Managing your own VPS (Virtual Private Server) is not as easy as it was in the past. Security risks are always evolving, and everyone is now talking about Zero-Trust and Confidential VMs. But the real question is whether we need them or if it's just marketing hype.
I have been using VPS for years; inexpensive VPS for side projects and larger VPS for work. And no matter how much care you take, there is always a random error log that makes you think, "Oh no, did I get hacked?"
Reasons for the benefits:
• Hackers can't move easily if they breach the system
• Account abuse is more difficult
• Every action is verified each time.
Doesn't that sound nice? Here's the bad news: there is so much involved in the setup. If the VPS is just hosting a small blog or personal project, do you need that again?
Why does that matter?
• Protect your data at the hardware level.
• It's a great option for something sensitive: medical, financial, or governmental information.
• You don't have to trust your VPS provider completely.
But let's be real; if you are a tiny online store, or even just a game server then it is probably overkill. One last thing to think about is that typically you end up paying more for VPS for the extra layer of security, which you most likely won’t ever need.
Most users of a VPS can count on basic, easy and secure user tools rather than new technology:
• Keep your OS up to speed.
• Use SSH keys vs. passwords.
• Never give root access.
• Review your logs.
If you are using those's things , then by all means play with Zero-Trust tools or Confidential VMs but only if your project needs it!
Don't follow some tech that you don't need!
I have been using VPS for years; inexpensive VPS for side projects and larger VPS for work. And no matter how much care you take, there is always a random error log that makes you think, "Oh no, did I get hacked?"
What Zero-Trust Actually Means
Zero-Trust is just the idea of: don't trust any one thing by default. Even a user who logs in will be authenticated and the system verifies the actions of the user and the requests, processes.Reasons for the benefits:
• Hackers can't move easily if they breach the system
• Account abuse is more difficult
• Every action is verified each time.
Doesn't that sound nice? Here's the bad news: there is so much involved in the setup. If the VPS is just hosting a small blog or personal project, do you need that again?
Understanding Confidential VMs
Confidential VMs are a newer concept that encrypt all data at rest, in use, even when the CPU is processing the data in memory. This means that no one, not even your cloud provider or that "sneaky" system administrator, will have the ability to view your data.Why does that matter?
• Protect your data at the hardware level.
• It's a great option for something sensitive: medical, financial, or governmental information.
• You don't have to trust your VPS provider completely.
But let's be real; if you are a tiny online store, or even just a game server then it is probably overkill. One last thing to think about is that typically you end up paying more for VPS for the extra layer of security, which you most likely won’t ever need.
My Perspective: Don't Over-Complicate It
Here's my perspective: Zero-Trust or Confidential VMs is excellent technology, but it isn't for everyone.Most users of a VPS can count on basic, easy and secure user tools rather than new technology:
• Keep your OS up to speed.
• Use SSH keys vs. passwords.
• Never give root access.
• Review your logs.
If you are using those's things , then by all means play with Zero-Trust tools or Confidential VMs but only if your project needs it!
Don't follow some tech that you don't need!