Keeping your VPS secure: Windows updates and best practices

Overview

If you use a VPS to run your trading platform or Expert Advisors, keeping it updated and securely configured helps protect your trading setup. This guide covers how to update Windows on your VPS and the key security measures we recommend.

Your VPS is provided by a third-party provider, so please also refer to their guidance for anything specific to your server.

Step 1: Keep Windows updated

Outdated systems are far more exposed to known security weaknesses. As a general guide:

• Run Windows Update at least once every two weeks.

• Schedule updates for the weekend so they do not interrupt active trading hours.

• Make sure your trading platform restarts automatically after a reboot. Otherwise you will need to log in and reopen it manually.

To check for and install updates on your VPS:

1. Open the search menu on your VPS.

2. Type update and select Check for updates.

3. If an update is available, select Install now (or Download and install) and wait for it to finish.

4. When prompted, select Restart now.

After the restart, your VPS may be unreachable for around 15 minutes while background processes finish. Larger updates can take longer.

For the full step-by-step guide with screenshots, see your VPS provider’s guide: How and When to Do Windows Updates on Your Trading VPS

Step 2: Apply key security measures

Updates are only one layer. We recommend you also review the following:

• Restrict remote access. Change the default Remote Desktop (RDP) port, enable Network Level Authentication, and, if you connect from a fixed IP address, allow connections from that address only.

• Use strong credentials. Use a long, unique password (16 characters or more) stored in a password manager, rename the default Administrator account, and enable two-factor authentication where available.

• Limit failed logins. Set an account lockout policy so repeated failed attempts are blocked.

• Keep your software current. Update MetaTrader and any other trading platform to the latest version, and leave Windows Defender (or your antivirus) running with automatic updates on.

• Monitor for unusual activity. Watch for unexpected logins, sudden spikes in CPU or network usage, or services stopping unexpectedly.

• Back up regularly. Keep copies of your Expert Advisor files, settings, and platform data, including at least one copy stored away from your VPS.

Some of these changes can lock you out of your VPS if configured incorrectly. If you are unsure, contact your VPS provider before making changes.

For detailed instructions on each measure, see your VPS provider’s guide: How to Secure a Trading VPS

If you notice anything unusual

If you see activity on your VPS or trading account that you do not recognise:

1. Change the password on your VPS and on your Axi account, and update the password on the email address linked to your account.

2. Review your trading and withdrawal history in the Client Portal and cancel any withdrawal request you did not make.

3. Contact the Axi support team through live chat so we can help protect your account.

4. Contact your VPS provider for technical support with the VPS itself.

For more detail, see our article “What should I do if I notice unusual activity on my account?”

Need help?

For questions about your Axi account, contact our support team through live chat or the Help Center. For technical issues with the VPS itself, please contact your VPS provider directly.

Important: VPS hosting solutions are third-party owned and operated. Axi makes no representations regarding the reliability or suitability of the hosting solutions for your individual account. We accept no responsibility or liability for the operation of the services, damage to the computer or computer systems or settings, loss of data, revenue, or profits that users may incur from their use.

The third-party guides linked in this article are provided for convenience only. Axi is not responsible for their content.