5 Shared Web Hosting Security Risks and Ways to Mitigate Them

Security in shared hosting is paramount for websites hosted on servers used by multiple users. Although shared hosting is cost-effective and efficient, it comes with unique security challenges. Because multiple websites share the same server resources, a security breach in one site can potentially affect others. To bolster security, it is crucial to select a reputable hosting provider that employs strong security measures like firewalls, malware detection, and regular security audits. Website owners should also follow good cyber security practices, such as using strong passwords, keeping software up to date, and regularly scanning for malware. Additionally, limiting PHP execution in non-trusted directories and monitoring website performance for unusual activity can help reduce security risks in shared hosting environments.

Advantages of Shared Web Hosting Security

• Shared hosting is the most cost-effective hosting option available. It is particularly beneficial for new websites with low to moderate traffic, allowing you to refine your website without a substantial financial investment. 
• Administering website hosting can be challenging, especially in the initial stages. However, with cPanel, you can easily manage tasks such as configuring emails, databases, addon domains, and more through the user-friendly and powerful cPanel dashboard, all at no additional cost.
• If you have any technical questions or need assistance with server administration, you can reach out to the service provider, as these tasks are handled by them. This eliminates the need to hire an external server administrator, saving you money, especially if you’re not well-versed in technical matters.
• With Shared Hosting, you don’t have to oversee the entire server hosting your website; this is managed by the hosting provider. However, you may need to manage certain aspects such as website design and the installation of scripts and applications. Shared Hosting allows you to easily install these applications with just a single click. For website design, you can utilize SitePad Website Builder, a drag-and-drop tool that can be easily downloaded from Softaculous, a one-click app installer available with our Shared Hosting. Additionally, when your website’s space and traffic requirements increase, it’s simple to upgrade your website from one Shared Hosting plan to another.
• Although other hosting types are often perceived as more secure, the reality is that all hosting options are susceptible to risks. The level of vulnerability depends on both the service provider and the website owner, who must ensure the security of their website by installing essential security services. However, it is commonly observed that many new websites lack adequate security measures. This could be due to a lack of knowledge or limited financial resources, among other reasons.

Everything has pros and cons, and like that Shared Web Hosting Security also has few risk factors along with the advantages. In this blog we have discussed 5 possible risk factors of Shared Web Hosting Security. While talking about the possible threats we have also discussed the solution of the problem. Following are the 5 Shared Web Hosting Security Risks and their solutions: 

You are not aware about your server neighbours

Web hosting firms must adhere to strict privacy regulations, preventing them from revealing their client rosters. As a result, users are unaware of the types of websites they share servers with. This lack of transparency poses a problem, especially since spam and illicit sites frequently face blocks. Search engines, however, cannot block individual websites; they block entire servers, which include your site. Consequently, your website may be completely blocked and taken offline, despite your innocence. This underscores the inherent risk involved.

Solution

The answer to this issue lies in selecting reputable web hosting providers with a track record of providing dependable Shared Hosting services and adhering to equitable usage policies. Leading companies in the industry, with their reputation on the line, are unlikely to provide services to known wrongdoers. Moreover, they have numerous measures in place to de-platform spam websites. Opting for these top web hosting providers significantly decreases the risk of your website being removed. When seeking a Shared Hosting package, it’s advisable to seek reviews on independent websites, as they will provide comprehensive information.

Possible chances of DDoS attacks

DDoS, short for Distributed Denial of Service, is a cyber attack in which a server is inundated with requests from numerous devices, causing it to become incapable of processing the requests, leading to either a crash or, in severe cases, a complete shutdown. This poses a significant threat in Shared Hosting environments because even if your website is not the target of the attack, it can still be affected. Since such attacks target the entire server rather than a specific website, if the server is occupied handling requests for a targeted website, your website will also go offline due to resource unavailability.

Solution

Regrettably, resolving this issue completely is not within your sole control. The task of thwarting a DDoS attack is a collective responsibility shared among all users of the server and the server’s owners. Your web hosting provider bears the responsibility of maintaining firewalls and employing malware detection and blocking tools. As a user, the most effective way for you to assist in the resolution is by adhering to stringent cyber security practices. This entails regularly updating your applications, implementing two-factor authentication for your website, using robust passwords, and similar measures.

You website can get compromised if other website get attacked

As previously noted, in a Shared Hosting setup, all websites on a server utilize the same set of resources. If a hacker manages to infiltrate one of these websites, accessing others becomes relatively easy. Because all websites share a common IP address and similar underlying infrastructure, the compromise of one website jeopardizes all others hosted on the server.

Solution

Utilize malware protection and antivirus software. Your hosting provider will offer a selection of supported applications that can provide an extra layer of security for your website. Moreover, adjust your file permission settings. This involves modifying settings in your cPanel dashboard to restrict file access to only you. Numerous user-friendly guides are available online, and the process is generally straightforward. Investing a few minutes in this task can greatly enhance your long-term security.

Particularly attack on your website

We’ve examined the different ways in which your website could be compromised, even if other websites are targeted. However, as is the case with any hosting service, your website could also be directly attacked. This could result in the theft of business files, customer data, financial information, and more. Fortunately, your malware scanners and antivirus programs should be effective in preventing such incidents. However, these applications cannot stop hackers from executing their own files on your server, redirecting traffic to spam websites, and similar activities.

Solution

The majority of these harmful scripts are executed using PHP, a programming language. Fortunately, there is a simple method to mitigate this risk. By disabling PHP execution in untreated directories, any newly created folders or files by hackers will be considered untrustworthy, ensuring that no PHP code is executed and effectively thwarting potential attacks.

Slow load time

Although it might not appear to be an immediate security concern, a cyber attack can be one of the causes for your website’s slowdown. Regardless of the type or target of the attack, Shared Hosting environments often experience such a severe performance impact that your website may cease to function.

Solution

If the issue has escalated gradually, it is likely due to your website’s expansion, requiring additional resources. However, if the problem arises suddenly and is short-lived, it could signal an attack. To prevent such occurrences, it is advisable to take a multifaceted approach, which includes employing malware and antivirus tools, adhering to cybersecurity best practices, selecting a reputable web hosting company for your Shared Hosting plan, among other measures.

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Bottom Line

In summary, shared web hosting security offers an economical and user-friendly hosting option, especially beneficial for new websites and small businesses. Despite its advantages like resource sharing and cost-effectiveness, shared hosting presents unique security challenges. Nonetheless, with a reliable hosting provider and appropriate security measures, shared hosting can create a secure environment for websites of all sizes. It is crucial for website owners to choose a trustworthy hosting provider that provides strong security features such as firewalls, malware detection, and regular security updates. Moreover, website owners should adhere to best cybersecurity practices, including using complex passwords, updating software regularly, and conducting regular malware scans, to safeguard their websites. 

We hope we were able to clear all your doubts regarding Shared Web Hosting Security Services. 

In summary, shared web hosting security offers an economical and user-friendly hosting option, especially beneficial for new websites and small businesses. Despite its advantages like resource sharing and cost-effectiveness, shared hosting presents unique security challenges. Nonetheless, with a reliable hosting provider and appropriate security measures, shared hosting can create a secure environment for websites of all sizes. It is crucial for website owners to choose a trustworthy hosting provider that provides strong security features such as firewalls, malware detection, and regular security updates. Moreover, website owners should adhere to best cybersecurity practices, including using complex passwords, updating software regularly, and conducting regular malware scans, to safeguard their websites.