TL;DR
While most web hosts today are equipped with robust DDoS defense mechanisms, not many offer them for free in standard hosting plans. Of the 30+ hosting companies we reviewed, Cloudways stands out to be the best hosting service with DDoS protection.
Note: While our HostScore ratings provide a general overview of host performance, there are other factors you should consider for your specific needs. Our top hosting picks address this by offering tailored suggestions for different requirements, as demonstrated in this article.
Cloudways
Cloudways is a systems integrator specializing in deploying solutions across various cloud platforms including Digital Ocean, Amazon AWS, and Google Cloud. Their business model is unique, functioning as a Platform as a Service (PaaS) provider rather than a traditional web server host.
Other Security Features Besides DDoS Protection
Free Malware Scan?
Free SSL Integration?
Technical Support Channels
Cloudways Pros
- Topnotch server uptime and speed performance
- Good abstration over complex cloud server setups with integrated dashboard
- Outstanding customer support
- High scalability
- Easy server cloning, site staging, and website transfer
- Host unlimited applications in one account
- 25% discount for first two months with coupon “HOSTSCORE”
Cloudways Cons
- Getting expensive – Prices increased steadily for the past few years
- Limited trial period
LiquidWeb
LiquidWeb is one of those big-name premium web hosting service providers that many people can only wish they could afford. Due to their focus on enterprise-scale solutions, they have left out standard shared hosting and the closest most people come is to their Managed WordPress hosting plans. That being said, looking upwards on their plan scale, the sky is the limit.
Other Security Features Besides DDoS Protection
Free Malware Scan?
Free SSL Integration?
Technical Support Channels
HostScore
LiquidWeb Pros
- Powerful enterprise hosting solutions with great scalability
- 100% network uptime, backed by detailed Service Level Agreement (SLA)
- Excellent customer support – 59-Second support response guarantee
- Self-operated data centres – Higher degree of security and data integrity compared to providers renting space from third-parties
- PCI-Compliant and HIPAA-Compliant hosting servers available
LiquidWeb Cons
- No standard shared hosting plans
- No Asia-based data center
Kinsta
Specializing in a very specific niche of web hosting can be an extremely challenging thing to do but Kinsta has managed to succeed. The company offers users the unique opportunity to opt for extremely powerful web hosting that is designed around a single platform – WordPress.
Other Security Features Besides DDoS Protection
Free Malware Scan?
Free SSL Integration?
Technical Support Channels
Kinsta Pros
- Outstanding server uptime and speed performance
- Choice of 30+ server locations
- Optimized for best WordPress site performance
- Plans auto-scale during visitor spikes
- Specialized WordPress support staff
- Highly developer-friendly
Kinsta Cons
- Expensive
- No email hosting
- No shared hosting
- Does not support cron jobs
- Some WordPress plugins banned
WP Engine
WP Engine is one of those hosts which has forsaken all and chosen to focus their entire business on WordPress hosting only. They offer Cloud-based managed WordPress hosting which is powerful, slightly justifying their rather hefty price tag. Aside from that, two core benefits stand out here – their in-house built caching system, knwon as EverCahce, and specialized WordPress support staff.
Other Security Features Besides DDoS Protection
Free Malware Scan?
Free SSL Integration?
Technical Support Channels
WP Engine Pros
- Outstanding server uptime and speed performance
- Round-the-clock WordPress-specialized support
- Developer-friendly environment
- Genesis framework and StudioPress themes included
- Choice of 20+ server locations in four continents
WP Engine Cons
- Email hosting services not included
- Only WordPress plans available
- Bandwidth and some server resources are highly limited
- No white-glove site migration
SiteGround
Boasting excellent performance, top-notch customer support and a plethora of features, SiteGround is part of the crème de la crème of web hosting providers. It has a wide range of services for great scalability as well. All of this comes at a price which is literally the price – be mindful with the hefty renewal price.
Other Security Features Besides DDoS Protection
Free Malware Scan?
Free SSL Integration?
Technical Support Channels
HostScore
SiteGround Pros
- Outstanding hosting uptime and speed performance
- Excellent customer support
- Choice of server locations in 11 countries
- Daily backup included in all shared hosting plans
- Specialized WordPress support staff
SiteGround Cons
- Very expensive renewal pricing
- Limited storage in shared hosting plans
- Limited developer options on some plans
- NVMe storage not included
Understanding Your Web Host’s Role in DDoS Protection
What is DDoS?
DDoS, or Distributed Denial of Service, is a type of cyberattack where multiple compromised computer systems attack a target, such as a website, to make it unavailable to its intended users.
Web Host as Your Guardian Against DDoS Attacks
DDoS protection is crucial as it safeguards your website from significant downtime or slow performance. For a web hosting company, offering DDoS protection is a key part of ensuring their clients’ websites remain accessible and secure.
Some hosting companies charge extra for advanced DDoS protection as it involves deploying sophisticated tools and resources. On the other hand, basic DDoS protections are often included for free because they provide a fundamental level of security that’s essential for maintaining the overall health of the hosting environment and can be implemented with minimal additional cost.
How Can Hosting Companies Protect You from DDoS Attack?
To understand how hosting companies protect their users from DDoS attacks, it’s essential to explore the mechanisms and technologies they typically employ.
1. Traffic Analysis and Filtering
Detection and Mitigation
Hosting companies continuously monitor incoming traffic to detect unusual patterns that signify a DDoS attack. Once an attack is identified, they employ traffic filtering mechanisms to separate legitimate traffic from malicious requests. This process is crucial in preventing the server from being overwhelmed by unwanted traffic.
IP Reputation Lists
Some hosting providers use reputation lists to block traffic from IP addresses known to be malicious. This preemptive measure helps in reducing the risk of attack by known bad actors.
2. Web Application Firewalls (WAF)
With many good hosting companies, a WAF is deployed to monitor, filter, and block harmful traffic for all user accounts. WAF acts as a shield between the internet and the web server, analyzing HTTP requests based on a set of rules to identify and block malicious traffic, including traffic patterns typical of DDoS attacks.
3. Redundancy and Load Balancing
By distributing traffic across multiple servers and locations, hosting companies can ensure that no single server becomes a bottleneck. Load balancing helps in managing sudden spikes in traffic, while redundancy ensures that if one server is attacked or goes down, others can take over without disrupting the service.
4. Cloud-based DDoS Protection
Some web hosting providers partner with cloud-based security services (for instances: Cloudflare and Radeware) that specialize in absorbing and mitigating large-scale DDoS attacks. These services can provide an additional layer of protection by dispersing attack traffic across a global network of data centers, effectively diluting the impact of an attack.
5. Collaboration with ISPs
Hosting companies may also collaborate with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to mitigate DDoS attacks closer to the source. By working together, they can more effectively block malicious traffic upstream, reducing the load on the hosting infrastructure.
Choosing the Best Web Hosting with DDoS Protection
Importance of DDoS Protection
When choosing a web hosting provider, DDoS protection should be a top priority. The best web hosting services will offer robust DDoS protection to ensure your website remains accessible and secure, even in the face of a cyberattack. This is particularly important for businesses and high-traffic websites that cannot afford any downtime.
Features to Look For
In addition to DDoS protection, there are several other features to consider when selecting a web hosting service. These include uptime guarantees, speed, customer support, scalability options, and the ease of use of their management tools. A comprehensive web hosting solution will provide a balance of these features, ensuring your website’s optimal performance and security.
To learn more, read my detailed guide in how to choose a web host.
Difference Between DDoS and DOS Attack?
A DoS attack originates from a single internet connection or source. It floods the target with excessive requests, aiming to exhaust the resources of the targeted server or network, thereby rendering it inaccessible to legitimate users. In contrast, a DDoS attack is launched from multiple compromised devices, often spread across different geographical locations.
Generally, DoS attacks are less complex due to their single-source nature. They might target specific vulnerabilities in a system or simply aim to saturate the bandwidth or resources of a server. DDoS attacks, due to their distributed nature, can generate a vast amount of traffic from thousands or even millions of sources. This not only makes them more difficult to stop but also allows for a greater variety of attack vectors (e.g., volumetric attacks, protocol attacks, application layer attacks) that can be simultaneously employed, increasing their complexity and potential damage.
How Is This Related to Your Web Hosting Choices?
In essence, your choice of a web hosting provider should be influenced by their ability to defend against both DoS and DDoS attacks.
- For DoS Protection: Seek a web host that offers strong firewall protections, intrusion detection systems, and the ability to quickly identify and block malicious traffic from a single source. This is crucial for defending against simpler DoS attacks.
- For DDoS Protection: Given the complexity and scale of DDoS attacks, it’s essential to choose a hosting provider with a comprehensive DDoS mitigation strategy. This includes advanced traffic analysis, rate limiting, and the use of distributed denial-of-service protection services that can absorb and disperse large volumes of traffic.
Also, the ability of a hosting provider to respond quickly to an attack and support you during such incidents is vital. Providers with 24/7 monitoring and an experienced support team can make a significant difference in minimizing the impact of both DoS and DDoS attacks.
Final Thoughts: Better Safe Than Sorry
Whether you are new or seasoned webmaster, choosing a reliable web host with DDoS protection ensures that your site remains secure, accessible, and resilient against cyber threats. By selecting a host that offers robust DDoS defense mechanisms, you’re not just investing in uninterrupted service but also in the peace of mind that comes from knowing your digital assets are well-protected.
