When you’re checking a potential web host, take a look at the levels of security they provide, especially at the server level.
For example, do they:
- Apply the latest OS patches on your server to avoid vulnerabilities.
- Install server level firewalls that filter out malicious traffic and hackers.
- Provide DDoS protection to mitigate any potential DDoS attacks.
- Have a data processing agreement that covers things like GDPR.
Malware scanning and removal
Will your host scan for malware? And remove it? Some web hosts, such as WPX, include this service at no extra cost. If your preferred web host doesn’t, then some additional tools and services, such as Sucuri or MalCare, will handle this, but they come at an extra cost.
Backups
Backups are important! And web hosts provide different levels of backup services. So you need to check:
- Does the web host back up your site?
- How often does the web host run scheduled backups; e.g. daily?
- How long does the web host retain your backup; e.g. 30 days?
- Can you access and download the backups to your computer?
- Can you run an instant on-demand backup and restore?
SSL certificate support
Google recommends every website should now have a SSL certificate to provide a level of reassurance to your visitors and protect sensitive data such as passwords and credit card details.
So you need to check:
- Does the web host include and manage a free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate?
- Do you need a standard (e.g. Let’s Encrypt) or specialized (e.g. Domain Validated, Wildcard, or Ecommerce) SSL certificate?
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