When selecting a web host, security is a key concern.
Whether it’s an eCommerce store, personal blog, or business website, protecting your site from cyber threats is essential. But not all security features are equally important, and some may be more relevant to your needs than others.
This article highlights the key security features to prioritize when selecting a web host, as well as those that are less critical for most users. By the end, you’ll know which security features are worth your investment, helping you avoid overspending on unnecessary add-ons.
Why Web Hosting Security Matters?
Security in web hosting goes beyond stopping hackers from accessing your website. It includes safeguarding your data, ensuring uptime during traffic spikes, and creating a safe environment for visitors. Cyberattacks, such as DDoS or malware injections, can cause major financial losses.
The average cost of a data breach in 2023 being approximately $2.98 million. Downtime due to attacks can cost businesses up to $427 per minuter, depending on the size and nature of the business. For businesses handling sensitive information like payment details, the risks are even greater, with potential legal consequences if security fails.
The rising threat of cyber attacks has led to increased costs in cyber insurance premiums, which are projected to reach over $90.6 billion by 2033 as businesses seek coverage against these risks.
From a web hosting buyer’s perspective, securing your site means protecting both your business and your visitors, while maintaining customer trust.
Essential Web Hosting Security Features
When selecting a web host, these are the must-have security features that every buyer should prioritize.
1. SSL Certificates
An SSL certificate encrypts data between your website and visitors, ensuring sensitive information like credit card details stays private. It’s also a trust signal, as websites without SSL are flagged as “not secure” by most browsers.
- Why It Matters: Encryption protects user data from interception.
- What to Look For: Many hosts, such as those using Let’s Encrypt, provide free SSL certificates – sufficient for most websites.
2. Web Application Firewall (WAF)
A Web Application Firewall (WAF) blocks malicious traffic before it reaches your site. It filters incoming traffic, stopping threats like SQL injections and cross-site scripting.
- Why It Matters: A WAF can prevent common attacks that target website vulnerabilities, ensuring that your site remains operational and secure.
- What to Look For: Look for hosts that offer integrated WAF solutions or partner with third-party providers like Cloudflare to provide this protection.
3. DDoS Protection
DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) protection is a server security measure designed to defend your website against attacks that flood your server with overwhelming amounts of fake traffic. It works by identifying and filtering out this malicious traffic before it reaches your site.
For businesses that rely on their online presence, this protection is crucial, especially during promotions or high-traffic periods, as it prevents downtime and loss of revenue due to an attack.
- Why It Matters: DDoS attacks can cause significant downtime, especially for businesses that rely on online orders or customer engagement.
- What to Look For: Hosting providers like ScalaHosting offer built-in DDoS protection, which is crucial for businesses expecting high traffic or running promotions.
4. Malware Scanning and Removal
Malware scanning and removal is a process that identifies and eliminates harmful software that may have infiltrated your website. Malware can take many forms, such as viruses, spyware, or ransomware, and can steal data, deface your site, or redirect visitors to malicious pages.
From a hosting user’s POV, malware scanning tools continuously monitor your website for suspicious activity or infections, while removal tools quickly eliminate any detected threats. Regular malware scanning and removal are crucial for preventing data breaches, protecting user information, and maintaining your site’s credibility.
- Why It Matters: Malware can damage your website’s reputation and lead to blacklisting by search engines, drastically reducing traffic and trust.
- What to Look For: Choose hosts that offer automatic malware scanning and removal as part of their security package, ensuring that your site is constantly monitored.
5. Backups and Recovery Options
Backups are crucial for restoring your site in case of an attack or system failure. Automatic backups ensure that your data is stored securely and can be quickly recovered in the event of an emergency.
- Why It Matters: If your site is compromised or experiences technical issues, a backup ensures that you can restore it to a previous, safe version.
- What to Look For: Opt for hosting providers that offer daily automatic backups with easy restore options.
Secondary Security Features
Not all security features are equally important for every website. Here are a few that, while useful, may not be critical for all buyers. These are what we called “good-to-have security feat” here at HostScore.net.
1. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection by requiring users to verify their identity through a second method, such as a mobile device.
When It’s Useful: 2FA is beneficial for admin and user login security, but it’s not always necessary for websites with low-risk data or simple content.
2. Security Patches and Updates
Keeping server software updated is vital for preventing vulnerabilities. Most managed hosting providers handle this automatically, so you don’t have to worry about it.
When It’s Useful: This is essential for businesses dealing with sensitive data but can be a lower priority for small personal blogs or static sites.
3. Spam Filters
Spam filters protect your site’s contact forms and email systems from being flooded with phishing attempts and junk mail.
When It’s Useful: If your website relies on forms or public-facing email addresses, spam filters can be handy but aren’t crucial for all website types.
4. IP Blocklists
IP blocklists can automatically block traffic from known malicious sources, reducing the likelihood of attacks.
When It’s Useful: Great for larger sites with heavy traffic, but for smaller websites, especially those with niche audiences, this may not be a top priority.
When to Upgrade to Premium Security Features?
At a certain stage of growth, investing in premium security features may become a wise choice, particularly for websites with higher security demands.
Security Features Crucial to Upgrade
1. Advanced DDoS Mitigation
If your website experiences high volumes of traffic, DDoS attacks can become a real threat, especially if you’re running an e-commerce site, a promotional campaign, or a platform where user engagement is key.
When to Consider It?
If your website frequently faces traffic spikes, such as during holiday promotions or new product launches, upgrading to advanced DDoS mitigation can prevent downtime and ensure that legitimate users can still access your website.
Premium DDoS protection services usually offer more granular control, real-time monitoring, and a dedicated response team, making them valuable for larger businesses or high-profile sites.
2. Web Application Vulnerability Scanning
Web application vulnerability scanning helps identify and fix vulnerabilities in your site’s code before attackers can exploit them. This service is often used by larger businesses or those handling sensitive data like personal information or payment details.
When to Consider It?
If your website processes sensitive customer information (such as in e-commerce, finance, or healthcare), this is an essential upgrade. These scans can detect security flaws such as outdated software, insecure code, or misconfigurations, which could lead to major security breaches if left unaddressed. Investing in this feature can prevent costly legal issues and reputational damage associated with data breaches.
3. Dedicated IP Address and Private Servers
A dedicated IP address separates your website from others hosted on the same server, reducing the risk of being affected by another site’s security issues. A private server gives you full control over your hosting environment.
When to Consider It?
Dedicated IPs and private servers are worth considering if your website has outgrown shared hosting or if you run applications that require more control over security settings (such as compliance-heavy industries).
A dedicated IP also helps with email deliverability if you’re sending newsletters or transactional emails to large customer bases. If you require enhanced control and customization, private servers are essential, offering isolation from other users and complete control over server configurations.
What Not to Stress Too Much Over?
There are some features that may sound critical but often aren’t necessary for most buyers. Here’s what you shouldn’t worry too much about:
- Paid SSL Certificates Most websites only need a basic SSL certificate, which is usually provided for free. Only businesses with specific needs, such as wildcard or extended validation (EV) SSLs, should consider paying for one.
- Physical Security of Data Centers Many hosting companies boast about their data centers’ physical security, but this generally isn’t a concern for most buyers unless you’re running a high-profile or sensitive operation.
- High-End Security Features for Simple Websites If you’re running a personal blog or a basic website, there’s no need to invest in enterprise-level security features. Focus on SSL, backups, and basic malware protection instead.
Wrapping Up
While choosing a secure web host is essential, relying only on your hosting provider for website security can be limiting. As your website grows, adding external tools enhances protection and gives you more control over your security. These tools work alongside your host’s security features to safeguard against vulnerabilities, keeping your data secure and your site running smoothly.
External tools allow you to:
- Monitor real-time security threats.
- Automate backup processes.
- Identify vulnerabilities in web applications.
- Block malicious traffic and prevent DDoS attacks.
Security Tools to Supplement Hosting Provider’s Security
Using third-party tools also lets you switch hosts more freely without losing critical security layers. Below is a table of recommended tools to help protect and manage your website security independently.
| Tool | Purpose | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Sucuri | Website security and monitoring | Malware detection, firewall protection, DDoS mitigation |
| Cloudflare | CDN and security | DDoS protection, Web Application Firewall (WAF), SSL |
| MalCare | WordPress malware scanner | Real-time malware scanning, automatic removal, firewall |
| LastPass | Password manager | Secure password storage, 2FA, single sign-on (SSO) |
| Google Authenticator | Two-factor authentication (2FA) | Adds 2FA to WordPress, securing admin accounts |
| SiteLock | Website security | Daily malware scans, vulnerability patching, website acceleration |
| Astra Security | All-in-one web security | WAF, malware scanning, vulnerability patching, DDoS protection |
| BackBlaze | Cloud backup service | Unlimited backups, automatic and scheduled backups, easy recovery |
Enhancing Security with External Tools
Tools like Sucuri and Cloudflare add layers of protection, including firewalls and DDoS mitigation, ensuring your website stays secure during high traffic or targeted attacks. Backup solutions such as BackBlaze allow you to restore your site quickly after a breach or system failure, without relying solely on your host’s backups.
Tools like LastPass or Google Authenticator enhance account security through strong password management and two-factor authentication (2FA).
By using these external tools alongside your host’s security features, you’ll build a comprehensive security strategy that protects your website while giving you more control and flexibility.
