Myth-Busting SOP: 'My Site Is Too Small to Be a Target'

Myth-Busting SOP: 'My Site Is Too Small to Be a Target'

Attackers don't pick you — automation scans the whole IPv4 space and exploits anything vulnerable for spam hosting, crypto mining, or a phishing relay. Size is irrelevant to a bot. Harden anyway:

— Step 1: Accept you're already in someone's scan queue; assume probing is constant.
— Step 2: Run the baseline regardless of traffic: auto-updates, 2FA, least privilege, lockout.
— Step 3: Install fail2ban to drop the noise floor of automated probes.
— Step 4: Monitor for outbound spam and unexpected cron jobs — signs your box was repurposed.
— Step 5: Verify by checking your IP against blocklists (Spamhaus) monthly — being listed means you were already used.

Obscurity is not a defense against automation. Run this every time.