Having a VPS server is like having a pet—you need to give updates, secure updates, and monitor for bad things. Overall the threat level seems to be heightened lately, and some pretty scary new trends were reported in September 2025. Let’s discuss a couple of major threats to be aware of right now.
Ransomware
Ransomware threats today don't just lock up the files anymore—they can infiltrate the entire VPS operating system. A hacker can lock you out, demand ransom, and if you don't have backups, you are stuck with a lost or compromised site. I know someone who lost an online store this way. Would you like to avoid that stress? Always have backups.
Login Attacks
Hackers are using AI bots to guess logins now. These bots are smarter than older brute force attacks because they actually learn and adapt. A strong login isn't enough anymore, and you should have two-step login (or Multi-Factor Authentication) for safety.
Fake Software Updates
Rather than breaking in directly, hackers sometimes take a "back door" approach by attacking you with compromised software updates or plugins. They embed malware into the software we trust in order to gain access to our servers. Ever had a piece of software update that you then wished you hadn’t? That’s how good malware gets into your server.
Zero-Day Bugs
Zero-day bugs are new bugs in a popular piece of VPS software that hackers find before the companies responsible for the software are able to respond and fix. If you don’t keep your software updated, it will remain vulnerable to attacks. Just waiting a couple of days can make your VPS a very attractive target.
Easy Misconfigurations During Set Up
Believe it or not, the biggest risk is often human error. People leave default passwords, let's a port open, or just forget to set firewall rules. I once had a VPS that I was testing and let it become public and was discovered by bots in a matter of hours. Hackers don’t waste any time, they are looking for easy mistakes to exploit.
Conclusion
Here is the takeaway. This month VPS security is as risky as it's ever been. Ransomware, smart bots, software traps, zero-day bugs, and just dumb mistakes are waiting to attack. The best way to be safe: patch regularly, backup your data, and lock down your server.