We all know that the web hosting we choose directly affects a website’s performance. We usually think that a good uptime guarantee and loading speed are the only parameters for a good host. But web hosts also play a critical role in security. Web hosting security is a primary concern for website security. Yes, a lot of security incidents start from your website. Security gaps such as vulnerable themes and outdated plugins result in security breaches. However, there are many direct and indirect ways hosting also influences your security. This article explains the relationship between web hosting and security.
How Shared Hosting Make Your Website Vulnerable
Most online businesses choose shared hosting in the beginning. Cutting costs is always the primary concern in the early stages of business. Shared hosting is the most affordable option out there.
So, when you have shared hosting, a shared server stores all your files. As a result, hundreds or even thousands of websites could be using the same server. Sure, it is good from a cost perspective. But it is not suitable for security. Even the best security measures will not make you safe. Very few reputable providers provide good security in shared hosting packages.
This is because the weaknesses of other websites are also enough to make you vulnerable. Hackers will use those flaws to get into the servers. This means they will be able to access your files.
You might be updating your software regularly. If others are not, they will also put your website at stake. Think of shared hosting as an apartment in a building. You may have to pay for a little mistake by a bad or irresponsible neighbour.
What Would Happen If a Website is Compromised?
What will your hosting provider do if they find an exploit on your website? They will suspend your website. It would not be good for your online business’s reputation. Also, you may have ranked your website on Google after months of effort. You will lose your SEO.
Web admin resolves the issue and gets back to your hosting provider. The hosting provider will activate your website again, after thorough checking. It will take some time. Your customers will not hesitate to change their brand meanwhile.
Managed VPS Server/Managed Dedicated Servers Are The Better Options
It would not be easy to repair your website if you do not have good technical knowledge. You will have to find a professional. It could take a long time to reach those individuals and make them understand the issue of your website.
Is there any option that helps you avoid such a messy situation and save your time? Yes, selecting a managed best VPS hosting uk rather than shared hosting would help. Or, if your budget is good, you can also think about a managed dedicated server hosting uk.
In both cases, providers will be managing the security. Also, you will get rid of the problems of the shared server. Even in the case of a breach, the provider will be responsible for fixing it.
Can Your Web Host Be Responsible for Malware
For a big majority of hacks, hosting is not responsible. Instead, they belong to the website. One of the popular reasons is weak credentials. However, malware is different. If you find malware on your website, website vulnerabilities would be behind in most cases.
Most of the time, outdated or malicious plugins and themes are responsible. They let the unauthorized person access your website.
Why Is Web Hosting Security Important?
It is because the web hosts use software to manage your website. Software quality is essential for safety. There should be no vulnerability in the tools that your hosting provider uses.
Hence, web hosting has a strong impact on website security. If they use vulnerable tools, your website will be vulnerable. It is rare, but sometimes hackers even attack cPanel and get access to the user accounts. Yes, there can be vulnerabilities in cPanel.
What Web Hosts Do To Secure Your Website
- The first thing is the firewall. A firewall is one of the most essential security measures. Managed hosts even provide network firewalls to their customers. They filter the requests that come to your website. Hence, they make unauthorized access impossible. This is the best advantage of having managed hosting. If you use shared hosting, you can arrange a firewall separately. You can get a good firewall that protects your website from malicious attacks.
- The second is malware scanning. Almost all managed web hosts will offer to scan your website for malware. However, they may differ in quality. They show different efficiency in performance and accuracy in scanning. It is not so easy to find malicious malware hidden somewhere in your files. Only web hosts with powerful security mechanisms can do that.
- Some managed web hosting will even lock your WordPress core files. They do it so no one can access your core files and make changes to them. However, that means you will also not be able to access them. Instead, you will have to get in touch with the web host. It is great from a security point of view. But, on the other hand, it makes management difficult.
- Managed web hosts also take frequent backups of your website. Backups are more than important. They are the only way out in extreme situations. You may go through a severe hack, and be unable to manage it. Make sure that you are prepared for this worst-case scenario.
Here is an important point regarding the backups. If the server is completely compromised, you will not even have your backups left there. So ask your web hosting provider where they will store your backups. Their answer should be that they keep backups on their servers.
What Can You Do To Secure Your WebsiteThink About A Good Security Solution
Yes, there is a lot you can do to secure your website.
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Pick The Best Host
Now you understand that web hosting is crucial in enhancing security. So you must choose the best web hosting service. Do proper research. Just purchasing the cheapest you find would really be harmful in the longer term. You should check for security compliance. Ask if they have any certifications.
Also, find out the opinion of their current or past customers. Check the reviews. Since security is the parameter, examine their security history. Check how they managed security incidents in the past.
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Invest in a Security Solution
Remember the quote ‘Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. Apply it in your web hosting life. Attacks can come from any source, and you should always be completely prepared. A separate security solution could help you avoid attacks, breaches, attacks, and data loss.
If you have a WordPress website, think about having multiple plugins for security. Find the one that provides firewall protection, timely alerts, and regular scans.
Final Verdict
A wise selection of hosting providers can surely make your website secure. Pick the one that takes both security and backups more than seriously. Also, research properly and do not select the cheapest option you find. Choose wisely, try to invest in a different security solution (WordPress plugin), and have backups on separate servers.
