Self-host a minecraft server with high security

Question

I heard that hosting a minecraft server (public) is super super secure. Like, you'd need a government hacker to hack into it (I'm not talking about client-hacking) to gain access to your system.

In order for other players to play on your server, you have to give others your public IP. Many times I've heard that that is a big no-no. I would really like to host a minecraft server but I'm currently in a network of other computers that shouldn't be tampered with (or, hacked in to from the minecraft server). How would I be able to highly prevent, or completely stop someone gaining access to my system or a network of systems?

I can accept that if there is no solution is the answer, than that's okay as well. I am currently using a macintosh computer.

Answer

You can take a look at mineOS, a small Linux distro that runs only a minecraft server. Put that on a dedicated machine or in a virtual one and set your router to forward the standard port (25565) so that machine's IP. Even if the (virtual) server is compromised it is virtually impossible to break out and cause harm to your remaining network - assuming your network is not setup without any password protection or authentication mechanism of course. If you want to be even more safe, set up a DMZ.

Alternatively, set up a LAN server that cannot be accessed from the internet and offer a VPN connection to those you want to allow access. This is less secure but probably easier to setup.

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