VPS / Dedicated Server Without Managed Service – Client Responsibilities
This article outlines the responsibilities, transparency, security requirements, and limitations for VPS and Dedicated Server plans purchased without Managed Service from iCoreHosting.
1. Table of Contents
- Service Direction / Introduction / Scope
- Service Transparency
- Common Mistakes
- Security / OS Update / Antivirus / Firewall
- Checklist
- Responsibility Breakdown
- FAQ
- Summary
- Use Case
2. Service Direction / Introduction / Scope
When you subscribe to an iCoreHosting VPS or Dedicated Server without Managed Service, the server is delivered as a fully self-managed environment. iCoreHosting provides the datacenter, power, hardware, and network infrastructure, while all internal system administration tasks must be handled by the client.
This setup is ideal for technical users, developers, and companies with in-house IT teams who prefer full control over their server environment.
3. Service Transparency
Your VPS / Dedicated Server operates under a self-managed model. iCoreHosting does not access, update, repair, or configure your internal OS or software unless the Managed Service addon is purchased.
iCoreHosting covers:
- Datacenter environment: power, cooling, and racks
- Network infrastructure and IP routing
- Hardware maintenance and replacement
- Virtualization platform uptime (VPS)
- Reboot & console access (if available)
No internal OS or application work is included by default.
4. Common Mistakes
- Expecting iCoreHosting to perform OS updates or patching.
- Assuming that software installation (Apache, MySQL, cPanel, etc.) is included.
- Leaving default SSH passwords or RDP credentials unchanged.
- Not setting up a firewall or intrusion prevention.
- Assuming iCoreHosting monitors CPU, RAM, disk, or service health.
- Running servers without a proper backup plan.
- Expecting support for broken configurations or corrupted OS without Managed Service.
5. Security / OS Update / Antivirus / Firewall
All security maintenance is fully the client's responsibility for unmanaged VPS / Dedicated Servers. iCoreHosting does not modify or secure the internal OS unless Managed Service is purchased.
Client Security Responsibilities:
- OS Updates: Apply updates, kernel patches, and security fixes regularly.
- Firewall Setup: Configure CSF, UFW, iptables, or Windows Firewall.
- Antivirus / Anti-malware: Install tools such as ClamAV, Maldet, Windows Defender, etc.
- Intrusion Prevention: Enable fail2ban or SSH key authentication.
- Secure Login Access: Disable root login or enforce strong passwords.
- Port Hardening: Disable unused ports and implement IP allowlisting.
- Log Monitoring: Monitor auth.log, syslog, mail logs, and suspicious activity.
- Backup & Recovery: Maintain an external/offsite backup strategy.
Unsecured servers may lead to hacking, data loss, blacklisting, or suspension, all of which fall under client responsibility in an unmanaged environment.
6. Checklist
- ✔ OS updated and secured
- ✔ Firewall configured
- ✔ SSH keys or strong passwords enforced
- ✔ Antivirus / malware scanning enabled
- ✔ fail2ban or brute-force protection installed
- ✔ Web server and database secured
- ✔ Scheduled backups configured and tested
- ✔ Monitoring of CPU / RAM / Disk performance
- ✔ Suspicious log monitoring enabled
7. Responsibility Breakdown
iCoreHosting Responsibilities:
- Datacenter power, cooling, and facilities
- Network connectivity and routing
- Hardware maintenance and replacement
- Virtualization platform stability (VPS)
- Basic boot-level hardware diagnosis
Client Responsibilities:
- OS installation, configuration, and updates
- Security hardening, firewall rules, and antivirus
- Software / service installation (Apache, MySQL, etc.)
- Application debugging and performance tuning
- Backup configuration and restoration
- Monitoring logs and system resource usage
- Resolving OS boot failures or corrupted systems
8. FAQ
Q: Will iCoreHosting help install software?
A: Only with Managed Service.
Q: Do you monitor my services?
A: No. Only hardware/network monitoring is included.
Q: Can I request OS troubleshooting?
A: Yes, through paid technical support.
Q: Do you provide backups?
A: Backups are client-managed unless a backup addon is purchased.
9. Summary
An unmanaged server gives clients full control, but also full responsibility. iCoreHosting manages the infrastructure; the client manages everything inside the OS. For clients who prefer full assistance, Managed Service is recommended.
10. Use Case
- Developers deploying custom applications
- Companies with in-house IT teams
- Advanced Linux / Windows administrators
- Web agencies hosting multiple sites
- Users needing complete control over OS and services
