If you host a dedicated server on a VPS or a separate computer from the one you normally use to play the client, you can benefit from using this tool:
https://github.com/mxve/shrink-iw4x
The README contains instructions on how to use the tool.
This tool will make the server folder unplayable as a regular client and only allow it to host a dedicated server. Party servers may be untested, so using this tool is not advisable if you plan to host one.
The knowledge about shrinking your game files to host a dedicated server on a remote host comes from this guide, which contains instructions on how you can do this manually:
https://github.com/Emosewaj/IW4x/wiki/Gameserver-file-optimization
The Rust tools from mxve may work differently, but they automate the process.
This can be beneficial if you have disk space limitations on your remote server and plan to manually upload your game files to the dedicated server. However, if you’re doing things legally and download the files directly on your server via Steam and the AlterWare launcher, and you don’t have disk space limitations, shrinking your game files may not be necessary.