Top 10 Web Hosting Security Features You Need to Protect Your Site in 2024
- Pam K, Founder
- Max 10 min read
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As the digital landscape evolves, so too do the threats that target websites. From data breaches to DDoS attacks, the need for robust web hosting security has never been more important. In 2024, website owners must be proactive about implementing security measures that safeguard their online presence. Here, we outline the top 10 web hosting security features that you need to protect your site this year.
1. SSL Certificates
An SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificate is crucial for any website that handles sensitive information, such as personal data or payment details. In 2024, having an SSL certificate isn’t just about security; it’s also about credibility. Search engines like Google prioritise sites with SSL encryption, which in turn enhances your SEO rankings. SSL encrypts data transmitted between the user and the server, preventing interception by malicious actors.
Best Practices:
– Choose a reputable Certificate Authority (CA) or a web host which provides free SSL certificates.
– Regularly renew your SSL certificates to avoid lapses in coverage. In most cases, SSL certificate renewals are an automated process.
2. Web Application Firewall (WAF)
A Web Application Firewall acts as a shield between your web application and incoming traffic. It monitors and filters incoming requests, blocking harmful traffic before it reaches your server. WAFs can protect against a range of threats including SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS) and other application-layer attacks.
Best Practices:
– Ensure your WAF is regularly updated to defend against new vulnerabilities. WAFs can be applied at several layers including at the web server and website levels.
– Configure rules that are specific to your web application’s needs.
3. DDoS Protection
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks can overwhelm a server with traffic, rendering it unusable. In 2024, sophisticated DDoS attacks have been on the rise, making DDoS protection essential for web hosting. This feature can help maintain website uptime by absorbing excess traffic or filtering out malicious requests.
Best Practices:
– Use a web hosting provider that offers built-in DDoS mitigation services. For example, Siliceous Litespeed Web Hosting offers DDoS protection at the server, CDN and web application levels.
– Consider a third-party DDoS protection service for additional security.
– Use a CDN which provides DDoS protection as a service.
4. Regular Backups
Regular backups are your safety net in case of data loss due to hacking, server failure or accidental deletion. In 2024, good web hosts that provide automated backup solutions make it easier to restore your site quickly from within your web host’s control panel, usually at the click of a button.
Best Practices:
– Schedule daily or weekly backups depending on your site’s update frequency and requirements. Busy e-commerce websites should consider more frequent backup schedules.
– Store backups in multiple locations such as cloud storage, remote servers and external hard drives for redundancy.
5. Malware Scanning and Removal
Malware can wreak havoc on your website, leading to downtime, data loss and reputational damage. A web hosting service with integrated malware scanning can automatically detect and remove malicious code. In 2024, this feature is more important than ever, as malware attacks are increasingly sophisticated.
Best Practices:
– Choose a host that offers real-time malware scanning and automatic remediation. At Siliceous Litespeed Web Server Hosting, all hosted accounts are regularly scanned for malware at no additional cost.
– Regularly check your site’s security status and conduct manual web application scans.
6. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second form of verification, such as a text message code or authenticator app. This measure helps protect against unauthorised access, making it a vital feature for any hosting account.
Best Practices:
– Enable 2FA for your hosting control panel, content management system (CMS) and email accounts where available.
– Use 2FA authentication apps like Google Authenticator or the Aegis app for added security.
7. Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)
Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems monitor network traffic for suspicious activity. If a potential threat is detected, the system can either alert administrators or automatically take action to block the threat. In 2024, having an IDPS is a proactive measure to stay ahead of potential attacks.
Best Practices:
– Regularly review logs and alerts generated by the IDPS. The best web hosting providers should have such a system implemented at the server level. For example, at Siliceous, imunify360 protects our clients at the server level with brute force detection measures.
– Ensure that the system is updated with the latest threat intelligence.
8. Regular Software Updates
Outdated software is one of the leading causes of security vulnerabilities. Whether it’s your CMS, plugins or server software, keeping everything up to date is crucial. In 2024, many web hosts provide automatic updates for critical software, which can help maintain security.
Best Practices:
– Enable automatic updates where possible, particularly for security patches.
– Engage professional help with website support and maintenance services to assist with regular and safe updates so as to avoid any website downtime.
– Regularly review and update any third-party plugins or themes.
9. Content Delivery Network (CDN)
A Content Delivery Network (CDN) not only improves your site’s loading speed but also provides an additional layer of security. Many CDNs offer DDoS protection, Web Application Firewalls and enhanced security features that can protect your site from various attacks.
Best Practices:
– Choose a reputable CDN with robust security features such as QUIC.Cloud.
– Ensure that the CDN is correctly configured to protect your site.
10. Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP)
When transferring files to and from your web server, using Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) instead of standard FTP is essential for security. SFTP encrypts the data during transfer, protecting it from interception.
Best Practices:
– Always use SFTP for uploading and downloading files.
– Alternatively, use the File Manager provided by your web host’s control panel.
– Regularly change your passwords and use strong, unique credentials.
Conclusion
In an era where cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated and frequent, website security is a priority for every online business and every website. By incorporating these top 10 web hosting security features into your website management strategy, you can significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches.
To ensure comprehensive protection, combine these website security features with best practices tailored to your specific needs. Remember, security is not a one-time setup but an ongoing process that requires vigilance, continued education and proactive measures. By staying informed and prepared, you can safeguard your online presence against the myriad of threats that exist today and in the future. Choose Siliceous Litespeed Hosting for a fast, reliable and secure web hosting service.
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