Security Tips: Minecraft Servers

Today we want to share some essential security tips for anyone managing Minecraft servers, whether it’s a small server with friends or a large network hosting hundreds of players. Security is crucial to protect your server’s integrity and ensure a smooth experience for you and your users. Here are some key recommendations to keep your server safe:

• Avoid downloading plugins from untrusted sources: It’s tempting to explore new plugins to add exciting features to your server, but always make sure they come from trusted sources. Avoid “leaked” plugins or unverified sites, as they may contain malicious code that can compromise your server and player data. While testing such plugins can be okay, using them in production can cause serious problems. For instance, we had a client running a Survival server with about 50 concurrent players who got hacked because of a leaked plugin. Their server and all progress were deleted, and the attackers demanded money to restore the files—essentially a ransomware attack.

  
  

• Be careful with “online-mode” settings: The online-mode parameter in your server configuration determines whether the server authenticates players via Minecraft’s authentication servers. Setting it to false allows players to connect without verification, leaving your server vulnerable. For example, anyone could impersonate an admin and gain OP. Only disable this setting if you are confident and have additional security measures like a properly configured authentication plugin (/register & /login).

• Protect your HolyHosting panel credentials: Never share your panel login details with anyone you don’t fully trust. Keep your server sub-accounts updated and secure.

  
  

• Use plugins to protect ports: If your server is part of a network, securing your ports is critical to prevent unauthorized access. Use security-focused plugins specifically designed to protect server ports and strengthen your network infrastructure.

  
  

• Keep plugins updated: Most modern plugins have auto-update features—always keep them enabled. New vulnerabilities can appear, so staying updated is key. For example, an older version of WorldGuard had the //calc command accessible to all players. One clever user crashed the server by calculating all decimals of π (pi), overloading the CPU. The fix was simple—block the command—but it’s a good reminder to keep plugins current.

  
  

• Maintain a robust backup system: A backup isn’t just a .zip file on your server. If an attacker gains access, they could delete it, or hardware failures could render it useless. Ideally, store daily backups offsite. HolyHosting provides a backup system saving your data in 27 locations simultaneously. If you prefer not to pay for this, use a plugin to store backups elsewhere or manually download them in addition to local copies.

  
  

Security is an ongoing process. Always stay alert for new vulnerabilities and threats.

If you have any questions about securing your Minecraft server, don’t hesitate to contact us through any convenient channel.

Stuffy @ HolyHosting