Here are some common mistakes when managing hosting servers, focusing on Linux, Dedicated, VPS, and production server environments — well-suited for those who work with WordPress, DirectAdmin, and cPanel.☁️
❌ Common mistakes when managing hosting servers.
1. Not implementing an efficient backup policy
One of the most serious mistakes is relying solely on local backups or not having backups at all.
Common errors:
- Backups on the same disk as the server
- Backups without restore tests
- Manual and non-automated backups
Best practice:
Utilize automatic, versioned backups stored off-server (S3, external FTP, remote rsync).
2. Keeping the Server Outdated
Ignoring security updates for the operating system, PHP, database, or control panels is a huge risk.
Impacts:
- Exploitable vulnerabilities
- Compatibility flaws
- Unexpected service outages
Best practice:
Set maintenance windows and keep the following updated:
- Kernel
- OpenSSL
- PHP / MariaDB
- Control Panel (DirectAdmin / cPanel)
Incorrect file permissions configuration
Incorrect permissions are a gateway for attacks.
Common errors:
- Using 777 for files and folders
- Running services as root
- Lack of isolation between users
Best practice:
Use the correct permissions (755, 644), PHP-FPM with separate users, and resources like CageFS (CloudLinux).
4. Ignoring resource monitoring
Managing based on guesswork leads to delays and unexpected setbacks.
Common problems:
- CPU at 100% without alerts
- Lack of I/O monitoring
- Uncontrolled memory swapping
Best practice:
Implement monitoring with:
- Netdata
- Zabbix
- Grafana
- Email or Telegram alerts
5. Inadequate security configuration
Relying solely on a basic firewall is a classic mistake.
Common mistakes:
- Open SSH access to the world
- Unprotected port 22
- Lack of Fail2Ban or CrowdSec
Best practices:
- Change SSH port
- Use key-based authentication
- Implement Firewall + IDS (iptables/nftables + CrowdSec)
6. Not optimizing the database.
Poorly configured MariaDB/MySQL causes huge bottlenecks, especially in WordPress.
Common errors:
- default innodb_buffer_pool_size
- Slow query logs disabled
- Too many simultaneous connections without limit
Best practice:
Adjust the database according to the server hardware and access volume.
7. Underestimating the impact of traffic
Many administrators only realize the problem when the server crashes.
Common mistakes:
- Not using cache
- Not having a CDN
- Not limiting connections
Best practice:
Use:
- Cache (Redis, OPcache)
- CDN (Cloudflare)
- Rate limit in Nginx/Apache
8. Failure to document changes
Changes made “on the fly” become a nightmare later.
Consequences:
- Difficulty in troubleshooting
- Repeated errors
- Dependence on a single person
Best practice:
Document:
- System changes
- Updates
- Scripts and automations
9. Over-relying on pre-written scripts
“Automatic tuning” scripts can worsen the situation.
Risks:
- Incompatible configurations
- Memory overcommitment
- Silent failures
Best practices:
Understand what the script does before running it, especially in production.
10. Not testing before putting into production.
Direct changes in production are a classic mistake.
Common mistakes:
- Updating PHP without testing websites
- Changing my.cnf without restarting services in a controlled manner
Best practice:
Whenever possible:
- Test in staging environment
- Take snapshots before critical changes
📌 Conclusion
Managing web hosting servers requires planning, monitoring, and good security practices. Avoiding these mistakes drastically reduces failures, attacks, and data loss.