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FirstVDS
AI-generated illustration
OrganisationRU

FirstVDS

Russian virtual server hosting provider.

FirstVDS has rented virtual private servers since 2002, making managed virtualisation the core of its Russian hosting business.

Last refreshed: 22 October 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic

Key Question

How can FirstVDS customers detect theft that left no trace inside their servers?

Timeline for FirstVDS

#15 17 Oct

Disclosed theft of customer data through its management layer

Cybersecurity: Threats and Defences: FirstVDS loses client data via VMmanager
View full timeline →

Background

FirstVDS is a Russian hosting provider focused on virtual private servers. It has rented virtual servers since 2002. Its service depends on a management layer that administers customer systems beneath their individual guest servers.

That structure makes the provider responsible for infrastructure customers cannot inspect solely from within their own servers. Management-layer access can therefore affect hosted customers even when their guest systems appear unchanged. This relationship between provider, virtualisation platform and customer server is central to understanding FirstVDS and the risks attached to its service.

Common Questions
What happened to FirstVDS in October 2026?
FirstVDS said attackers exploited VMmanager 6 on 17 October and copied data from some customers' virtual-server disks through the management layer.Source: FirstVDS
What data was stolen from FirstVDS customers?
FirstVDS listed passwords, SSH and API keys, cloud credentials, configuration files, command histories, Cryptocurrency wallets and user files.Source: FirstVDS
Why did the FirstVDS breach leave no server traces?
The attackers mounted customer disks read-only from the virtualisation management layer. Their program did not run inside or change the guest servers themselves.Source: FirstVDS
What should affected FirstVDS customers change?
FirstVDS told notified customers to revoke and replace passwords, SSH keys, API keys, tokens and Cryptocurrency wallets stored on affected servers.Source: FirstVDS
Source Material

Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 22 October 2026. Editorial standards.