NodariqDiscord Server Security Checklist: Protect Your Community (2026)
Most Discord servers get compromised not because of sophisticated attacks, but because of missing basics. This checklist walks you through every layer of server security — from essential settings to advanced protections. Work through it top to bottom and you'll be more secure than 95% of servers.
In this checklist
Essential (do these today)
These five items prevent the most common attacks. If you do nothing else, do these:
| ✅ | Action | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| ☐ | Enable verification gate | Stops bot waves and fresh spam accounts before they can post |
| ☐ | Turn on scam link detection | Blocks fake Nitro, Steam and phishing URLs automatically |
| ☐ | Require 2FA for admin accounts | Prevents compromised passwords from becoming server-wide disasters |
| ☐ | Audit Administrator permissions | Only 1-3 people should have Admin. Everyone else uses granular roles |
| ☐ | Set up mod logging | You can't respond to what you don't see. Log deletes, bans and role changes |
Verification and entry control
The front door is where most attacks happen. Lock it down:
- ☐ Button verification — new members click a ✅ Verify button to prove they're human. Simplest option, stops most bots.
- ☐ Captcha verification — visual challenge that's harder for automated scripts. Recommended for servers that have been raided before.
- ☐ Minimum account age — block accounts created in the last 7 days. Stops attackers who mass-create accounts for raids.
- ☐ DM verification (optional) — require members to DM the bot a code. Stronger but adds friction for legitimate users.
- ☐ Welcome channel lockdown — new members can only see #rules and #welcome until verified. Prevents unverified accounts from browsing your entire server.
- ☐ Invite tracking — know which invite links bring in spammers. Disable or regenerate compromised invites quickly.
Setup: Dashboard → Security → Verification. See our full verification setup guide.
AutoMod and filtering
Catch problems before staff sees them:
- ☐ Scam link filter — blocks known phishing domains, fake Nitro links, Steam scams and suspicious shorteners.
- ☐ Spam detection — catches repeated messages, emoji floods, excessive mentions and copy-paste walls.
- ☐ Custom word filter — block slurs, hate speech, specific harassment terms or spoilers for your community.
- ☐ Link whitelist (optional) — only allow links from trusted domains. Good for strict communities but high-maintenance.
- ☐ Action thresholds — configure what happens when filters trigger: delete, warn, mute (10m/1h/24h) or kick. Start lenient and tighten over time.
- ☐ Staff alerts — get notified in a private channel when AutoMod catches something serious. Don't rely on checking logs manually.
Setup: Dashboard → Security → AutoMod.
Permission hardening
Over-permissioned roles are the #1 cause of catastrophic damage:
Dangerous permissions to restrict
| Permission | Risk level | Who should have it |
|---|---|---|
| Administrator | 🔴 Critical | Owner + 1-2 trusted admins max |
| Manage Server | 🔴 Critical | Owner only (rarely needed by others) |
| Manage Roles | 🟠 High | Senior mods + bots (with role hierarchy limits) |
| Manage Channels | 🟠 High | Admins + ticket bots |
| Ban Members | 🟠 High | Trusted moderators only |
| Mention Everyone | 🟡 Medium | Staff roles + announcement bots only |
| Manage Webhooks | 🟡 Medium | Integration bots only |
Bot-specific permission checks
- ☐ No bot has Administrator