Discord Security Tips: How to Keep Your Server Safe from Hacks

Common Types of Attacks on Discord Servers

1. Phishing Attacks: Hackers often use phishing tactics to trick users into revealing their credentials. This can happen through direct messages or seemingly legitimate links shared in the server.

2. Account Takeovers: If a hacker gains access to an admin or moderator’s account, they can wreak havoc by banning users, deleting channels, or even shutting down the server entirely.

3. Bots and Spam: Malicious bots can flood your server with spam or malicious content, disrupting communication and potentially spreading harmful links.

4. DDoS Attacks: Although less common, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks can target your server’s voice channels, causing disruptions in communication.

5. Social Engineering: This involves manipulating users into performing actions that compromise the server’s security, such as sharing passwords or giving out sensitive information.

Why 2FA is Crucial

2FA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access to admin accounts. Even if a hacker manages to obtain a password, they would still need access to the second factor (e.g., a mobile device) to log in. For server owners and administrators, enabling 2FA is a must.

How to Enable 2FA on Discord

1. Go to User Settings: Click on the gear icon next to your username at the bottom left of the screen.

2. Enable 2FA: Under "My Account," find the option to enable Two-Factor Authentication and follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.

Enforcing 2FA for Server Administrators

As a server owner, you can require that all administrators enable 2FA before they can perform any administrative actions. This can be done in the "Moderation" section under server settings.

Best Practices for Passwords

1. Use Strong Passwords: A strong password is at least 12 characters long, with a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters.

2. Avoid Reusing Passwords: Ensure that your Discord password is unique and not used for other accounts.

3. Change Passwords Regularly: Periodically updating your password reduces the chances of it being compromised.

Selecting Safe Bots

1. Use Verified Bots: Discord has a verification process for bots. Always prefer using bots that have been verified by Discord, as they are more likely to be safe.

2. Review Bot Permissions: Before adding a bot to your server, review the permissions it requests. Only grant the necessary permissions for the bot to function properly.

Monitoring Bots

Even after adding a bot, it's important to monitor its activity. Keep an eye on the bot's behavior and logs to ensure it is not engaging in any suspicious activities.

Creating a Secure Role Hierarchy

1. Limit Admin Access: Only grant admin privileges to trusted members. Too many admins can increase the risk of an internal threat.

2. Use Custom Roles: Create custom roles with specific permissions tailored to the needs of your server. For example, you might have a "Moderator" role that can ban users, but not manage server settings.

3. Review Permissions Regularly: As your server grows, review and update role permissions to ensure they align with your security needs.

Recommended Moderation Bots

1. MEE6: A highly customizable bot that can automatically moderate your server, assign roles, and even log messages.

2. Dyno: Another popular moderation bot with a wide range of features, including anti-spam, auto-moderation, and customizable commands.

Setting Up Moderation Bots

Ensure that your moderation bots are configured correctly to avoid false positives and to tailor the moderation to your server's specific needs. Regularly update the bot's settings and filters to adapt to new threats.

Conduct Security Awareness Sessions

1. Regular Announcements: Use server announcements to remind members about common threats and how to avoid them.

2. Create a Security Channel: Dedicate a channel to security tips and updates, where members can ask questions and share information.

Encourage Reporting of Suspicious Activities

Encourage your members to report any suspicious activities or messages to the moderators. This can help you catch potential threats early and take appropriate action.

Verification Level Options

1. None: No verification required, anyone can join.

2. Low: Requires a verified email on the Discord account.

3. Medium: Requires the account to be at least 5 minutes old.

4. High: Requires the account to be at least 10 minutes old and a verified email.

5. Highest: Requires the account to have a verified phone number.

Choosing the Right Level for Your Server

For most servers, setting the verification level to Medium or High is recommended. This strikes a good balance between accessibility and security, making it more difficult for spammers or bots to join your server.

Manual Backup Tips

1. Document Server Settings: Keep a record of your server’s role configurations, channel settings, and important permissions.

2. Export Channel Data: Use Discord’s "Export Chat" feature or third-party tools to back up important conversations and files.

Third-Party Backup Tools

There are tools available that can automate the backup process, capturing your server’s settings and content at regular intervals. Be sure to choose a reputable tool to avoid compromising your server’s security.

Types of Logs to Monitor

1. Audit Logs: These logs record changes to server settings, roles, and channels, making it easier to track administrative activities.

2. Message Logs: Some bots offer message logging, which can be useful for tracking deleted or edited messages.

Regular Log Review

Make it a habit to review your server logs regularly. Look for any suspicious activities, such as repeated failed login attempts or unusual changes to server settings.

Join Discord’s Community Forums

Participating in Discord’s community forums or following their official blog can help you stay up-to-date with the latest news, updates, and security best practices.

Update Bots and Plugins

Ensure that any bots or plugins you use are kept up-to-date with the latest security patches. Outdated software can be a significant security risk.

1. Can I recover my Discord server if it gets hacked?

Yes, if your server is hacked, you can attempt to recover it by contacting Discord Support. They may help you regain control of your server, especially if you can prove ownership. However, this process can take time, so it's better to prevent such incidents through strong security practices.

2. How do I know if a bot is safe to add to my server?

Always use bots that have been verified by Discord, as they have undergone a security review. Additionally, research the bot by reading reviews and checking its permissions before adding it to your server.

3. What should I do if a user is spamming or posting malicious content?

If a user is spamming or posting malicious content, you should immediately ban them from the server. Use moderation bots to help detect and remove such content quickly.

4. How can I prevent users from sharing phishing links?

Educate your community about the dangers of phishing and regularly remind them not to click on suspicious links. Additionally, use bots to automatically filter and block known phishing links.

5. Is it safe to share my Discord server link publicly?

While sharing your Discord server link publicly can help grow your community, it also increases the risk of attracting malicious users. Consider using invite links with expiration dates or limited uses to control who joins your server.

6. Can I restrict access to certain channels for security reasons?

Yes, you can use Discord’s role-based permissions to restrict access to specific channels. This is especially useful for private or sensitive discussions that you want to keep secure.