I'm new to VPS.

Before installing our site, I was wondering if I should not install internet security software on the VPS to avoid virus and DOS attacks.

When I tried installing Kaspersky's software it said that the OS is not supported.

What am I doing wrong then? Or can't we install security software on a VPS on our own? Or is a specific manufacturer or version recommended?

Your VPS should have pre-installed Symantec Anti-Virus. HostMySite Keeps the definitions up to date since it is remotely managed

It's hard to find utilities that will work with Windows Server 2003 since most companies implement their security right at the firewall. I've had my VPS for one year now, and Have only Anivirus, Spybot (runs weekly), and windows firewall running and I haven't had an issue with viruses or any DOS attacks.

jaso101- Thanks for the reply.

Unfortunately I heard differently when I checked what you wrote at Technical support and spoke even with two different persons there to make sure I heard it right.

1) There is NO anti-virus or internet security software pre-installed on any VPS Windows server.

2) Most major and most secure internet security software like Kaspersky or Symantec cannot be installed on VPS as they access files beyond the virtual environment.

3) After proding what software they woudl think would be able to be installed, the techies advised using: CLAM or AVG. Of course they pointed out that these software packages are much 'lighter' (aka 'less secure') than Symantec or Kaspersky.

4) The techies also confirmed that there is no documentation online on their site on the security of the VPS servers and that they probably ought to add that information.

5) The techies also confirmed that there is only a hardware firewall as security (obviously quite insufficient since many malicious software gets through that).

A third HMS techie contacted us and came with a different reply. I quote:
"Norton is installed on the actual node that hosts your VPS, but your instance itself can also run AV if you choose, however, Kapersky apparently doesn't like the Virtuozzo software that controls the VPS, and Norton may break the VPS if installed over and above the client running at the node level."

The correct information can be found on our support page:

http://hostmysite.com/support/vps/windows/performancetips/#antivirus


Don't run antivirus in the VPS

In a VPS environment, antivirus scans are done from the host server, not by the individual VPS servers. HostMySite runs Norton / Symantec Anti-Virus on all host servers. HostMySite scans the server and well as incoming email for viruses. If you are using a mail client on your VPS, we recommend configuring your mail client to allow an email delivery delay of 50 - 60 seconds. This will give the server sufficient time to scan the incoming email for viruses before it is delivered to your client.

hmmm.. My VPS had Symantec anti-virus installed on it when I got it. Now I've had it since it was in beta, so maybe that's why? And it always runs scans like once a week. I can't manage updates or anything on it because it says its managed by the parent server. Guess I should remove it.