Shared hosting, although cost-effective and simple, brings a set of potential security risks. We delve into the realm of shared hosting, focussing on its safety aspect and exploring the any security risks that come along with it.
What is Shared Hosting?
Shared hosting is a type of web hosting service where multiple websites reside on a single web server. It's an affordable, entry-level solution ideal for businesses, bloggers and individuals with smaller websites, as the cost of server maintenance is spread out over multiple users. Each user gets a portion of the server where they can host their website files. While being cost-effective, one potential drawback of shared hosting is that your site's performance can be impacted by other sites on the same server.
How Shared Hosting Works
Shared web hosting enables multiple websites to utilise a single server. In other words, all server resources such as CPU, memory and disk space are divided among multiple websites that are hosted on the server. This is a cost-effective method for individuals and small businesses to have their website accessible via the World Wide Web. Each user gets a section of the server where they can host their website files, and the server's resources are shared among all hosted websites. This type of hosting is particularly beneficial for those just starting out with a website, as it's a low-cost option with a simplified setup process. Despite the shared environment, users still have their own space with specific data limits and cannot interfere with others' operations.
Risks Associated with Shared Hosting
Shared hosting entails sharing server resources with other website owners, which can lead to certain complexities. For instance, you might not have full control over activities on other websites that reside on the same server. This could influence the safety of your site to a degree. When choosing a shared web hosting provider, it's beneficial to understand their distinct methods of handling websites on their servers.
The following are potential security concerns that may arise with this type of hosting, but fortunately, a good shared hosting provider can be equipped to address them effectively.
Shared Directory with Other Site Owners
When sharing a directory with other site owners, it's important to maintain robust access controls. Regularly updating user permissions, using strong passwords and implementing two-factor authentication can significantly enhance security.
Issues with Load Time
Optimising your website's load time can significantly improve the user experience. Consider techniques such as compressing images, utilising browser caching and minifying CSS, JavaScript and HTML to speed up load times.
DDoS Attacks
To protect your website from DDoS attacks, consider using services that offer DDoS protection and mitigation. These services can monitor your site for unusual activity, absorb the attack and keep your site up and running even during an incident.
Shared IP Addresses
Using shared IP addresses can sometimes be a security concern. To mitigate this risk, consider using a dedicated IP address for your website. This not only provides better protection but also gives you more control over your website.
Possibility of Data Loss
The most effective way to prevent data loss is by regularly backing up your website. This can be done through automatic backups offered by your hosting provider or manually backing up your data and storing it in a secure location.
Lack of Security Protection
To safeguard against potential threats, incorporate a multi-layered security strategy. This includes using firewalls, security plugins, SSL certificates, and regularly updating your website software and plugins to their latest versions.
How to Stay on Top of Shared Hosting Security Risks
The key to staying on top of shared hosting security is to understand the risks and take proactive measures. Since you're sharing a server with other people, it may present potential security issues due to the lack of control over your own server environment. This should not discourage you from using shared hosting as it remains a popular and cost-effective option for many websites.
To tackle any issues, be aware of your hosting environment and implement robust security measures, such as using secure FTP, regularly updating your applications and setting strong, unique passwords. Your shared hosting security is not just about protecting your site, but also about ensuring a safe browsing experience for your website visitors. With the right strategies in place, you can enjoy the cost benefits of shared hosting without compromising on security.
Choose a Reputable Hosting Provider
Reliable hosting providers prioritise security and offer a variety of security features, such as SSL certificates, regular malware scans, firewalls and DDoS protection. They also ensure regular updates and patches to their systems to prevent potential vulnerabilities. By opting for a reputable provider, you lay a strong foundation for the security of your shared hosting experience.
Configure Directory Permissions Properly
Proper configuration of directory permissions is crucial for securing your website. This involves setting rules to specify who can read, write and execute files in your directories. When configured correctly, it can prevent unauthorised access and manipulations to your website's important files.
Control PHP Execution
Regulating PHP execution helps in maintaining the security of your website. By limiting the files that can execute PHP code, you minimise the potential points of entry for malicious activities. Using techniques such as disabling PHP execution in certain directories or using .htaccess files can provide an additional layer of security.
Choose Your Operating System Wisely
Select an Operating System that is regularly updated, has a strong security track record and is compatible with your website's needs. macOS and Windows are commonly used due to their robust security features and extensive support communities.
Install a Security Solution
Installing a comprehensive security solution provides a strong line of defense against potential threats. Such a solution may include a firewall, malware scanner, and intrusion detection system. Regularly updating and running these tools can help identify and neutralise threats before they can cause significant damage.
Making Shared Web Hosting Safer: Recommendations and Best Practices
There are several effective ways to enhance the security of your website on a shared hosting server. Regular updates, strong passwords and the use of secure FTP are a few methods. You can consider using security plugins and a reliable Content Management System (CMS) such as webflow.
If safety is your primary concern, exploring other hosting options like Virtual Private Servers (VPS hosting), dedicated hosting or WordPress hosting might be beneficial. These options provide more isolation and control, thus reducing the risk of a security breach.
While shared hosting service is cost-effective, using best practices for website security can significantly mitigate any security issues. After all, shared hosting makes up about 37.64% of the overall hosting plans.
