Top Security Plugins Every Server Admin Should Consider

Running a Minecraft server can be incredibly rewarding, but with it comes the responsibility of keeping your server secure. As a server admin, your top priority should be to protect your community from griefers, hackers, bot attacks, and exploits. The best way to do this is by using robust security plugins designed specifically for Minecraft servers.

In this article, we’ll dive into the top security plugins every server admin should consider, detailing what they do, how they work, and why they’re essential. These plugins cover everything from anti-cheat systems to permission management, login security, and bot protection.

1. LuckPerms – Permission Management

LuckPerms is more than just a permissions plugin—it’s the backbone of access control on many Minecraft servers. It allows server admins to grant or restrict access to commands, features, and plugins based on a player’s group or rank.

Why it’s important: Without proper permissions, malicious players could gain unintended access to powerful commands, server configuration tools, or game-breaking features.

2. AuthMe Reloaded – Login Security

AuthMe Reloaded is crucial for offline-mode (cracked) servers. It forces players to register and log in before they can interact with the world, which prevents impersonation and account theft.

Key Features:

• Login and registration system
• Password encryption
• 2FA via email or app
• IP restrictions and location checks

Command Example:

/authme register YourPasswordHere YourPasswordHere

3. CoreProtect – Anti-Griefing & Rollback

CoreProtect is a powerful block logging and rollback tool. It logs all player interactions with blocks and allows you to roll back changes if someone griefs your server.

What it tracks: Block placement, block breaking, chest access, commands, item interactions, and more.

Rollback Example:

/co rollback u:PlayerName t:30m r:10

This command rolls back actions by a player within the last 30 minutes in a 10-block radius.

4. NoCheatPlus (NCP) – Anti-Cheat

NoCheatPlus is a classic anti-cheat plugin that detects and prevents common hacks like flying, speed, X-ray, and more.

Although development has slowed, NCP remains a solid choice for smaller servers. It monitors player behavior and cancels suspicious actions before they affect gameplay.

Common Features:

• Speed and fly detection
• Combat hacks prevention
• Command and packet inspection

5. GeyserSecurity – Cross-platform Access Protection

If your server uses Geyser to allow Bedrock players to join a Java server, GeyserSecurity helps protect against impersonation and unauthorized logins. It works alongside Floodgate and AuthMe Reloaded to verify identities.

Why it’s needed: Bedrock players lack the UUID authentication Java has, which can make cracked servers vulnerable without extra protection.

6. ServerShield or BotSentry – Bot Attack Defense

Bot attacks can crash or lag your server by flooding it with fake login attempts. Plugins like ServerShield or BotSentry automatically detect and block bots based on traffic analysis.

Features include:

• Rate limiting
• IP bans on detection
• Temporary lockdown mode
• Whitelist mode for maintenance

/botsentry status

Use this command to check real-time stats on blocked bots.

7. ExploitFixer – Patch Exploits

ExploitFixer is a lightweight plugin designed to patch known exploits in Minecraft servers, including BookBan exploits, chat crashes, and NBT overloads that can crash your server.

Key Benefits:

• Protects against book NBT crashes
• Blocks invalid packets
• Fixes chat length exploits

8. AntiVPN – Block VPN and Proxy Users

AntiVPN plugins detect players using VPNs or proxies and block or restrict them. This can reduce ban evasion, spam, and bot activity. Popular options include "AntiVPN" and "AdvancedBan with VPN check API."

Sample setup:

/avpn kick PlayerName Using VPN is not allowed!

9. OpenInv – Inventory Monitoring

While not a direct security plugin, OpenInv allows you to view and modify any player's inventory and ender chest in real time. It’s great for spotting hacked items or checking reports of item stealing.

/openinv PlayerName

10. ChatControl or VentureChat – Chat Moderation

Spam, links, advertising, and hate speech are common problems in Minecraft servers. Chat moderation plugins like ChatControl and VentureChat let you filter, log, and control all chat content.

Common Features:

• Anti-spam and anti-caps filters
• Swear word detection
• Auto-mute and warn system

11. AdvancedBan – Ban System with History

AdvancedBan is a punishment plugin that allows you to issue temporary or permanent bans, mutes, and warnings, and keeps a full history of a player’s infractions.

/ban PlayerName Hacking - 7d

This command bans the player for 7 days with the reason “Hacking.”

12. BlockLocker or LWC – Chest Protection

These plugins allow players to lock their chests, furnaces, doors, and other containers so no one else can access them without permission. This is essential for survival servers where theft can ruin the player experience.

How to use: Place a sign on your chest with your name or use a command-based interface.

/lock

13. GriefPrevention – Claim System

GriefPrevention is a land protection plugin that allows players to claim and protect their builds using a golden shovel. It’s simple, effective, and user-friendly, especially for survival or creative servers.

/claim

Right-click with a golden shovel to define the corners of your claim area.

14. ConsoleSpamFix – Hide Plugin Spam

This plugin prevents spammy messages from flooding your server console, which can help you spot real security alerts faster. It’s especially useful when working with verbose plugins or debugging issues.

15. Plugin Hider – Conceal Your Plugins

Exposing your plugin list can make your server a target for exploits. A plugin like PluginHider or PluginHide can block the /pl or /plugins command from being used by unauthorized players.

/ph hide plugins

Bonus Tips for Server Security

Beyond plugins, there are server-level and network-level security measures every admin should adopt:

• Use a strong RCON and FTP password
• Disable dangerous commands like /op from in-game use
• Keep backups of your world and config files
• Use a firewall or DDoS protection service
• Limit admin access and use secure authentication tools

Conclusion

Running a secure Minecraft server doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With the right plugins, you can protect your server against common threats, maintain a healthy community, and create a safe environment for players to enjoy. Always keep your plugins updated, stay informed about new exploits, and take a proactive approach to security.

Whether you're just starting a new SMP or running a large-scale network, these plugins form the foundation of a secure, reliable Minecraft experience. Try them out, and let your players focus on what matters—having fun!