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Outdated software often has vulnerabilities that brute-force bots exploit.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