Influencers at their core do one main thing right, and that is to influence. Over the years, as platforms have evolved and regular joes transformed into overnight celebrities through viral trends like dance challenges or DIY hacks, we’ve seen countless trends spread like wildfire. But not all of them come without risks. Some, especially in the tech space, carry more weight when things go wrong.
Fast forward to 2025, and PewDiePie is still standing tall as one of the most watched and most talked-about creators on the internet. With that kind of reach, his voice carries more influence than ever before.
The New Craze: DIY Servers and Self-Hosting
So what is the latest PewDiePie-fueled movement? Self-hosting and home server experimentation.
The reason? He wants to break away from Big Tech and take control of his own data. In one of his recent videos, he builds his own private vault of sorts, running on a Steam Deck. He explains his frustration with cloud subscription services, tracking, and the general feeling of handing over control of his data to faceless corporations.
His message resonates. Why pay $20 a month for storage when you can just run your own cloud at home? This has inspired thousands of his fans to take their old laptops, Raspberry Pis, and even gaming handhelds, and turn them into mini data centers.
The Appeal: Reclaiming Control and Learning Something New
There is something empowering about the idea. Repurposing that dusty laptop in the drawer into something meaningful. Running a private media server, hosting your own password manager, or creating a family photo archive that is not sitting on someone else’s cloud. Plus, for those who love to tinker, it is a goldmine of learning.
For many, this is less about practicality and more about digital independence. It is about escaping constant tracking, subscription models, and vulnerabilities of cloud reliance.
The Dark Side: What Could Go Wrong?
But here is where we hit the brakes.
For all the charm and empowerment of self-hosting, there is a darker undercurrent that often goes unspoken in the excitement. Because when you expose a service to the internet, like your media server or file storage, you also open yourself to the wild and unpredictable world of bots, scans, and opportunistic hackers.
Many beginners unknowingly...
- Open ports on their router without security precautions
- Leave default passwords in place
- Expose sensitive interfaces like database dashboards or admin panels
And it does not take long. Tools like Shodan or Censys scan the internet around the clock for exposed systems. Once you pop up on their radar, your IP can become a target. Best-case scenario, you deal with annoying traffic. Worst case, ransomware, stolen data, or compromised devices being used in global cyberattacks.
The Reality Check: DIY Is Not for Everyone
While self-hosting can be a great learning experience, it is not without its pitfalls. Home networks are typically built with simplicity in mind, not security. So when you start layering in new services and open pathways, things can break fast.
Some real-world mishaps reported by first-timers include:
- Accidentally exposing their entire home network
- Taking down their internet while configuring DNS
- Hosting unpatched services that became part of botnets
That is not to say you should avoid self-hosting altogether. It is just a reminder to be informed and cautious.
Tips for Getting Started Safely
If you are determined to dip your toes into self-hosting, here are some beginner-friendly, low-risk ways to start.
1. Stay Local First
Only run your services within your home network. No internet exposure. This is the safest way to learn and experiment without consequences.
2. Use a Hypervisor Like Proxmox
Install it on an old PC or laptop to create isolated containers or virtual machines. This helps with managing your projects and rolling back when things go wrong.
3. Do Not Open Ports Until You Understand VPNs
If you must access your server remotely, learn how to set up WireGuard VPN and use reverse proxies. Never open ports randomly. This is the number one mistake beginners make.
4. Stick to Beginner Projects
Good starter tools include:
- Plex for media streaming
- Bitwarden for password management
- Pi-hole for network-wide ad-blocking
- Calibre for managing eBooks
5. Be Skeptical of Online Scripts
GitHub and YouTube are full of helpful scripts and tutorials, but not all are secure. Check community feedback, verify that the code is maintained, and never copy and paste blindly.
6. Use AI as a Guide, Not a Crutch
AI tools like ChatGPT can help explain code or walk you through steps, but do not rely on them for security-critical setups. Use them to understand what you are doing, not just to get it done quickly.
Balancing Freedom with Security
Self-hosting can be a fantastic learning experience, a way to reclaim control over your data, and an exciting technical challenge. For those willing to invest time and attention, it offers valuable insights into how technology works behind the scenes.
At the same time, managing technology infrastructure requires a strong focus on security, updates, and network protection to avoid costly mistakes and vulnerabilities.
If you want dependable, secure, and hassle-free IT that supports your personal or business goals, professional services provide a solid foundation built for the real world.
Whether you’re experimenting with your own server or seeking managed IT expertise, the key is to make informed choices that align with your needs, skills, and risk tolerance.
Where Skyriver IT Fits In
As the self-hosting trend inspires many to explore home servers and personal cloud solutions, it’s important to recognize that running your own infrastructure requires significant time, skill, and ongoing maintenance to stay secure and reliable.
Skyriver IT specializes in delivering professional IT services tailored to meet the demands of businesses and individuals who prioritize stability, security, and expert support. Our managed solutions ensure your critical systems remain protected and perform optimally, without the guesswork and risks that come with DIY setups.
Whether you’re looking for cloud services, secure hosting, or IT infrastructure management, Skyriver IT offers the peace of mind that comes with experienced professionals handling your technology needs.
