Hytale Server Security and Hardening

Securing your Hytale server is essential for protecting against attacks, preventing unauthorized access, and ensuring stable operation. This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of server security.

Understanding Server Security Threats

Common security risks for Hytale servers:

• DDoS Attacks: Distributed denial of service attacks
• Unauthorized Access: Players gaining admin privileges
• Data Breaches: Player data and world corruption
• Resource Exploits: Plugins or code vulnerabilities
• Network Intrusion: Server system compromise

Solution 1: Access Control Systems

Authentication Framework

Implement robust authentication:

{
    "security": {
        "authentication": {
            "method": "hybrid",
            "steamRequired": true,
            "localBackup": true,
            "twoFactorEnabled": true,
            "sessionTimeout": 3600
        },
        "permissions": {
            "system": "role-based",
            "defaultGroup": "player",
            "adminApproval": true,
            "auditLog": true
        }
    }
}

Role-Based Permissions

Define clear permission hierarchy:

Solution 2: Network Security

DDoS Protection

Implement multi-layer protection:

# Network hardening script
iptables -A INPUT -p udp --dport 25565 -m limit --limit 50/sec -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p udp --dport 25565 -j DROP

# Rate limiting per IP
iptables -A INPUT -p udp --dport 25565 -m conntrack --ctstate NEW -m recent --set
iptables -A INPUT -p udp --dport 25565 -m conntrack --ctstate NEW -m recent --update --seconds 60 --hitcount 100 -j DROP

# Enable SYN cookies
sysctl -w net.ipv4.tcp_syncookies=1

Firewall Configuration

Comprehensive firewall rules:

• Block unused ports and services
• Implement IP whitelisting for administrators
• Use geo-blocking for problematic regions
• Enable intrusion detection systems
• Regularly update firewall rules

Solution 3: Data Protection

Encryption and Privacy

Secure sensitive data:

# Database encryption
{
    "database": {
        "encryption": {
            "algorithm": "AES-256-GCM",
            "keyRotation": "monthly",
            "atRest": true,
            "inTransit": true,
            "keyManagement": "cloud- kms"
        }
    }
}

# Player data anonymization
{
    "privacy": {
        "dataMinimization": true,
        "anonymousStats": true,
        "dataRetention": {
            "playerData": "90days",
            "chatLogs": "30days",
            "accessLogs": "180days"
        }
    }
}

Secure Backup Strategy

Protect backup data:

• Encrypt all backup files using strong encryption
• Store backups in multiple secure locations
• Implement access controls for backup retrieval
• Regularly test backup restoration procedures
• Maintain backup integrity checksums

Solution 4: Plugin Security

Secure Plugin Management

Implement plugin security protocols:

1. Code Review: Audit plugin source code for vulnerabilities
2. Digital Signatures: Verify plugin authenticity before installation
3. Sandboxing: Run plugins in isolated environments
4. Permission Limitation: Restrict plugin access to sensitive systems
5. Regular Updates: Keep plugins updated with security patches

Plugin Security Checklist

Solution 5: System Hardening

Operating System Security

Secure your server environment:

# System hardening (Linux)
# Disable unnecessary services
systemctl disable telnet
systemctl disable rsh
systemctl disable rlogin

# Secure SSH configuration
echo "PermitRootLogin no" >> /etc/ssh/sshd_config
echo "PasswordAuthentication no" >> /etc/ssh/sshd_config
echo "MaxAuthTries 3" >> /etc/ssh/sshd_config

# Enable automatic updates
apt install unattended-upgrades
dpkg-reconfigure -plow unattended-upgrades

# File system security
chmod 600 /etc/hytale/secrets.conf
chown hytale:hytale /etc/hytale/secrets.conf

Application Security

Secure the Hytale server application:

• Run server under non-root user
• Use chroot jails for isolation
• Implement application firewalls
• Regularly update Java and server software
• Use security-focused JVM flags

Security Monitoring

Intrusion Detection

Implement comprehensive monitoring:

# Security monitoring script
#!/bin/bash

# Monitor failed login attempts
FAILED_LOGINS=$(grep "Failed login" /var/log/hytale/auth.log | wc -l)
if [ $FAILED_LOGINS -gt 10 ]; then
    echo "High number of failed logins detected!"
fi

# Monitor unusual player activity
UNUSUAL_COMMANDS=$(grep -E "(teleport|give|kick)" /var/log/hytale/commands.log | wc -l)
if [ $UNUSUAL_COMMANDS -gt 50 ]; then
    echo "Unusual admin command usage detected!"
fi

# Monitor file integrity
find /opt/hytale -type f -mtime -1 -exec sha256sum {} \; > /tmp/checksums.txt

Security Metrics

Track these security indicators:

Incident Response

Security Incident Plan

Prepare for security incidents:

1. Detection: Immediate alert when security breach detected
2. Assessment: Evaluate scope and impact of incident
3. Containment: Isolate affected systems and services
4. Eradication: Remove threats and patch vulnerabilities
5. Recovery: Restore services from secure backups
6. Analysis: Post-incident review and improvement

Emergency Procedures

Immediate response to security threats:

• Disconnect all players during attack
• Enable enhanced logging and monitoring
• Block attacking IP ranges at firewall level
• Notify community of security incident
• Contact hosting provider for DDoS mitigation
• Preserve evidence for forensic analysis

Compliance and Standards

Security Best Practices

Implement industry-standard security practices:

• Regular security audits and penetration testing
• Compliance with data protection regulations
• Document security policies and procedures
• Regular staff training on security protocols
• Incident response drills and simulations

Legal Compliance

Ensure regulatory compliance:

Continuous Security Improvement

Regular Security Tasks

• Weekly security log review and analysis
• Monthly vulnerability scanning and patching
• Quarterly security audits and penetration testing
• Annual security policy review and updates
• Ongoing security awareness training

Protect your Hytale server with comprehensive security measures, continuous monitoring, and proactive threat detection to ensure safe and stable operation for your community.