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Game Server Security: Protecting Your Server and Players

A practical guide covering the real attack vectors against game servers: RCON exposure, Lua backdoors, stolen credentials, and what EU-accessible servers need to know about player data.

What attackers target on game servers

RCON (Remote Console)

If exposed with a weak or default password, attackers can execute arbitrary server commands. RCON is the single most commonly misconfigured security risk on public game servers.

DDoS attacks

Flooding the server IP with traffic to take it offline. Common against game servers with public IPs. See our DDoS guide for a deeper breakdown.

Lua backdoors (GMod)

Malicious code embedded in addons that gives an attacker remote access to your server. One of the most common attacks against GMod servers, typically distributed via free addon packs from unknown sources.

Stolen SFTP or FTP credentials

Direct file system access lets an attacker plant backdoors or steal data. Treat SFTP credentials like a password to your entire server.

Social engineering

Tricking a co-owner or admin into granting access. Your admin hierarchy is only as secure as the people in it.

RCON security

  • Never use a weak or default RCON password. Use a randomly generated string of at least 20 characters.
  • Avoid exposing the RCON port to the public internet if possible. Many firewall setups allow you to restrict it to specific IPs.
  • The easiest mitigation: use your hosting panel's built-in console instead of raw RCON from third-party tools. This avoids the RCON port entirely.
  • Never share your RCON password with players, even trusted ones.

Lua backdoors (GMod-specific)

Malicious addon authors sometimes embed Lua backdoors in workshop addons or free-to-download addon packs. A Lua backdoor gives the attacker remote shell-like access to your server, the ability to run arbitrary code, and sometimes access to your database.

Our panel includes a built-in Backdoor Scanner that scans your server's Lua files for known malicious patterns. It runs on-demand from the panel dashboard and is a useful first check when you suspect a compromise or before deploying a new batch of addons.

Always vet addons before installing them: check the author's workshop page, look at the code if possible, and avoid "too good to be true" free addon packs from unknown sources. Keep your addon list minimal. Every addon is an attack surface.

Server-side auth and admin mods (GMod)

  • Admin mods like ULX and SAM let you grant trusted players elevated permissions without giving them RCON or SFTP access.
  • Set up a clear admin hierarchy: superadmin for the owner only, admin for trusted long-term staff, moderator for day-to-day enforcement.
  • Audit your admin list periodically. People leave communities and old accounts can be compromised.
  • Avoid giving server console access to anyone who does not absolutely need it.

Keeping server software updated

  • Outdated game server binaries and plugins are a common vector for known exploits. Use SteamCMD's auto-update mechanisms. Most hosting panels handle this automatically.
  • For Rust servers, keep Oxide or Carbon up to date. For GMod, keep ULX, SAM, and any database-interfacing addons (DarkRP, MySQLoo) updated.
  • After a major game update, check community forums before updating plugins. Sometimes a game update breaks a plugin that then needs a day or two to catch up.

SFTP security

  • Use a strong, unique password for your SFTP account. Do not reuse passwords from other services.
  • Do not share SFTP credentials with untrusted people. Use the admin console or panel tools for routine tasks that do not require direct file access.
  • If a staff member leaves, rotate your SFTP password.

Player data and GDPR basics

If your server collects player data (bans, chat logs, playtime, any personally identifiable information) and is accessible from the EU, you are handling data that falls under GDPR in principle.

  • Do not store payment information on game servers. Use a dedicated payment processor for any transactions.
  • Keep ban records and player logs secured. Do not leave them publicly accessible.
  • If you run a website or ban database, use HTTPS and keep the software patched.
  • Consider a basic privacy policy if you are collecting user data, it does not need to be long, but it should exist.

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest security risk for GMod servers?

Lua backdoors injected via malicious or compromised addons are one of the most common threats to GMod servers. Our panel includes a Backdoor Scanner to help detect known malicious code in your server files.

How do I secure my game server's RCON?

Use a long randomly generated RCON password, restrict the RCON port to specific IPs if your firewall allows it, and use your hosting panel's built-in console instead of raw RCON where possible. Never share your RCON password with players.

Do I need to worry about GDPR on my game server?

If your server is accessible from the EU and collects player data (ban records, chat logs, account info), GDPR applies in principle. You should have a basic privacy policy, use HTTPS on any related websites, and not store payment data on game server infrastructure.

What is a Lua backdoor?

A Lua backdoor is malicious code embedded in a GMod addon that gives an attacker remote access to your server, often the ability to run arbitrary code or steal database credentials. They are typically distributed via workshop addons or free addon packs from unknown sources.

How do I prevent ban evasion on my game server?

Use SteamID-based bans as your primary method rather than IP bans. Disable Steam Family Sharing via your server config. Consider using a shared ban database like SourceBans++ to catch players who have been banned from other servers.

Our panel includes a built-in Lua backdoor scanner and in-browser console

So you do not need to expose RCON to manage your server. See what is included.

See panel features →