7min Read

How to Prevent your cPanel Account from Being Hacked

How to Prevent your Web Hosting Account from Being Hacked

Hacking is a big problem these days on the internet. It’s really important to make sure your cPanel account is super secure. It needs protection from both people trying to get in manually and those using computers to try and break in automatically.

Keeping our clients safe is super important to us. Our servers have a strong wall of protection called a firewall, and we’ve set up other safety measures too. But, some parts of keeping your cPanel safe are up to you, not just us. In this article, we’re going to give you some helpful tips to make your cPanel account even safer.

Below are Measures to Safeguard your Hosting Account from Hackers

  • Strong Username & Passwords
  • Regular Update
  • Scan Your Web Space for Safety
  • Firewall Protection
  • Secure Connections
  • Limited Access
  • Backup Regularly
  • Security Plugins
  • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
  • Monitor Activity
  • Educate Users

Strong Username & Passwords

How to Create Strong Username & Passwords for Better Account Security

You can use any special program for password generation as well as an in-built cPanel password generator. It can be found in cPanel >> Password & Security.

In the digital world, having a strong username and password is like having a strong lock on your front door. It keeps your online accounts safe from bad guys. Here’s how to make a powerful password:

  1. Mix It Up: Use a mix of letters (both upper and lower case), numbers, and special characters. This makes it harder for hackers to guess.
  2. Avoid Common Words: Don’t use easy-to-guess stuff like “password” or your name. Hackers try those first.
  3. Be Creative: Make a phrase only you would understand, then mix in some numbers and symbols.
  4. Longer is Better: The longer your password, the tougher it is to crack. Aim for at least 12 characters.

Remember, your password is your digital bodyguard. Treat it well!

Use complex passwords that combine letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or names.

Additionally, it makes sense to change passwords for your email accounts. This can be done in the cPanel >> Email Accounts menu.

Regular Updates

Why Keeping Your Software Updated is Super Important

Imagine your computer is like a castle with lots of rooms. If some doors are broken, burglars can sneak in. That’s why software updates are like fixing those doors. Here’s why you should update:

  1. Security Fixes: Updates patch holes that hackers can use to get in.
  2. New Features: Updates can make your software work better and offer cool new stuff.
  3. Better Performance: Updates can help your software run faster and smoother.
  4. Outdated Risks: Hackers know about old problems. If you don’t update, they can attack using those problems.

Remember, updating is like locking your castle’s doors – it keeps the bad guys out!

Keep your software, including content management systems (CMS) and plugins, up to date. Vulnerabilities in outdated software can be exploited by hackers.

Scan Your Web Space for Safety

Imagine having a detective who checks every nook and cranny of your online space. That’s what scanning your web space does for your website. Here’s why it’s important:

  1. Web Guardian: Scanning your web space looks at everything on your website and finds anything harmful.
  2. Keep Out the Trouble: It helps keep away viruses and sneaky programs that could cause problems.
  3. Safety Shield: Scanning adds a layer of protection, making sure no bad stuff sneaks in.

Just like a watchful detective, scanning keeps your web space secure!

Using different methods to scan your web space is like having different tools to make sure your online home is clean and safe. One way to do this is by using the built-in cPanel Virus Scanner, which looks for anything harmful in your hosting account. This is your digital detective that helps maintain a safe and tidy web space. When done, you can learn how to read the scanned report here.

Also, you can use some free online scanners such as this one:
https://sitecheck.sucuri.net

It is better to combine these two ways of checking your account for viruses. In order to prevent viruses and malware on your account, it is recommended that you use themes and plugins only from trusted providers. In case you have any doubts regarding your account security, please feel free to contact our Support Team at any moment.

Firewall Protection

Staying Safe with Firewall Protection

Imagine a security guard who checks everyone at the entrance to a party. That’s what a firewall does for your computer. Here’s why it’s awesome:

  1. Guardian Angel: A firewall watches all the stuff coming into your computer and blocks anything bad.
  2. Block the Bad: It keeps hackers and viruses away from your important files.
  3. Privacy Protector: A firewall adds a layer of privacy, so no one can sneak in without permission.

Just like a security guard at a party, a firewall keeps your computer’s “party” safe!

Enable a firewall to filter incoming traffic and block malicious attempts to access your account.

Secure Connections

Why Using Secure Connections (HTTPS) Matters

Think of your information as secret messages. With HTTPS, your messages are locked in a special box only you and the receiver can open. Here’s why it’s important:

  1. Privacy Shield: HTTPS encrypts your data, so hackers can’t read your messages.
  2. Trusted Sites: Browsers show a padlock for HTTPS sites, so you know they’re safe.
  3. Safe Shopping: It’s crucial for online shopping – your payment details are secure.

Remember, HTTPS is like a secret code for your messages. Only the right people can understand it!

Use secure protocols like HTTPS to encrypt data transmission between your site and users.

Limited Access

The Importance of Limiting Access to Your Account

Imagine your online account is a special club with a VIP list. Only people on the list can enter. Here’s why controlling access matters:

  1. Restricted Entry: Giving access only to trusted people prevents unauthorized guests.
  2. Less Risk: Fewer people with access means fewer chances of things going wrong.
  3. Easy Management: When you control who enters, it’s easier to keep things organized.

Think of your account like your personal club – you’re the bouncer and decide who gets in!

Grant access only to trusted individuals and revoke access for those who no longer need it.

Backup Regularly

Even if we already set up automatic backups every week on our servers, it’s a good idea for you to also keep a backup of your account somewhere safe on your computer or another outside server. Remember to update it sometimes so you don’t lose important stuff.

You can create a full cPanel backup in cPanel >> Backup.

Regular Backups: Your Digital Safety Net

Picture your website as a sandcastle on the beach. Backups are like taking a photo of it, just in case the tide washes it away. Here’s why backups are lifesavers:

  1. Quick Recovery: If hackers or mistakes ruin your site, backups help you bring it back.
  2. Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a backup makes you less worried about accidents.
  3. Easy Fixes: Even if something small breaks, backups let you fix it without stress.

Backups are like your site’s safety net – they catch you if things go wrong!

Regularly back up your website data and files so you can quickly restore your site in case of a breach.

PLEASE NOTE: If your account gets bigger than 25GB or contains more than 200 000 inodes, it will be automatically excluded from weekly backups.

Security Plugins

Boosting Security with the Power of Security Plugins

Imagine having extra guards to protect your house. Security plugins are like those guards for your website. Here’s how they make your online world safer:

  1. Added Layers of Defense: Security plugins add extra shields to your website, making it harder for hackers to break in.
  2. Alert Systems: They watch for suspicious activities and send you alerts if something seems off.
  3. Malware Detectors: These plugins scan your website for harmful software, just like a detective searching for clues.
  4. Block Suspicious Traffic: Security plugins can block visitors who look fishy, keeping your website safe from potential threats.

Think of security plugins as your website’s personal bodyguards – they keep a watchful eye and defend it from any sneaky attacks!

Utilize security plugins that offer additional layers of protection for your website.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

The Extra Protection of Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Imagine your account is a treasure chest. With 2FA, you need two keys to open it – your password and a special code. Here’s why it’s super secure:

  1. Double Protection: Even if someone knows your password, they can’t get in without the special code.
  2. Hack-Proofing: Even if a hacker tries to sneak in, they can’t without that second key.
  3. Easy Setup: It’s simple – you get the special code on your phone or email.

With 2FA, your account turns into a fortress, guarded by two keys – just for you!

Enable 2FA for your account, adding an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step.

Monitor Activity

Why Monitoring Account Activity is a Smart Move

Think of your account like a bank. You’d check your bank statement, right? It’s the same with your online account. Here’s why watching activity matters:

  1. Spotting Trouble: If something weird happens, like strange logins, you’ll know and can act fast.
  2. Stopping Attacks: You can stop hackers before they cause major damage.
  3. Early Alerts: Activity monitoring is like getting a warning before a storm hits.

Remember, watching your account is like being your own detective – you catch anything fishy!

Keep an eye on your account’s activity for any unauthorized actions or unusual behavior.

Educate Users

Spreading Knowledge: Educating Users for Better Security

Imagine you have a secret recipe that makes your cookies awesome. Sharing it with your friends helps them bake yummy cookies too. Here’s why educating matters:

  1. Smart Moves: When everyone knows the tricks, they won’t fall for scams or tricks.
  2. Safer Network: Educated users keep your whole network secure from potential threats.
  3. Confidence Boost: Knowing how to stay safe online makes everyone feel better.

Remember, sharing is caring – when you share security tips, everyone benefits!

Educate anyone with access to your account about security best practices to minimize risks.


The Author