Ever since the creation of the internet in the ’60s, shared hosting continues to power the majority of websites. Individuals and businesses buy server space from internet service providers (ISPs) to keep their websites visible online. Though it’s cost effective, there are concerns about the security risks of shared hosting.
What is Shared Hosting?
Shared hosting is a single server that hosts multiple websites. Hardware types vary, a conventional hosting server can host thousands of websites. As mentioned above, it’s the most inexpensive option to get your website online. However, the affordability comes at the increased security cost. With the potential of leaving you penniless.
Shared Hosting Affordability, a Blessing or a Curse?
Picture living in a building with 60 apartments. You share common areas with the other residents like the elevator, stairs, garage, and washing room. One resident contracts a deadly virus – (But not the Resident Evil form that zombifies you). The entire building shares common spaces with him. What do you think is going to happen?
Let that scenario linger as it will make what we’re about to explain much simpler.
You decided to move to that apartment building because it’s affordable. Same reason you chose your shared hosting. Second hand contact with this one sick resident and you too will become sick. Next is a lengthy treatment process or even fatality. The same thing happens to your shared hosting connection once compromised.
Security Risks Shared Hosting Poses
The two main security risks shared hosting poses are:
- Shared Directory – All websites on a shared hosting server share a single directory. Once a hacker gets access, he/she can install malware that infects all websites on that server.
- Shared IP Address – It only takes one website conducting malicious activities or spamming users for the IP address to be blacklisted by major search engines like Google and Bing.
Where does that leave you? You lose clients, customers, projects (that you spent sleepless nights on), and you are out the cost of resolving these issues. Lawyers and technicians are not cheap. The same way you’ll require lots of money for treatment once infected. How can you prevent this from happening?
Cloud Server Hosting: The Saviour, The Solution, The Protector!
The answer to the previous question is switching to cloud server hosting. You might think that cloud server hosting is expensive. FALSE! In fact, cloud server pricing is competitive. You only pay for what you use.
How can the cloud help mitigate and eliminate these security risks?
Cloud hosting services DO NOT use shared directories. Each cloud server has one directory containing a single website’s files. You have full control of your server and the risk of a breached server is minimal.
A private cloud server has a dedicated IP address (non-sharable). Worry no more about your website blockage by major search engines. Giving you peace of mind.
Final Thoughts…
Dr. Chris Dayagdag said, “A web hosting server is a lifeline of everything. It should be up and running 24/7.”
You demand website security and for 24/7 operation. Move your website into a new secure and reliable home in the cloud.
