5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Managing a VPS 

Virtual private server (VPS) hosting has become a popular choice for growing businesses. It offers more resources, tighter security, and room to scale than shared hosting, all at a fraction of the dedicated server cost. 

However, simply choosing VPS isn’t enough. To truly maximize its efficiency and profitability, you require a smart strategy to use its resources efficiently. Otherwise, you're essentially investing in a sophisticated virtual box without reaping the benefits. 

This blog delves into five common mistakes to avoid when managing a VPS to ensure maximum efficiency and profitability for your business. 

5 common mistakes to avoid when managing a VPS 

1.Overlooking updates 

You might have heard this VPS managing mistake hundreds of times, but keeping your server up-to-date is essential. Imagine owning an old, rusty car. You might still drive the car, but it's more likely to break down, leaving you stranded and unsafe. Similarly, having outdated software on your server can expose it to vulnerabilities, making it susceptible to attacks and security breaches. 

Therefore, it is imperative to regularly check for and install updates to optimize your server's software. These updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities and improve performance. 

Many monitoring tools like Nagios and Zabbix are available to help you streamline updates. It automates updates for your server and scans potential problems, alerting you if anything goes wrong. 

In addition to server updates, keep track of updates for any third-party applications you've installed on your server. These applications can also introduce vulnerabilities if not kept up-to-date.  

If tracking updates and maintaining your server feels daunting, consider opting for a managed VPS hosting plan. With managed hosting, the hosting provider takes care of all the server updates and allows you to focus on other aspects of your business. 

READ: A Complete Guide to VPS Hosting: Here’s All You Need to Know 

2.Avoiding backups 

Imagine losing your precious memories, work documents, or critical business data - a nightmare! Regular backups are essential to safeguard your data and prevent potential loss.  

While many hosting providers offer automated backup solutions, there’s no need to worry if yours doesn’t. You can manually schedule regular backups to ensure the safety of your information. 

Tools like Acronis can be helpful for this purpose. It not only automates regular backups but also compresses, encrypts, and stores your data securely, leaving no room for concerns.  

Another great strategy to prevent data loss is storing it in multiple locations like cloud storage, external hard drives, or separate servers. This method ensures at least one copy survives if a mishap occurs. 

Moreover, regularly verify the accuracy of your data backups. A proactive approach to data storage pays off in the long run and provides peace of mind.  

3.Overloading your resources 

Another common VPS managing mistake website owners make is overloading it with too many websites or applications. This can lead to performance issues, slower loading times, and an increased risk of crashes due to resource constraints. 

To avoid overloading resources, consider these strategies: 

• If you need more resources, consider scaling up your VPS plan. More RAM, CPU cores, and improved memory will avoid excessive resource utilization and future-proof your hosting for expected growth. 

• Another way to alleviate resource strain is optimizing the VPS hosting environment. This involves implementing caching, utilizing a content delivery network, setting up a reverse proxy, and optimizing your website code. These measures can help you utilize resources efficiently.  

• Regularly monitor your VPS environment to identify and resolve resource bottlenecks. Implement resource limits to prevent over-usage and ensure smooth operation. 

• Select a hosting provider that can handle your traffic volume and resource needs. If your current provider struggles with your requirements, consider migrating to another hosting service. 

4.Taking security for granted 

VPS hosting offers a virtual space for your website to function and grow, complete with its operating system (OS), database software, web server software, and more.  

While generally more secure than shared hosting, VPS hosting still requires regular updates to address vulnerabilities and prevent security breaches. Skipping updates can leave your data open to attack, and protecting your data is crucial, especially if you run a business.  

One effective way to secure VPS hosting involves using strong passwords. A weak password like '123456789' or 'Pa$$w0rd' can compromise security and give unauthorized access to hackers, potentially resulting in data loss and theft - a critical concern for businesses. Utilizing strong and unique passwords is an effective preventive measure against such security threats. 

VPS hosting grants you secure remote access to your hosting environment, enabling you to manage your website and data from anywhere. However, without proper security measures, including strong passwords and encryption, attackers could gain unauthorized access. Therefore, prioritize security to maximize the benefits of your VPS hosting. 

READ: Top 6 Benefits of VPS Hosting for Your Growing Website 

5.Not keeping enough track 

Maintaining the well-being of your VPS necessitates ongoing monitoring.Top of Form Think of it like checking the engine oil in your car. Tracking vital resources like CPU, memory, and disk usage can help you prevent crashes, optimize performance, and ensure smooth operation. 

You can use monitoring tools like Nagios, Zabbix, and Cacti for keeping track. These tools offer numerous benefits. Zabbix, for instance, tracks your disk space, measures CPU load, and even confirms your SSH connection is up and running. 

Take away 

While VPS hosting is a popular choice for growing businesses, it also requires management for optimal performance and profitability.  

By avoiding these five common VPS managing mistakes, you can ensure it runs smoothly, securely, and efficiently.  

Remember, a well-managed VPS is the foundation of a successful online presence, so keep these tips in mind and watch your business thrive.  

If you still have any queries or suggestions, feel free to send us an email to [email protected].