How much do you know about web hosting security threats? For many people, it may not even register that it should be a concern. After all, you sign up to a web hosting provider with utmost faith that they have taken the necessary security measures.
Yet, the reality is web hosting service providers are targets for cybercriminals.
Our article explores web hosting security threats to watch out for in 2024. We will also share tips on what to do to stay safe.
Establishing a Linkage Between Web Hosting and Cybersecurity
Think of web hosting as an internet home for your website. If it was a real house, you would do everything you can to keep the inhabitants and property safe. That means secure doors, burglar proofing, and so on.
You would go a step further to install surveillance cameras and the best anti-burglary systems.
The same should apply to protecting yourself while online. Smart website owners take the necessary steps to ensure internet security.
Such include:-
- The use of anti-malware, antivirus, or anti-ransomware
- Enabling firewalls to keep out unwanted visitors
- The use of proxies for online anonymity, web scraping, and access to geo-restricted content
- Ensuring the use of strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and much more
Now, all these measures happen on a personal or individual level.
But, let’s go back to the internet house we mentioned above. The landlord, in this case, the web hosting provider, may not be taking the right security measures. That exposes the tenants, in this case, your website to different types of vulnerabilities.
Web Hosting Security Threats to Know
Let’s see what types of threats web hosting providers face every day.
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Distributed-Denial-Of-Service (DDOS) Threats
DDOS attacks bombard the hosting provider with multiple requests. Eventually, it overwhelms the system’s capacity. During the attack, anyone on the hosting platform will experience longer response times or none at all.
A Kaspersky Q3 2021 report showed a 24% increase in DDOS attacks from the same time in the previous year. Hackers are using increasingly sophisticated methods to carry out the attacks. The botnet Meris, can, for instance, send thousands of requests in a second.
Before signing up to a hosting provider, check what measures they have in place to mitigate against DDOS. It also helps to know if the provider has sufficient capacity to handle the impact of such attacks.
Also, take the necessary steps to protect your site. One solution is to use free proxy list. Such proxies provide an IP address from secondary corporations, and not an ISP.
You get private IP authentication, exceptional performance, and anonymity while online. The proxies will also balance internet traffic to avoid crashing due to a large number of requests.
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Malware
Hackers may introduce malware through code, programs, or software. Once they gain entry, they will damage, steal or monitor your online activities. What makes them tough to identify is that they appear as harmless links or files. Hackers trick users into downloading them.
Demand for security measures is on an upward trajectory. This is due to the rise of such attacks and the increasing levels of sophistication.
By the end of 2020, there were over 678 million types of malware. Revenue projections for the cybersecurity industry by the end of 2025 could hit the US $8 billion mark.
Choosing a good web host provider is a critical first step. 20i’s secure hosting is a fantastic solution to malware and security breaches.
Some features include:-
- Automatic scanning for malware and detailed reports on completion
- Free wildcard SSL encryption
- Backup and remote storage from data center web servers
- DDOS and external threats protection
- Anti-spam, anti-malware brute force login protection, and much more.
All these are PCI compliant, thus fantastic for eCommerce platforms that accept online payments.
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Improper Server Configuration
Improper server configurations by the web host can provide loopholes hackers can exploit. Outdated or unpatched applications may also contain security flaws.
There could be issues with the verification of access rights. With simple modifications to specific parameters, the hackers can find their way into the systems.
Avoid free hosting solutions if you can. They typically do not have the level of security that is available on paid ones.
The same applies to shared hosting. A single breach on the main directory will impact everyone on the platform.
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Login Credentials Compromise
Hackers are always on the search for credentials. Over 80% of breaches are a direct result of compromised passwords.
Multifactor authentication can help. Yet, it is not a foolproof method since hackers can find their way around them. They employ the use of dictionary attacks or brute force to get in.
Yet, the steps to avoiding breaches still lie in strong passwords and multiple-step logins. Avoid the normal anniversaries, QWERTY, or 12345 combinations. Users must also keep up with regular password changes.
The 20i secure hosting has three options. These are SSH access, StackCP, and 2-factor authentication.
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Unsecured Access
The web host provider must ensure strict controls over who can access the servers. Without this, there is the danger of data compromise. Think about it much like allowing anyone to enter your house at will.
The web host should offer:-
- Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption. It ensures only the intended recipient can view the information. The encryption routes traffic through HTTPS, not HTTP. Any site without the padlock symbol in the URL window is not secure.
- Web application firewalls monitor and filter HTTP traffic. You get protection against malware or other types of attacks.
- Secure socket shell (SSH) protocols or something similar. SSH is critical for login access through passwords, encrypted data communication, and public-key authentication.
Ask the web hosting provider the right questions regarding these access measures.
Final Words on Web Hosting Security Threats to Watch Out
Should the web host’s security be of concern to you? The unfortunate answer is yes. That is why, when choosing a provider, one of the things you must pay keen attention to is its security features. A breach on their end could affect any site on their platform.
Take the example of DDOS. The host’s inability to handle the attack will lead to the crashing of the server. That will directly affect all the websites on it.
And, no matter how tempting it sounds, steer clear of free hosting. You will be opening yourself up to tons of issues.
The providers will not spend much on such platforms because they offer no returns. Sign up for secure hosting like what we have at 20i, and rest easy knowing your online platform is safe.
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