Is a VPS safe?
A VPS runs on a shared physical machine, but each VPS is isolated from the others. The provider protects the network and the hardware, for example with DDoS protection and monitoring. What happens inside your VPS is your job: the system, the software and the passwords.
A short checklist
- Update the system often:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade. - Use strong passwords and SSH keys, not just passwords.
- Do not log in as root. Create a user with sudo rights and turn off the root login over SSH.
- Use a firewall and open only the ports you need (UFW or firewalld).
- Turn off services you do not use.
- Install a protection tool such as Fail2Ban to block repeated bad logins.
- Take backups and keep a copy off the server.
- Use SSL/TLS for websites, email and panels.
- Watch the logs for odd logins and errors.
- Keep your applications updated, for example WordPress and its plugins.
For details, see our guide "Effective Ways for Securing Your Linux VPS".
Quick recap
- The provider protects the network, you protect the server inside.
- Update, use SSH keys, a firewall and Fail2Ban.
- Back up regularly.