Must Have Security Features
November 12, 2008 – 9:32 pm
When researching different web hosts, its easy to get so caught up in the glamorous features that you forget about what is truly important - security. In order to protect the integrity of your website, you need to invest in a web host that offers various security features. Here are some of the essentials you should keep an eye out for:
FTP: File Transfer Protocol or FTP, is a network protocol that provides a means for transferring files over the web and from one computer to another. A web hosting company offering FTP will allow you to create and protect your accounts with usernames and passwords. This helps to ensure that only authorized users will be able to access the files you uploaded to the server.
SFTP: SFTP stands for Secure File Transfer Protocol, meaning it is offers more protection than FTP. SFTP prevents sensitive information such as usernames and passwords from being intercepted during transit. SFTP is often referred to as SSH File Transfer Protocol as it uses a secure shell to transfer data.
SSL: SSL, Secure Sockets Layer is a critical security feature that should be incorporated on any website dealing in goods and services. As an encryption protocol, SSL keeps web-based communications private and secure. Because many consumers are weary about shopping online, several of them will do not business with you if they cannot find a valid SSL certificate on your website.
SSH: SSH, Secure Shell Host is one of the most effective features that can be used to protect your communications. SSH offers secure encrypted channels that allow you to remotely access and execute commands over the web. It’s utilization of public-key cryptography helps to prevent hackers from securing vital information. SSH is primarily found on Linux and Unix hosting accounts.
Firewall: Although most networks are protected by some type of firewall, many web hosts do not provide their clients with access to them. This security mechanism will keep intruders out of the network and prevent attacks on the server. A reliable host should offer you some type of authority where the firewall can be configured to keep malicious surfers away from your website.
DDoS Protection: A Distributed Denial-of-Service attack is one of the oldest yet most common threats to the network operating system. This type of exploit is typically executed by an army of compromised computers that have been ordered to attack a specific machine. When a successful DDoS attack occurs, it can have an adverse affect on each website on the server.
More often than not, the end-users are those who suffer most. If you plan to use a shared host, DO NOT over look this feature.
Spam Filter: On the surface, spam is not all that threatening. However, beneath it lies many tricks and nasty infections. As soon as you activate one of your email accounts and put it to use, the spammers are sure to come. These unsolicited messages often carry phishing scams and malicious software such as viruses, worms and Trojans. Aside from threatening your system and identity, these messages consume a lot of bandwidth and storage space as well. Although there is no guarantee that a filtering utility will catch all of your incoming spam, it will reduce the load dramatically.
