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Is my website secure on my web host?
The answer to this question depends on several factors, including:
- The website host you chose
- Your individual security settings
- Whether you’ve done anything else for your website security
Security levels vary from host to host, but even more than that, you sometimes have to manually activate certain features. For example, you should – if you haven’t already – turn on DDoS protection, malware scanning, and website backups. If additional cybersecurity features are offered as an add-on, consider purchasing these as well.
Actionable Step:
If you’ve already chosen a web hosting service, research their website and read about their security features. Contact their support team to ask about any information that doesn’t make sense. If the features available aren’t sufficient for you, it’s worth thinking about changing your provider; some may offer migration services.
What security features should I look for in a web host?
Things to look for when choosing a web host include:
- Regular backups
- Malware scanning and removal
- Firewalls
- DDoS protection
- Secure logon practices
- Optimization plugins
Let’s now look at each of these.
Regular Backups
Regular backups automatically back up your website data, including pages and other bits of information. The point of these is that if a breach did occur, you could recover your data. It works similarly to when you back up an iPhone to iCloud; you’ll find your files in a database and can then restore a previous backup.
There’s no specific rule to follow with backup frequency. However, you should consider doing so at least once per week – and if your site is big, every day is probably something to think about.
Malware Scanning and Removal
Malware includes adware, trojan horses, and spyware, and every website must proactively fight against these threats. Malware scanning and removal tools are available with some hosting providers, and they will look for threats before quarantining them.
In addition to using website hosting providers’ malware scanning and removal tools, you may want to think about buying an antivirus tool.
Firewalls
Firewalls block dangerous traffic, and some hosting providers have these services. If your chosen service does, you should set this up in your website’s early stages.
DDoS Protection
DDoS attacks involve flooding a server to stop users from accessing a website or service. They might seem pointless, but their aim is to stop your services from working; luckily, you can solve them. Pick a website hosting provider that has DDoS protection, especially if you’re in the tech or political spaces.
Secure Logon Practices
Website hosting providers often have secure sign-on protocols, such as two-factor authentication (2FA). Users can receive codes via text, email, or an authenticator app, and you should enforce this for your entire company. Find a provider that has these services included.
Optimization Plugins
Some providers also have security plugins. For example, Siteground has a Security Optimizer. While third-party options exist, you should still find a hosting provider with these services.
Do I need an SSL certificate?
Yes – you should have an SSL certificate to encrypt data sent between your site and visitors. Having one safeguards sensitive information and enhances search engine visibility, whereas ignoring this will result in putting your site visitors at greater risk of security breaches.
How do I manage host security?
Host security is only one part of the jigsaw. You should implement several practices yourself to maximize protection, and these include:
- Picking a reputable host
- Using strong passwords
- Keeping software updated
- Using security tools and plugins
- Staying informed
Let’s now discuss each of these.
Picking a Reputable Host
Security should involve choosing a reputable host; check online reviews to see what others have to say. Beware of fake reviews; use websites like Google Reviews and Trustpilot and look for verified reviewers.
Using Strong Passwords
Avoid using easy-to-guess passwords; use a mixture of characters, and store them in a safe location. If you use an Apple device, consider using Passkeys to generate a password. Never use the same password across multiple sites, and change your passwords regularly.
Keeping Software Updated
Set up automatic updates so that your software is always up-to-date. You should be able to do this via your content management system (CMS). If you can’t, it’s worth thinking about finding another provider.
Using Security Tools and Plugins
Use security tools and plugins from your hosting provider and elsewhere. For example, you should use Akismet to stop spam comments. Other plugins to consider include Wordfence and MalCare.
Staying Informed
Reading about the latest security news is also important, and you should react to big security breaches as and when they occur. Resources include Security Magazine, The Hacker News, and Cybernews.
Conclusion
Partnering with a web host that prioritizes security is one side of the coin; you also have to implement different practices. Features to look out for include SSL certificates, DDoS protection, and robust login procedures. On your side, you should make hard-to-guess passwords and keep all software updated.
Building a website with Hocoos saves you all the headaches with hosting as Hocoos keeps your website safe and free from threats. This way, you don’t have to worry about potential vulnerabilities.
Nevertheless, before choosing where to build your website, take the time to look at online reviews and read their website for an overview of their services.
