Prevent DDoS attacks to Minecraft server

[Ratchet Miles]

I have hosted a Minecraft server for a while on and off, and I plan to re-launch it soon-ish, but before I do so, what's the best I can do to prevent DDoS attacks for free? I was attacked once before, and would like to prevent it, since the server is hosted on the same connection that I browse the web with (home internet). Any way to "return the favor" (legally punish attackers)?

[Gofspar]

I have hosted a Minecraft server for a while on and off, and I plan to re-launch it soon-ish, but before I do so, what's the best I can do to prevent DDoS attacks? I was attacked once before, and would like to prevent it, since the server is hosted on the same connection that I browse the web with (home internet). Anyway to "return the favor"?

you'll need a CDN like incapsula.

[Ratchet Miles]

you'll need a CDN like incapsula.

My server is running on a laptop, and can only hold ~32-42 users max. Until I can get a job to build a better server, I don't want to fund heavily into it, especially since I have no dough.

[Ratchet Miles]

You can use a reverse proxy to limit the number of connections from an IP before blocking it.

Any examples of such software or other?

[TheKDub]

Well a way I find is good for preventing DDOS attacks to my minecraft server is don't piss people off that are able to launch DDOS attacks or have friends that can for them.

[Ratchet Miles]

Well a way I find is good for preventing DDOS attacks to my minecraft server is don't piss people off that are able to launch DDOS attacks or have friends that can for them.

My server is generally very light. It has loads of options. Creative plots, survival, anarchy survival (no rules), factions, and for trusted users, creative flatworld. I rarely interact with my users. I am not going to just bend over when some 12-year-old greifs my server and uses big stick diplomacy.

[Gofspar]

Any examples of such software or other?

It won't stop DDoS attacks, since you can buy a damn booter off hackforums for 2$ most people who run booters use amplification such as DNS, NTP, SNMP and the list goes on.

[Footy]

I have hosted a Minecraft server for a while on and off, and I plan to re-launch it soon-ish, but before I do so, what's the best I can do to prevent DDoS attacks for free? I was attacked once before, and would like to prevent it, since the server is hosted on the same connection that I browse the web with (home internet). Any way to "return the favor" (legally punish attackers)?

 

Essentially it doesn't matter what you do, noone is able to stop a 'good' DDoS attack.

The only way is to overwhelm them by scaling up your service to such a scale that they are unable to take you down.

If you can figure out who it is attacking you, there is very little you can do legally unless you are willing to hire good lawyers at your expense and chance upon finding someone to hear your case that is technically capable enough to have any understanding about what you are talking about.