Свой VPN на VPS: полное руководство по настройке приватного сервера

Key highlights  

• Learn how to host your own VPN on a VPS with a step-by-step setup guide for OpenVPN and WireGuard. 
• Understand the pros and cons of self-hosting and when it’s not the right fit. 
• Compare top VPS hosting providers using a quick-reference table to select the best option for your needs. 
• Apply robust security measures to keep your VPS and VPN setup protected from common cyber threats. 
• Explore performance tips to ensure encrypted connection and safe access on all devices. 

Many commercial VPNs log your activity, throttle speeds or block certain protocols and locations. If you’re serious about privacy, hosting your own VPN on a virtual private server (VPS) is the way to go. It gives you complete control over your traffic and aligns well with modern VPN deployment hosting needs. 

You get to choose the encryption standards, firewall configuration and access controls with no third-party involvement. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of setting up your own VPN using a VPS. 

You’ll learn which protocol to choose, how to secure your remote server and avoid common setup mistakes. Whether you’re working remotely, managing internal tools or securing corporate network communications, this setup helps in protecting your traffic at every step. 

So, before you begin, it’s essential to understand how a Virtual Private Server (VPS) and a Virtual Private Network (VPN) work and why they complement each other so well. 

What is VPS for VPN and why does it matter? 

A VPS (Virtual Private Server) is a slice of a physical server with its own operating system, storage and dedicated resources. It runs independently from other virtual servers on the same hardware. That gives you root access, full software flexibility and consistent performance ideal for VPN deployment hosting with custom security settings. 

You can think of a VPS like renting your own private garage in a city. It’s isolated, secure and only you have the keys making it the ideal foundation for a private tunnel. 

Unlike shared hosting, a VPS doesn’t force you to share system resources with other users. You manage everything inside your own secure environment. 

Also read: What is VPS Hosting? Complete Guide to Virtual Private Servers 

What is a VPN? 

A VPN (Virtual Private Network), on the other hand, is a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet. It hides your IP address, protects your data in transit using transport layer security and lets you access content that might be blocked or restricted, functioning similarly to a proxy server but with stronger encryption.

Picture your internet connection as a car on a public highway. Without a VPN, it’s like driving with a visible license plate. Anyone (your ISP, advertisers, hackers, etc.) can see where you’re going. 

With a VPN, it’s like covering your license plate and driving through a private tunnel. Your destination and identity stay hidden. 

Most commercial VPNs route your traffic through third-party servers. A self-hosted VPN removes that dependency, giving you full visibility and control over how your traffic is routed. 

In short, you manage the IP address, location, authentication method and security protocols by yourself. 

Now that you understand how VPS and VPN work individually, let’s look at why combining them makes so much sense. 

What are the benefits of combining VPS and VPN? 

Hosting your VPN on a VPS provides stronger privacy, complete control and more consistent performance than most commercial providers. It’s a significant upgrade from relying on third-party VPN services. 

Here’s why this setup makes a real difference: 

1. You control all your traffic and data 

 All VPN traffic is routed through your own server. No third party can log, inspect or reroute your connection. This makes a VPS ideal for building a secure tunneling VPS setup tailored to your privacy needs. 

2. Choose the way you want to secure your VPN  

You can set your own encryption protocols, firewall rules, local network access rules and login methods. You’re never locked into pre-set configurations. 

3. Unrestricted access with no bandwidth or device limits 

Most VPN services cap speeds or restrict the number of devices. However, with VPS-hosted VPNs, you don’t face issues such as bandwidth throttling or limitations on the number of connected devices. 

4. You get a private, dedicated environment 

VPS hosting isolates your resources. Thus, you get a dedicated CPU, memory, storage and a unique IP address. 

5. It’s easy to scale over time 

Are you in need of more bandwidth or memory? Just upgrade your VPS plan. You won’t need to reconfigure everything from scratch. 

6. Your speeds stay consistent 

Commercial VPNs often slow down during peak hours. A VPS-based VPN offers more stable speeds and lower latency. 

These advantages make the VPS and VPN pairing one of the most reliable methods for protecting your internet connection. However, the setup must be done correctly from the start to achieve those results. 

Also read: What Are the Benefits of VPN? How VPNs Protect You | Bluehost 

What do you need before setting up a private VPN server? 

Before installing any VPN or configuring ports, ensure your VPS meets a few essential requirements. These provide a smooth and secure installation. 

Here’s what you need before hosting a VPN on a VPS: 

1. VPS hosting provider with secure access 

Choose a web hosting company that offers root or sudo access, SSH server login for secure remote access and control over firewall settings. Avoid hosts that limit server-level changes. 

2. Operating system  

Make sure you stick to stable Linux distributions. Ubuntu and Debian are two of the most popular Linux operating systems for VPN setups, thanks to their robust documentation and extensive community support. 

3. SSH key authentication 

Use public-private key pairs to access your VPS. It’s much safer than using a root password and helps in blocking brute-force attacks. 

4. VPN software  

You need to decide which protocolto use. Both OpenVPN and WireGuard support strong encryption, but WireGuard is lighter and easier to configure for modern setups. 

5. Root access or sudo privileges 

You’ll need full access to install packages, modify system files and configure users. Without this root access, setup won’t be possible. 

6. Updated server software 

Outdated software packages can expose security flaws. So, before installation, always run sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y to keep your server software current and secure. 

7. Enforced firewall rules 

Configure the rules to allow only VPN-related incoming traffic. Block unused ports and restrict access based on IP wherever possible. 

Once your server checks all these boxes, you’re ready to move on to the actual setup. That starts with choosing the right VPS hosting provider. 

How to host your own VPN using a VPS (step-by-step)? 

You can set up your own VPN on a VPS in just a few clear steps even without advanced server experience. The guide below provides a clear approach to installing and configuring a secure VPN. 

Step 1: Choose a secure VPS hosting provider  

Before setting up your VPN, selecting a reliable VPS server provider is essential. This choice impacts your VPN’s performance, security and scalability.  

So, to make your decision easier, here’s a quick comparison of some top VPS providers often used for hosting private VPNs: 

VPS provider	Uptime guarantee	Root access	Firewall tools	OS support
Bluehost	99.99%	Yes	Built-in	CentOS
Cloudzy	99.95%	Yes	Configurable	Ubuntu, Debian
Hostinger	99.90%	Yes	Manual setup	Ubuntu, CentOS
A2 Hosting	99.90%	Yes	Basic tools	Ubuntu, Debian
InMotion	99.99%	Yes	Advanced	Ubuntu, CentOS

Once you’ve reviewed the top options, you can now take a close look at the most critical factors to evaluate before finalizing your decision: 

1. Performance and reliability

• Uptime guarantee: Opt for VPS hosting providers that offer a minimum uptime guarantee of 99.9% to ensure your VPN remains accessible. 
• Hardware specifications: SSD storage, dedicated memory and sufficient CPU power are key to maintaining stable VPN speed and responsiveness. 

Bluehost VPS hosting plans are built with NVMe SSD storage, DDR5 RAM and AMD EPYC CPUs. Our setup delivers consistent speed for real-time encryption and traffic handling. 

Additionally, you get fully dedicated resources with guaranteed RAM and CPU, ensuring stable VPN performance at all times. 

2. Security features

• Data protection: Look for options such as (Distributed Denial of S,ervice) DDoS protection, regular backups and strict data handling policies that limit exposure risks. At Bluehost, we continuously monitor our infrastructure and apply proactive filtering to block volumetric attacks before they reach your server.
• Server isolation: A VPS with isolated resources keeps your data safe from other users on the same server. These VPS privacy features play a key role in ensuring that your VPN data stays secure and under your control. 

Also read: DDoS Protected VPS Hosting: Secure Your Website from Attacks 

3. Scalability

• Flexible resource plans: Select a provider that allows you to scale RAM, bandwidth or storage quickly as your VPN usage increases over time. 

4. Customer support

• 24/7 availability: Reliable customer support can be invaluable, especially during setup or troubleshooting. 
• Support channels: Verify if the provider offers multiple support channels, including live chat, ticketing and email support. This makes it easier for you to get your technical questions resolved quickly. 

5. Pricing and value

• Transparent pricing: Be wary of hidden fees. A clear billing structure is essential when comparing features and long-term options. 
• Trial periods: There are a few providers who offer trial periods or money-back guarantees. Hence, make sure you test their risk-free services to verify server compatibility with your VPN setup. 

6. Reputation and reviews

• User feedback: Research user reviews and testimonials to gauge the provider’s reliability and service quality. You can check platforms like Trustpilot which will reveal a few customers’ common pain points or standout features. 
• Industry standing: Established providers with a solid track record are often more dependable. Thus, look for VPS providers with a solid track record and reliable infrastructure to ensure stable, long-term performance. 

Now, once you’ve locked into a secure and reliable VPS provider, the next step is to prepare the server for your VPN setup. 

Step 2: Configure your server environment 

Before installing any VPN software, ensure that your VPS is adequately secured and configured. This step provides a stable foundation and limits exposure to basic threats. 

Important note: Below are the instructions for you to understand how to run the commands on your VPS command prompt: 

Open your VPS terminal by logging in via SSH. 

If you’re on: 

• Mac or Linux: Open the built-in Terminal app 
• Windows: Use an SSH client like PuTTY or Windows Terminal 

To connect, use this command in your terminal: 

ssh root@your-server-ip 

Replace your-server-ip with the actual IP address you received from your hosting provider. Press Enter. 

You may be prompted to accept a security key or enter your password. 

Once you’re in, you’ll see your VPS command prompt and that’s where you paste the commands that you see in the upcoming steps.  

1. Update system packages

Your VPS comes with pre-installed software, but it may not be up to date. Older packages often contain known vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit. 

Therefore, to fix this issue, run: 

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y 

This command retrieves the latest package list and automatically installs updates. You must complete this step immediately after logging in for the first time. 

2. Disable root login

The root user has complete control, which makes it a frequent target for brute-force attacks. Even a minor mishap, such as a stolen password, could expose your entire server. Hence, disabling direct root login is a safer option, which makes your server more secure and harder to breach. 

And for that,  

1. You need to first open the SSH config file: sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config. 
2. Find PermitRootLogin and change it to no. 
3. Save the file and restart SSH with sudo systemctl restart ssh. This update blocks remote root logins.  

3. Set up new SSH user with public key access

Instead of logging in as root, create a new user with admin privileges. This enhances access control and adds a layer of security. 

To create the user, run the following: 

sudo adduser vpnuser  
sudo usermod -aG sudo vpnuser 

This adds a user named vpnuser and gives them sudo rights to perform admin tasks. 

Now, set up an SSH key-based login for that user. This is more secure than passwords.  

Start by creating the .ssh folder: 

mkdir /home/vpnuser/.ssh 
nano /home/vpnuser/.ssh/authorized_keys 

Paste your public SSH key into the file. Then save and exit. 

Finally, set proper permissions: 

chown -R vpnuser:vpnuser /home/vpnuser/.ssh 
chmod 700 /home/vpnuser/.ssh 
chmod 600 /home/vpnuser/.ssh/authorized_keys 

Now, you can log in securely as vpnuser using your key without needing root access. 

With these three steps complete, your server is updated, protected and ready for VPN setup. Next, you’ll install the software that powers and secures your private connection. 

Step 3: Install your preferred VPN software 

This step covers two reliable VPN protocols, OpenVPN and WireGuard. Each of these offers different advantages based on setup complexity, performance and customization. Take a look: 

Option 1: Install OpenVPN (with Easy-RSA)

OpenVPN is a battle-tested protocol trusted for its strong encryption and flexibility across platforms. It runs well on most VPS setups. But with Bluehost VPS hosting solutions, you get faster speeds and smoother performance during encryption and traffic handling. 

To install OpenVPN along with Easy-RSA (a tool for generating encryption keys), run: 

sudo apt install openvpn easy-rsa -y 

This command downloads and installs both tools on your VPS. 

Next, create a new workspace for Easy-RSA: 

make-cadir ~/openvpn-ca 
cd ~/openvpn-ca 

Then, set up the environment: 

source vars 
./clean-all 
./build-ca 

• source vars: Loads Easy-RSA environment variables 
• ./clean-all: Clears any previous certificate data 
• ./build-ca: Generates your own Certificate Authority (CA), which you’ll use to create server and client keys 

You now have a basic setup for managing secure authentication keys.  

Option 2: Install WireGuard

WireGuard is a faster and simpler alternative to OpenVPN. It utilizes lightweight code and modern encryption, making it ideal for smaller servers or rapid deployments. 

To install it, run: 

sudo apt install wireguard -y 

Once installed, generate private and public keys for secure connections. And for that, use the following command: 

wg genkey | tee privatekey | wg pubkey > publickey  

• privatekey: Used by your server or client 
• publickey: Shared with peers to establish a secure handshake 

At this point, your VPN software is installed and ready to use. WireGuard’s minimal setup makes it easier to troubleshoot and maintain. But it won’t work until your server allows VPN traffic and supports secure file transfer protocol (SFTP).  

Therefore, let us look at ways to make your server accessible and ready for secure file transfers. 

How to prepare your server for access and file sharing? 

To make your VPN setup functional, you need to complete two quick tasks: 

1. configure the internal firewall and  
2. enable secure file transfers.  

This will ensure that your client devices can connect and download configuration files safely. 

1. Open VPN ports in your firewall

The firewall filters incoming requests and only allows approved traffic to gain access to your server. You need to open the correct UDP port based on the protocol you installed. 

Run the following: 

# For OpenVPN 
sudo ufw allow 1194/udp 
# For WireGuard 
sudo ufw allow 51820/udp 

Then keep your SSH access open as well and then activate the firewall if it’s not already enabled: 

sudo ufw allow OpenSSH 
sudo ufw enable 

This setup allows VPN connections to pass through while keeping administrative access protected. 

2. Use SFTP to transfer VPN files securely

Note: You won’t generate VPN configuration files, such as .ovpn or .conf, until the next step. Yet, you need to confirm at this point that secure file transfer is set up correctly. 

This ensures you can quickly and safely download those files once they’re ready. 

To prepare for this, use SFTP, which runs over your SSH connection and encrypts every transfer. 

To test the connection, run: 

sftp vpnuser@your-server-ip 

Replace your-server-ip with your actual VPS IP address. Log in using your SSH credentials. 

Once you generate VPN config files, you’ll eventually return here to download them securely to your device. 

All in all, this final step ensures that your server can communicate securely with end-user devices. 

Step 4: Set up authentication methods and users 

Since your server is prepared, it’s time to create secure user access. This step involves generating login credentials, sharing configuration files and adding two-factor authentication for network security. 

1. Generate client keys

A. If you’re using OpenVPN: 

• Begin by generating a client certificate and a corresponding private key. These are required for each user to connect to your VPN. 

To do this, run the below-mentioned command inside your Easy-RSA directory: 

cd ~/openvpn-ca 
source vars 
./build-key clientname 

Replace clientname with a unique name for each user or device. 

This process creates: 

• A client certificate 
• A private key 
• A shared TLS key 

Also read: How to Generate an SSH Public or Private Key 

You’ll use these files to configure the OpenVPN client on your device later. 

B. If you’re using WireGuard: 

• Begin by generating the client’s private and public key pair.  

Run the following inside your WireGuard directory: 

wg genkey | tee client-privatekey | wg pubkey > client-publickey 

This creates: 

• client-privatekey (used by the client) 
• client-publickey (added to the server’s config) 

These keys will be used in your WireGuard configuration files, allowing the server and client to identify and trust each other securely. 

2. Transfer configuration files safely

Once your keys or configuration files are ready, transfer them securely using SFTP. 

Start a secure file transfer session with this command: 

sftp vpnuser@your-server-ip 

After logging in, use your SSH key to navigate to the directory containing your .ovpn or .conf files. Then, download the files to your device. 

If you’re connecting from a mobile device, you can convert a WireGuard config file into a QR code for quick scanning. 

So, to generate the QR code in your terminal, run: 

qrencode -t ansiutf8 < client.conf 

This lets mobile VPN apps like WireGuard scan and import the connection instantly. 

3. Add optional two-factor authentication

To add another layer of login protection, enable two-factor authentication for OpenVPN users. 

Install the Google Authenticator PAM module by running the following: 

sudo apt install libpam-google-authenticator 

This sets up time-based verification codes linked to the user’s device. You’ll then configure your OpenVPN settings to prompt for both the user key and 6-digit code at login. 

Once these credentials are created and securely distributed, your VPN is almost ready to go live. In the next step, you’ll test the connection and set up basic monitoring to ensure stable and secure performance. 

Step 5: Test and monitor your VPN 

Now that your VPN is configured and users have access, it’s time to verify that everything works securely and runs without issues. 

1. Connect from a client device

Use a VPN client that matches your setup: 

• For OpenVPN, download the OpenVPN client for your platform. 
• For WireGuard, install the WireGuard client. 

Import the .ovpn or .conf file you downloaded earlier. Then, connect using the client. 

2. Confirm that your IP address is masked

To check if the VPN is working, visit https://whatismyipaddress.com before and after connecting to the VPN. 

If the IP changes to match your VPS location, your VPN is routing traffic correctly. 

You can also run this command locally (outside your VPS): 

curl ifconfig.me 

This will display your current public IP. 

3. Check for DNS leaks

Visit https://dnsleaktest.com and run either a standard or extended test. 

If your real ISP or country appears in the results, then that means DNS isn’t routed through the VPN. 

To resolve this issue, configure your client to use a trusted DNS service, such as Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Google DNS (8.8.8.8). 

4. Monitor resource usage and VPN logs

Keep an eye on your server’s performance to ensure stable, uninterrupted access for your VPN users. 

To view real-time statistics, such as CPU usage, memory and running processes, use htop. It provides a clean, color-coded interface: 

Run: htop 

If you don’t have htop installed yet, use the following command to add it: 

sudo apt install htop 

Next, review your VPN logs to verify connections and identify any potential issues. 

• For OpenVPN, view the latest log entries with: sudo cat /var/log/openvpn.log 
• For WireGuard, get a live status overview with: sudo wg show 

These outputs show active sessions and current connection status. They also display the amount of data being exchanged between your server and each device. If you don’t see any recent connection attempts, then the client may not have connected properly. 

5. Set up basic intrusion or uptime monitoring (optional)

To strengthen your server’s protection, consider installing lightweight intrusion detection systems that alert you to unusual activity or outages. You can start with Fail2Ban, which helps block brute-force login attempts on SSH and other services: 

For installing Fail2Ban, run: 

sudo apt install fail2ban 

Fail2Ban monitors system logs and temporarily bans IP addresses that exhibit malicious behavior. 

For remote monitoring, use tools like UptimeRobot or HetrixTools. These tools notify you if your VPN server goes offline or becomes unreachable in the form of email or SMS alerts. 

Now that you’ve learned how to host your VPN using a VPS, let us show you why our Bluehost VPS hosting is the right fit. 

Why choose Bluehost for secure VPS hosting? 

At Bluehost, we understand that setting up a private VPN requires more than just getting it online. It needs a server that stays secure, performs consistently and gives you complete control. That’s exactly what our VPS hosting is designed to deliver. Here’s what our VPS hosting offer:  

1. Full root access with built-in SSH and firewall tools 

Bluehost VPS plans offer full root access, providing you with complete control over your server environment. You can manage SSH keys, configure firewall rules and lock down your VPN server exactly the way you need. 

2. Free site migration and 24/7 VPS support 

Whether you’re switching hosts or starting fresh, we offer free migration to help you move quickly and safely. If you ever encounter an issue, our VPS-trained support team is available 24/7 to assist you with troubleshooting. 

3. Optimized speed with NVMe storage and DDR5 RAM 

Every VPS runs on modern AMD EPYC processors, fast DDR5 RAM and NVMe SSD storage. That means faster read/write speeds, lower latency and better performance for VPN traffic and real-time encryption. 

4. Fully dedicated resources for consistent performance 

Your VPS resources aren’t shared with anyone else. Hence, the CPU, RAM and storage are reserved for your use only.  

This will ensure that your VPN stays fast and consistently responsive. 

5. Reliable uptime and protection against DDoS threats 

We monitor uptime and proactively protect your server from DDoS attacks. Therefore, your VPN remains online, available and secure even under unexpected loads or traffic spikes. 

So, what’s stopping you? Launch your private VPN with Bluehost VPS and get a free domain for your first year.  

Once you’ve chosen a secure VPS hosting provider like Bluehost, your foundation is set. Now, it’s just as important to follow the right security practices to protect your VPN. 

What are the best practices for VPS security when hosting a VPN? 

Even after your VPN is up and running, you still need to maintain and monitor its security actively. These simple practices help you reduce risks and keep your server protected. 

1. Change the default SSH port 

Most attacks target port 22, which is the default SSH port on all servers. Changing this to a different number helps block automated brute-force attempts. 

To change the port: 

A. Open the SSH configuration file by running the command: 

sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config 

B. Find this line: 

#Port 22 

Remove the # and replace 22 with a number like 2222: 

Port 2222 

C. Save and exit the file (press Ctrl + X, then Y, then Enter). 

Then, 

D. Restart the SSH service with the command: 

sudo systemctl restart ssh 

E. Update your firewall to allow the new port or you’ll lose access: 

sudo ufw allow 2222/tcp 

2. Implement access control and firewalls 

Note: If you already set up UFW in Step 3, just review these rules and confirm they’re still active. 

To check which ports are currently allowed, run: 

sudo ufw status 

Now, allow only the essential ports based on your setup. 

If you changed your SSH port to something like 2222 and you’re using either OpenVPN or WireGuard, run: 

sudo ufw allow 2222/tcp 
sudo ufw allow 1194/udp  
sudo ufw allow 51820/udp  

• For OpenVPN: sudo ufw allow 1194/udp 
• For WireGuard: sudo ufw allow 51820/udp 

Make sure you run either of the above commands, depending on your VPN protocol. 

Next, set a default deny policy and enable the firewall: 

sudo ufw default deny incoming 
sudo ufw enable 

This will ensure that your server only allows the specific traffic needed to operate securely. 

3. Review user rights and disable unused services 

Every user and background service on your VPS can create a potential security risk. If an account or service is no longer needed, remove it. 

Step 1: List all user accounts

To see which users exist on your system, run: 

cut -d: -f1 /etc/passwd 

This lists all usernames, including system users. Look for those that you didn’t create or don’t recognize. 

Step 2: Remove unused users

To delete a user that’s not needed: 

sudo deluser username 

Replace username with the actual name you want to remove. Always double-check before deleting. 

Step 3: Check which services run at startup

Some services may start automatically and run in the background even if you don’t use them. 

To list all enabled services: 

sudo systemctl list-unit-files –type=service | grep enabled 

Look through the list. If you spot services unrelated to your VPN or basic server functions, you can disable them. 

Step 4: Disable unnecessary services

To stop and disable a service: 

sudo systemctl stop servicename 
sudo systemctl disable servicename 

Replace servicename with the actual name from your list. Disabling stops the service from starting after reboot. 

4. Set up automated backups 

A misstep, attack or system failure can wipe out your VPN settings. That’s why regular backups are essential. If you’re using Bluehost, you can add CodeGuard to your VPS plan for automated cloud backups and easy restore options. 

CodeGuard takes daily snapshots of your files and databases, letting you restore your server to a previous state with just a few clicks. It runs quietly in the background, ensuring that your VPN configurations, keys and custom settings are always protected. 

This is especially useful for VPN deployments where even minor misconfigurations can cause downtime or data loss. With CodeGuard, you reduce recovery time and avoid manual backup errors entirely. 

Hence, we recommend you to add CodeGuard to your Bluehost plan. This way your VPN gets daily backups and quick restore support when needed. 

Also read: How Do I Set Up CodeGuard? 

5.Install antivirus software or WAF (Web Application Firewall)

Even private VPN servers can be scanned, attacked or infected. A basic antivirus or WAF gives you a strong first layer of defense. 

Option 1: Install antivirus software

Antivirus software monitors your server for known threats, such as malware, rootkits and trojans. They detect infections early and stop threats from spreading through your server environment. 

One of the most trusted open-source tools is ClamAV. It’s a lightweight tool and is ideal for VPS security. 

To install ClamAV on your server, run: 

sudo apt install clamav -y 

ClamAV gives you the ability to scan directories and files for potential threats. 

Another thing to be wary of is that, before scanning, ensure the virus definition database is updated. 

Hence, run: 

sudo freshclam 

This will keep your database updated and help ClamAV accurately identify the latest malware signatures. 

Next, you scan a specific folder with the command: 

sudo clamscan -r /etc 

This particular command checks the entire /etc directory for any infected or suspicious files. You can replace /etc with the path to any folder you want to scan, such as your VPN configuration directory. 

Option 2: Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF)

A WAF filters traffic before it reaches your server applications. It blocks suspicious requests that may try to exploit software vulnerabilities or scan for open ports. 

If your VPS hosts a web dashboard, admin panel or login interface, a Web Application Firewall (WAF) can help block malicious traffic. 

To implement that protection effectively on Apache servers, one widely used option is ModSecurity. It is an open-source WAF that integrates seamlessly and offers customizable traffic filtering. 

To install ModSecurity, run: 

sudo apt install libapache2-mod-security2 -y 

This command installs ModSecurity on your VPS and configures it to work with the Apache server. 

After installation, restart Apache to activate the WAF with the command: 

sudo systemctl restart apache2 

Restarting the Apache server activates ModSecurity, allowing it to monitor the HTTP requests immediately. By default, it runs in detection mode, which means it logs suspicious activity without blocking anything.  

This allows you to monitor traffic safely before implementing stricter rules. 

Having said all this, a VPS can offer strong protection and stable performance for your VPN when properly secured. But before deciding to self-host, it’s essential to weigh the trade-offs clearly. 

What are the pros and cons of using a VPS for VPN?  

Hosting your own VPN with a VPS gives you more control than using a commercial VPN service. However, there are a few downsides to consider before using a VPS for a VPN. 

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide if it meets your needs.  

Pros	Cons
Complete control over VPN configuration and access.	Requires basic server management and Linux knowledge.
Better privacy with no third-party tracking.	Mistakes in setup can expose sensitive data.
Supports advanced protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard.	Ongoing maintenance and updates are your responsibility.
Often cheaper long-term than premium VPN services.	No built-in customer support for VPN-specific issues.
Faster speeds with dedicated resources.	May violate the terms of service with some VPS providers.

Weighing these trade-offs helps you make a smarter decision. But control and privacy aren’t the only things that matter. 

In some cases, self-hosting a VPN can be more trouble than it’s worth, especially if your needs are occasional or short-term. 

When should you not self-host a VPN? 

Self-hosting isn’t for everyone. In fact, there are a few common scenarios where using a VPS for your VPN may not be the right thing to do. Let’s walk through each one of them.  

1. You only need a VPN occasionally 

Setting up and maintaining a VPS-based VPN takes time. If you just want quick protection on public Wi-Fi, a commercial VPN is a more convenient option. 

2. Unfamiliar with server administration 

Managing a VPS means handling Linux commands, updates and troubleshooting. If you’re not familiar with server management, even a small setup mistake can expose your VPN to security risks. 

3. You don’t have enough time for maintenance 

A self-hosted VPN isn’t a one-time job. You’ll need to monitor traffic, update software and respond to any alerts. 

4. Under prepared for security threats 

Misconfigurations can lead to data leaks. If you can’t spot or respond to unusual activity, your VPN might do more harm than good. 

5. Your VPS provider prohibits VPN usage 

Not all VPS hosts allow VPNs. Always check their terms of service to avoid suspension or violations. 

Final thoughts 

Hosting your own VPN on a VPS gives you complete control over your privacy. You decide how your data is handled without relying on a third party. 

While the setup requires some initial effort, it yields a secure and private connection tailored to your specific needs. With the right tools, maintaining your server and VPN becomes a routine task. 

Thus, Bluehost offers VPS hosting designed for your high-security projects. Additionally, you get complete root access, built-in firewall tools and reliable expert support. 

Whether you’re securing business data or streaming without restrictions, our platform gives you the control and reliability you need. Set up your VPN on a Bluehost VPS with ease and get 24/7 expert support whenever you need it. 

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