When starting an online project, the priority is to create ideas and program code. Once a website is up and running with information, it may seem unnecessary to consider securing the site, but even young projects can become targeted by spammers and abusers. This process is automated through robot spiders which compile domain names into a database, robotic scanners that analyze technical parameters of the site, and robot hаckers who look for known software weaknesses.

To protect yourself, there are two main methods: IP restriction and SSH access. IP restriction involves specifying one or more IP addresses in the hosting settings to restrict login access to the control panel. For SSH access, connecting to the server management terminal via the SSH protocol is possible on dedicated, VPS servers, and some virtual hosting sites. The private key is kept by the user and can be protected by a password. These measures help to prevent unauthorized access to the site.

Here are a few more secrets to strengthen the security of your hosting:

1. Regularly Update Software: Ensure that all software, including your website's CMS (Content Management System) and any plugins or themes, are kept up to date. Developers often release updates to fix security vulnerabilities, so staying updated is crucial.

2. Use Strong Passwords: Create complex and unique passwords for all your accounts, including your hosting control panel, CMS, FTP, and SSH accounts. Avoid using common or easily guessable passwords. Implementing a password manager can help generate and store strong passwords securely.

3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Using 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring an additional verification step, such as entering a code sent to your mobile device, along with your password, during login. Enable 2FA wherever possible to protect your hosting accounts.

4. Regular Backups: Regularly backup your website's files and database. In case of a security breach or data loss, backups will allow you to restore your site to a previous state. Consider automated backup solutions or manual routine backups to ensure you have recent copies of your important data.

5. Choose a Secure Hosting Provider: Selecting a reputable and secure hosting provider is essential. Look for providers that offer robust security measures, regular server updates, malware scanning, and firewall protection. Research customer reviews and testimonials to gauge their reliability.

6. Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF): A WAF acts as a barrier between your website and potential threats. It filters out malicious traffic, blocks hаcking attempts, and protects against common vulnerabilities like SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS). Many hosting providers offer WAF services or consider using third-party WAF solutions.

7. Monitor and Analyze Logs: Regularly review your server logs, CMS logs, and security event logs to identify any suspicious activities or unauthorized access attempts. Monitoring logs allows you to detect and respond to potential security breaches promptly.

8. Secure File Permissions: Ensure that file and directory permissions on your server are set appropriately. Set strict permissions for sensitive files and directories, and restrict write permissions wherever possible. Regularly review and update file permissions to minimize the risk of unauthorized access.

9. Protect Against DDoS Attacks: Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks can overwhelm your server and make your website inaccessible. Consider using a hosting provider that offers DDoS protection or invest in a reputable DDoS protection service to safeguard against these attacks.

10. Use SSL/TLS Encryption: Implementing Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption is essential for securing data transmitted between your website and users. This helps protect sensitive information, such as login credentials or payment details, from being intercepted by attackers. Obtain an SSL/TLS certificate and configure your website to use HTTPS protocol.

11. Limit Access Privileges: Grant access privileges to your hosting accounts only to those who require it. Avoid using the root or admin account for routine tasks and create separate accounts with limited privileges for different users. This minimizes the potential impact of a compromised account.

12. Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits to identify vulnerabilities in your hosting environment. Perform vulnerability scanning and penetration testing to uncover weaknesses and address them promptly. Consider involving professional security auditors to provide a comprehensive assessment of your hosting security.

13. Educate Yourself and Your Team: Stay informed about the latest security best practices and educate yourself and your team on common security threats. Regularly train employees on secure practices, such as password hygiene, avoiding phishing scams, and identifying suspicious activities.

14. Monitor Website Traffic and Activity: Install tools or plugins that monitor your website's traffic and activity. These tools can help you detect unusual or malicious behavior, such as unusual login attempts, brute-force attacks, or suspicious file modifications. Timely detection can allow you to take immediate action and mitigate potential risks.

15. Implement Captcha or reCAPTCHA: Adding Captcha or reCAPTCHA to your login forms can help prevent automated bots from attempting brute-force attacks or logging in with malicious intent. This adds an extra layer of security by distinguishing between human users and bots.

16. Secure Database Access: If your website uses a database, ensure that the database access is properly secured. Use strong passwords for your database accounts, restrict access privileges to only necessary functions, and regularly update and patch your database software.

17. Use Security Plugins: If you're using a CMS platform like WordPress, consider installing security plugins that provide additional protection layers. These plugins often include features such as malware scanning, firewall rules, login protection, and more.

18. Regularly Monitor Website Security News: Stay updated with the latest security news and vulnerabilities related to your hosting environment, CMS, plugins, and server software. Subscribe to security blogs, newsletters, and follow reputable sources to stay informed about emerging threats and security patches.

19. Implement Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS): IDS/IPS systems monitor network traffic for signs of intrusion attempts and malicious activity. They can help detect and prevent common attack patterns, such as SQL injection or Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), by analyzing network packets and applying security rules.

20. Conduct Regular Security Audits and Penetration Testing: Perform periodic security audits and penetration tests on your hosting environment to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses. Engage professional security experts to conduct comprehensive assessments of your infrastructure and applications to uncover potential security gaps.

21. Backup Off-Site: In addition to regular backups, consider storing a copy of your website's backups off-site or on a separate server. This helps protect your data in the event of a server compromise or physical damage to the hosting infrastructure.

22. Implement Web Application Security Headers: Utilize security headers, such as Content Security Policy (CSP), Strict-Transport-Security (HSTS), and X-Frame-Options, to enhance the security of your website. These headers add an extra layer of protection by instructing browsers on how to handle certain aspects of your site's behavior.