hosteons for a Secure VPS?

At Hosteons, we provide VPS hosting with:

  • Full root access so you can configure security your way
  • 10Gbps network ports for reliable performance
  • No-KYC signups for privacy-conscious users
  • Global locations in the US and EU for low-latency access

👉 Explore our VPS & VDS plans here:


✅ Conclusion

Hackers are always looking for new ways to exploit vulnerable servers, but by following these security steps, you can significantly reduce risks. In 2025, protecting your VPS means combining basic hardening techniques, continuous monitoring, and proactive backups.

With the right precautions, your VPS will remain secure, reliable, and hacker-resistant.

Top Security Steps You Should Take After Buying a VPS

Virtual Private Server (VPS) gives you power, flexibility, and control over your hosting environment. But with that control comes responsibility — especially when it comes to security. Right after you deploy a VPS, there are essential steps you should take to protect it from hackers, malware, and unauthorized access.

At Hosteons, we want our customers to stay secure from day one. Here’s a checklist of the top security steps you should take after purchasing a VPS.


🔑 1. Change the Default SSH Port

Most VPS servers use port 22 for SSH access by default, which makes it an easy target for brute-force attacks. Change it to a non-standard port for better protection.


🔒 2. Set Up SSH Keys Instead of Passwords

Using passwords alone is risky. Instead, configure SSH key authentication. This ensures only devices with the correct private key can access your VPS.


🛡 3. Configure a Firewall

Install and configure a firewall like UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) or CSF (ConfigServer Security & Firewall) to block unauthorized traffic and allow only the services you need.


🚨 4. Install Fail2Ban

Fail2Ban helps prevent brute-force attacks by banning IPs that show malicious behavior, such as repeated failed login attempts.


📦 5. Keep Your System Updated

Always run system updates regularly:

apt update && apt upgrade -y   # Ubuntu/Debian  
yum update -y                  # CentOS/AlmaLinux  

This ensures you have the latest security patches.


👤 6. Create a Non-Root User

Running everything as root is risky. Create a regular user account with sudo privileges to reduce exposure if compromised.


🔐 7. Secure Critical Services

  • Disable unused services to reduce entry points.
  • Restrict database access to localhost unless remote access is absolutely necessary.
  • Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts.

📂 8. Enable Automatic Backups

Even with strong security, accidents can happen. Enable automated VPS backups through the Virtualizor panel or cron jobs to ensure you can recover quickly.


🚀 Bonus: Use Monitoring Tools

Set up monitoring tools like Logwatch or integrate with external monitoring services to get alerts about suspicious activity.


✅ Conclusion

Securing your VPS right after purchase is the most important step you can take to protect your data, applications, and users. By following this checklist, you’ll reduce risks and keep your server safe from the start.

At Hosteons, we provide VPS with 10Gbps ports, multiple global locations, and full root access, giving you the flexibility to apply all these security best practices easily.

👉 Explore our VPS plans today: