1. SSL Certificates (Secure Sockets Layer)

• Purpose: SSL encrypts data transferred between the server and the client, ensuring that sensitive information (like passwords and payment details) cannot be intercepted.
• Why it’s important: Websites without SSL are flagged as insecure by browsers, potentially harming trust and SEO rankings.
• Recommendation: Always use an SSL certificate, especially if you’re handling sensitive customer information.

2. Firewalls

• Purpose: Firewalls monitor and filter incoming and outgoing traffic to block malicious activity.
• Why it’s important: They help prevent attacks such as DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) and unauthorized access attempts.
• Recommendation: Ensure your web hosting provider has robust server-side firewalls in place, and consider using a web application firewall (WAF) for additional protection.

3. Regular Backups

• Purpose: Regular backups ensure that your website can be restored quickly in case of data loss, hacking, or server failure.
• Why it’s important: If your website is compromised or corrupted, you can recover the data without major downtime or loss.
• Recommendation: Set up automatic backups on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, depending on how frequently you update your content.

4. DDoS Protection

• Purpose: DDoS attacks overwhelm a server with traffic, rendering the website inaccessible.
• Why it’s important: Preventing such attacks ensures that your website remains available to users.
• Recommendation: Choose a hosting provider that offers DDoS protection or consider using a content delivery network (CDN) for additional security.

5. Malware Scanning and Removal

• Purpose: Malware scanners detect malicious software that could infect your website or server.
• Why it’s important: Malware can corrupt your files, steal sensitive data, or damage your reputation.
• Recommendation: Use hosting plans that include automated malware scanning, and ensure you have malware removal tools in place for quick resolution.

6. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

• Purpose: 2FA adds an extra layer of security to your account by requiring a second form of verification (such as a code sent to your phone) alongside your password.
• Why it’s important: This helps prevent unauthorized access even if an attacker has your login credentials.
• Recommendation: Enable 2FA on your hosting account and other related platforms like your CMS (e.g., WordPress).

7. Regular Software Updates

• Purpose: Keeping your server’s software and applications (including CMS, plugins, and themes) up to date ensures that security vulnerabilities are patched.
• Why it’s important: Outdated software is a prime target for hackers, as it may have known security flaws.
• Recommendation: Enable automatic updates, and regularly check for updates to your website’s core and plugins.

8. Access Control and Permissions

• Purpose: Proper access control ensures that only authorized users can access sensitive parts of your website and server.
• Why it’s important: Limiting access helps reduce the risk of unauthorized modifications or breaches.
• Recommendation: Set strict user permissions and use the principle of least privilege (give users the minimum access needed).

9. SSH (Secure Shell) Access

• Purpose: SSH provides encrypted access to your server for managing files and data remotely.
• Why it’s important: It prevents unauthorized users from accessing your server through unsecured connections.
• Recommendation: Use SSH for secure communication with your server, and disable password-based authentication in favor of SSH keys.

10. Strong Passwords

• Purpose: Strong, unique passwords make it more difficult for hackers to gain access to your hosting account or website admin panel.
• Why it’s important: Weak or reused passwords can be easily guessed or cracked, leading to unauthorized access.
• Recommendation: Use a password manager to create and store complex passwords. Enforce strong password policies for all users.

11. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)

• Purpose: IDS monitors network traffic and server logs to detect potential attacks or suspicious activity.
• Why it’s important: It can help identify and stop malicious behavior before it causes damage.
• Recommendation: Ensure that your web host employs an IDS, or consider using third-party tools to monitor your server.

12. Security Patches

• Purpose: Security patches fix known vulnerabilities in web servers, CMSs, and applications.
• Why it’s important: Regularly applying security patches reduces the likelihood of a successful attack.
• Recommendation: Stay updated on critical security patches from your hosting provider and software vendors.

13. IP Blocking

• Purpose: Block IP addresses that have been identified as malicious or suspicious.
• Why it’s important: Blocking known threats helps protect your website from repeated attacks.
• Recommendation: Use IP blocking as a security measure to prevent unauthorized access attempts or attacks.

14. Secure File Transfers (SFTP)

• Purpose: SFTP encrypts file transfers between your local computer and server, preventing data from being intercepted.
• Why it’s important: Ensures sensitive files are transferred securely.
• Recommendation: Always use SFTP instead of regular FTP for transferring files to and from your server.