I have basically set up a vanilla SMP server for me and about 5 other friends to use.
Went good for ages, recently 20 randoms joined and anihilated everything, luckily i back the maps up every day.

I have tried using mods to get chest secruity and builder rights but they seem to stop working whenever I update the server. Is it like this for everyone or do i just suck?

Help please on recommended mods that are relativly easy to apply and keep updated