We clearly state this here: Please read this, before you start!
I understand that the post “Please read this before you start” might sound harsh to some people — but its message is neither arrogant nor unnecessary. It’s both realistic and important.
A public server isn’t just another computer you can set up and forget about. It’s permanently exposed to the internet — which means it’s constantly being scanned, probed, and attacked.
Running a server without basic knowledge of security, permissions, networking, updates, and backups doesn’t just put your own system at risk — it puts others at risk too:
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Such servers are often compromised within minutes.
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They end up being used for spam, DDoS attacks, or as part of a botnet.
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And then the owner wonders why “the server suddenly got so slow” or why their IP got blacklisted.
The HestiaCP team and community are not trying to gatekeep anyone. They’re simply setting expectations:
HestiaCP is not a substitute for system administration.
It’s a tool that makes management easier, not a safety net for missing knowledge.
If you put a server online, you take on responsibility — for its security, maintenance, and reliability.
And once you understand that, you’ll see why that pinned post exists.
It’s not meant to offend beginners, but to protect them (and everyone else) from the very real consequences of running an unmaintained, insecure system.