When the server detects an unusually high registration rate, it forces new users to type a visual code displayed in maps or chat before they can register. Use Free Whitelisting or Greylisting

A one-time setup isn't enough. Follow these free practices:

A sudden influx of bots is rarely random. Understanding the motives can help you mitigate risks.

If you are currently under attack and your server is crashing:

A bot attack occurs when a program connects hundreds or thousands of fake accounts to your server IP.

Attackers often use free botnets (e.g., Mirai variants or Minecraft-specific stressers) to target unprotected servers.

If you run (the most common server software), plugins are your best friend. The following are completely free and specifically designed for anti-bot protection.

Protecting a server from free bot attacks (DDoS or join spam) requires a layered defense strategy beyond simple whitelists or standard plugins. Essential Anti-Bot & DDoS Protection

If you aren't using a proxy like TCPShield or a dedicated anti-bot plugin like Bot Sry, your server IP is likely exposed. Stay safe and keep building! 🧱✨

You don't need an expensive enterprise solution to stop these attacks. By implementing a layered defense, you can create a highly resilient server at zero cost. Here are the free and open-source tools you should be using.

Configure your server's firewall (using built-in tools like UFW on Linux or the Windows Defender Firewall ) to only allow incoming connections on the Minecraft port from the IP ranges published by your proxy service (e.g., TCPShield).