Listen to this Post
Introduction
Virtual Private Servers (VPS) are essential for ethical hackers, bug bounty hunters, and penetration testers who need isolated environments for security testing. Two affordable Indian VPS providers offer plans starting at just 99 INR/month, making them ideal for beginners and professionals alike.
Learning Objectives
- Understand how to select a budget-friendly VPS for security testing.
- Learn essential Linux commands for setting up a pentesting environment.
- Secure your VPS against unauthorized access and attacks.
You Should Know
1. Choosing the Right VPS for Security Testing
When selecting a VPS for bug bounty hunting or penetration testing, consider:
– Low Latency & Reliable Uptime – Ensures smooth scanning and exploitation.
– Root Access – Required for installing security tools like Metasploit, Nmap, and Burp Suite.
– Affordable Pricing – Budget-friendly options allow long-term usage.
Recommended Providers:
- Provider 1 – 99 INR/month (Linux-based)
- Provider 2 – 99 INR/month (Windows/Linux options)
2. Essential Linux Commands for Pentesting Setup
Once your VPS is live, use these commands to configure it:
Update & Upgrade System
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
What it does: Ensures all packages are up-to-date to prevent vulnerabilities.
Install Basic Pentesting Tools
sudo apt install nmap metasploit-framework burpsuite sqlmap -y
What it does: Installs essential tools for reconnaissance and exploitation.
3. Securing Your VPS Against Attacks
Since VPS instances are exposed to the internet, hardening them is crucial.
Change Default SSH Port
sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config
Modify `Port 22` to a non-standard port (e.g., Port 2222).
Restart SSH Service
sudo systemctl restart sshd
What it does: Reduces automated brute-force attacks on port 22.
4. Setting Up a VPN for Anonymity
Using a VPN ensures your pentesting activities remain private.
Install OpenVPN
sudo apt install openvpn -y
What it does: Encrypts traffic to prevent ISP monitoring.
5. Automating Reconnaissance with Bash Scripts
A simple script to automate subdomain enumeration:
!/bin/bash echo "Running Subfinder & Amass..." subfinder -d example.com -o subdomains.txt amass enum -d example.com >> subdomains.txt
What it does: Aggregates subdomains for further testing.
What Undercode Say
- Key Takeaway 1: A budget VPS is a cost-effective way to conduct security testing without risking your local machine.
- Key Takeaway 2: Properly securing your VPS prevents attackers from hijacking it for malicious purposes.
Analysis:
With cyber threats increasing, ethical hackers need affordable, scalable environments for testing. These 99 INR/month VPS solutions democratize access to security research, allowing more professionals to contribute to bug bounty programs. However, users must follow strict security practices to avoid legal risks and ensure their VPS isn’t compromised.
Prediction
As cloud infrastructure becomes cheaper, more security researchers will adopt VPS-based testing. Expect AI-driven automated pentesting tools to integrate with low-cost VPS solutions, making vulnerability discovery faster and more accessible.
References:
IT/Security Reporter URL:
Reported By: Abhirup Konwar – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
