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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →To secure a newly created Linux VPS, protect your hosting account, administer the server through a named non-root account with sudo, use SSH keys, restrict inbound traffic, install security updates, and arrange backups and recovery. Then secure the applications you actually run. These steps are a baseline, not a guarantee: commands and controls vary by Linux distribution and release, provider, and workload.
What to do first after creating a VPS
VPS security is shared work. The provider secures its infrastructure; you remain responsible for the server’s configuration and the data and services you put on it. DigitalOcean describes this model in its shared responsibility guidance for Droplets. The following order helps you protect access without locking yourself out.
- Protect your provider account. Use a unique password, enable the provider’s multifactor authentication (MFA), and review who can access the account. DigitalOcean recommends protecting account credentials, using individual user accounts, and enabling two-factor authentication by default. Check which MFA methods your provider supports; a FIDO2 security key is an optional choice only if your provider supports it.
- Create a named administrator. Avoid routine work as root. Use a personal, non-root account with only the privileges it needs, and use
sudofor administrative tasks. Ubuntu’s security suggestions explain this least-privilege approach: keep ordinary account privileges limited and usesudofor administration. - Configure SSH key access, then verify it. DigitalOcean recommends SSH keys rather than password logins. Before changing SSH login policy, confirm you can sign in to the named account using its key, that the account can run required
sudocommands, and that you can reach your provider’s recovery console. Only after these checks should you disable password-based SSH access or root login, following the instructions for your distribution and provider. The order matters: an incorrect SSH change can otherwise leave you without normal access. - Limit inbound traffic. Start by allowing only the connections needed to administer the server and deliver its intended service. DigitalOcean’s production Droplet guidance uses a cloud firewall restricted to SSH during initial setup. A public website or another service also needs its own required inbound port or ports; there is no safe universal list without knowing what you run. Check rules at both provider and operating-system level, and account for IPv6 if it is enabled.
- Apply security updates. Install updates regularly. Ubuntu documents unattended upgrades as an option for automatically applying security updates and bug fixes. Check your distribution’s update status and policy rather than assuming updates are being installed. Whether a reboot is needed depends on the update and workload; there is no universal reboot schedule established by the cited guidance.
- Set up backups and learn recovery. Enable provider backups if available, find out what they include, and read the restoration procedure. DigitalOcean recommends automatic Droplet backups in its setup guidance and describes its backup service as system-level backups. Do not treat a backup as proven usable until you have tested a restore in a way appropriate to your environment.
- Harden the services you install. Remove or avoid software you do not need, and apply security controls to every service exposed to a network. Ubuntu describes security as layered and identifies AppArmor as a way to limit software permissions. Appropriate service-specific settings depend on the applications and workload.
Choose SSH keys over password-based SSH
SSH keys are DigitalOcean’s recommended login method and are described in its Droplet security best-practices guide as a more secure way to log in. They do not eliminate every risk: provider-account access, endpoint security, key handling, and server configuration still matter.
If you need to add a key to a new or existing DigitalOcean Droplet, follow its SSH key instructions. For another provider or Linux distribution, use its current instructions rather than assuming the same account names or configuration paths.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Cloud firewall and host firewall: what each does
A provider-level firewall filters traffic at the hosting-provider layer; a host firewall, such as Ubuntu’s UFW, applies rules on the server’s operating system. They are separate control points. The cited guidance supports using provider and host firewalls as options, but does not establish that one universally replaces the other.
| Consideration | Provider or cloud firewall | Host firewall |
|---|---|---|
| Where filtering occurs | At the provider’s network or cloud-control layer. | On the VPS operating system. |
| How rules are managed | Through the provider’s account or control panel; exact interface varies by provider. | Through the operating system’s firewall tools; commands and defaults vary by distribution and release. |
| Address families | Check whether rules cover IPv4 and IPv6 for your instance. | Check whether rules cover IPv4 and IPv6 on the installed operating system. |
| Keeping rules aligned | Review rules when you add or remove services. | Review rules when you add or remove services, and confirm they do not conflict with provider-level rules. |
Ubuntu recommends a firewall as part of server security. Whichever layers you use, allow only the traffic required by the services on the VPS and verify that the effective rules match your intended exposure.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Keep updates and backups part of ongoing maintenance
Initial setup is only the beginning. Ubuntu’s security suggestions cover updates, SSH, least privilege, firewalls, and unattended upgrades. Check that your update process is operating instead of assuming automation is enabled. For backups, identify what is covered and how to restore it; a backup that has never been restored is not yet a demonstrated recovery path.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Use distribution-specific security guidance
This baseline is grounded in Ubuntu Server guidance and DigitalOcean Droplet recommendations. DigitalOcean’s production-ready setup page, last verified 3 September 2026, recommends SSH key authentication for a sudo-enabled non-root user, no password-based access to root, a cloud firewall restricting access to SSH during initial setup, and automatic backups. Its exact steps apply to Droplets, not every VPS provider.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Ubuntu’s security documentation describes layered controls including AppArmor. On another distribution, release, provider, or workload, consult the corresponding official documentation for commands, firewall behavior, SSH settings, and recovery options before applying changes.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
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