Cybersecurity Essentials for Small Business Hosting

When choosing a web host for your small business, cybersecurity should be a high priority. Whether you’re considering shared hosting, VPS, or a dedicated server, security is essential—even if you have a managed hosting plan where basic server updates are handled by the host.

Every day, around 30,000 websites in the U.S. are attacked with malware, and many of these are small business sites targeted for their often weaker security protections. Despite not having enterprise-level resources, small business owners can still take measures to safeguard their sites. Look for the following cybersecurity features from your hosting provider to keep your business safe from attacks.

Key Cybersecurity Features for a Hosting Package

1. Free SSL Certificates
If you manage multiple domain names, having a hosting provider that offers free SSL certificates can be a big benefit. SSL certificates, verified by a Certificate Authority (CA), encrypt traffic between your website and its visitors, visible as “https://” at the start of your URL. This encryption protects your customers’ data and helps safeguard your site’s infrastructure from credential-based attacks.

2. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Also known as multifactor authentication (MFA), 2FA adds a layer of security by requiring a second credential during login. For users of managed hosting plans with access to cPanel (a powerful tool for managing hosting accounts), 2FA is crucial, as cPanel access can be particularly damaging in the hands of hackers. Ensure your host offers 2FA on cPanel logins to protect your data.

3. Easy Update Manager
If you’re using website builders like WordPress, it’s important to stay updated with the latest patches. Widely used platforms are frequent targets for hackers, so a hosting plan that includes one-click updates for applications ensures your software is always current without requiring IT assistance.

Top Web Hosts Offering Security-Focused Features

1- Network Solutions

Network Solutions is a well-regarded hosting provider for eCommerce websites, offering four tiers of shared hosting services with valuable security features:

• SiteLock Premium: Starting from the Essential tier, SiteLock Premium provides basic malware scanning to detect potential threats. On the Professional tier and above, it includes automatic malware removal.
• Unlimited SSL Certificates: Available with the Professional Plus plan, this feature supplies unlimited SSL certificates, making it an attractive choice for small business owners who need secure connections across multiple domains.

With these security options, Network Solutions provides reliable hosting support for eCommerce sites, especially for small businesses.

2- WebHostingPad

WebHostingPad offers affordable WordPress hosting plans starting at just $2.99 per month, providing excellent value without sacrificing cybersecurity. Its security features include:

• SSL Certificate: Included with the WP Premium package, ensuring secure data transmission between your site and visitors.
• Premium Monthly Backup Service: Available with the WP Pro and WP Premium plans, offering added protection by regularly backing up your website.
• Automatic Malware Scanning and Removal: Included with all hosting packages, providing ongoing protection against malicious threats.

These features make WebHostingPad a cost-effective choice for small businesses looking for strong security alongside budget-friendly hosting.

3- Bluehost

Bluehost ranks among the most popular web hosting providers globally, offering managed WordPress hosting packages widely used by millions of small businesses. Its security features are designed to help safeguard your website:

• SiteLock: Available for an additional $23.88 per domain per year, SiteLock actively monitors for suspicious activity and sends instant alerts if a potential threat is detected.
• Vulnerability Scanning: SiteLock conducts regular scans to detect common vulnerabilities, including cross-site scripting (XSS), SQL injection attempts, and other typical application exploits.

These features provide an added layer of security, helping small businesses protect their sites from common cyber threats.

4- A2 Hosting

A2 Hosting is highly regarded for its cybersecurity features, trusted by several cybersecurity-focused websites, including WP WhiteSecurity.

• Free Wildcard SSL Certificates: A2 Hosting provides wildcard SSL certificates that apply to all add-on domains and subdomains within an account, offering seamless encryption for the primary URL and all associated domains.
• ConfigServer Security and Firewall (CSF): A2 Hosting includes access to CSF, a specialized firewall application suite for Linux servers, enhancing server security. Their VPS plans, which offer 20GB-50GB of storage, come with configurable CSF hosting options for added protection.

These features make A2 Hosting a strong choice for small businesses prioritizing robust cybersecurity in their hosting environment.

Choosing a Security-Focused Web Host

For any small business, cybersecurity should be a primary consideration when selecting a web host. Whether your website is hosted on a basic shared plan or a dedicated server, it’s crucial to choose a provider with robust security features. Opt for one of the top hosting providers that offer comprehensive protection to ensure your site isn’t vulnerable to the frequent cyberattacks that affect businesses every year.