How to Improve Shared Hosting Security & Prevent Cyber Threats

Shared hosting is a common solution for first-time websites. It’s cheap, simple to maintain, and great for small projects. But it also comes with risks. As you are sharing resources with other sites, one weak link can expose your entire server. This is why you should never underestimate shared hosting security. 

Cyberattacks do not discriminate, even if your site is small. It targets weaknesses and not traffic volume. This blog will cover simple, effective ways to secure your shared hosting environment and stay ahead of threats.

Why Shared Hosting Needs Strong Security?

With shared hosting, multiple websites live on the same server. You share memory, CPU, and disk space with strangers. If one site gets hacked, others on the server may suffer, too.

Here’s what can go wrong:

• Malware can spread across sites
• Brute-force attacks can slow your site
• Poor file permissions may leak data
• Misconfigured apps can leave doors open

This is why shared hosting security is not only the responsibility of your host. You also have a major role in keeping your website safe and secure.

How Cyber Threats Target Shared Hosting Accounts?

Hackers love low-hanging fruit. Shared hosting sites often skip basic protection steps. That makes them easy targets for:

• Phishing Attacks: Injecting fake login pages via file upload vulnerabilities
• Cross-Site Contamination: Attacking one site to access others on the server
• SQL Injection: Entering malicious commands in form fields
• Brute-force Login Attempts: Using bots to guess admin passwords
• Outdated Scripts: Targeting plugins or themes that haven’t been updated

Shared Hosting Security: 10 Ways to Protect Your Site

Let’s explore some of the most effective ways to improve shared hosting security.

1. Keep Your CMS and Plugins Updated

Most of the websites use content management systems such as WordPress and Joomla. Old software is often vulnerable to hackers. Always:

• Update your core CMS
• Delete unused plugins
• Choose themes from trusted sources

This limits the number of possible vulnerabilities on your site.

2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Weak passwords are a hacker’s best friend. Use:

• At least 12 characters
• A mix of letters, numbers, and symbols
• A password manager to generate and store them

Change your passwords periodically, and don’t use the same passwords across services.

3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

2FA prevents hackers from reaching your admin panel even if they crack your password. Most modern CMS platforms and hosting dashboards support 2FA. Hence, enable it as soon as possible.

4. Secure File and Directory Permissions

File permissions control who can read, write, or execute files. Improper settings can let attackers upload malicious files.

Use these permission rules:

• 644 for files
• 755 for directories
• Never use 777 unless absolutely necessary

Ask your host for help if you’re unsure how to configure them.

5. Disable Directory Listing

Directory listing grants users visibility of folders on your blog when no index file exists. This could expose your files, themes, or plugins, allowing hackers to look for vulnerabilities. When directory listing is enabled, a browser may show a list of all files in a folder. Hackers can then search for old scripts, backups, or sensitive files that you didn’t intend to make public. To strengthen your shared hosting security, you should always disable this feature.

6. Install an SSL Certificate

SSL encrypts all data between your site and its users. Without it, log in details and payment info can be intercepted.

Today, SSL is not optional. It’s a security must and also boosts your SEO.

Most shared hosting plans, including BigRock, offer free SSL certificates. Make sure it’s installed and working.

7. Set Regular Backups

Security is about being prepared. If something goes wrong, backups let you recover quickly. Schedule daily or weekly backups. Store them offsite cloud storage or a secure drive.

8. Limit Login Attempts

Brute-force attacks involve guessing passwords repeatedly. Limit login attempts to block bots after a few tries.

Use a plugin or firewall rule to set:

• Maximum login attempts: 3–5
• Lockout time: 10–30 minutes
• IP blocking after repeated failures

This adds a powerful layer to your shared hosting security.

9. Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF)

A Web Application Firewall (WAF) blocks malicious traffic before it hits your site. It detects and filters threats like:

• SQL injections
• Cross-site scripting (XSS)
• Bad bots

Many shared hosts bundle WAFs with their plans. You can also use services like Sucuri or Cloudflare.

10. Monitor and Scan for Malware

Use security plugins or tools to scan your files regularly. Many hacks happen quietly, so detection is key.

Check for:

• Unusual file changes
• New users or admin accounts
• Unknown scripts in your theme folders

The earlier you detect malware, the quicker you can get rid of it.

What to Do if You Get Hacked?

Even with strong precautions, attacks can happen. If your site gets compromised:

1. Take it offline immediately
2. Contact your hosting support team
3. Restore a clean backup
4. Change all login credentials
5. Run a full malware scan

Then, tighten your shared hosting security to prevent a repeat attack.

Conclusion

Shared hosting gives you a great start, but it’s not risk-free. Since you’re sharing space with other websites, your security setup matters more than ever.

From strong passwords to firewall tools, every small step adds up. Learn what your host offers and add your own layers of protection.

BigRock supports secure hosting with daily malware scans, SSL, backups, and more. But no matter which provider you use, smart security habits are your best defense. Start taking control of your shared hosting security today—before cyber threats find their way in.