In today’s digital landscape, securing your website isn’t optional — it’s a necessity. Whether you’re running a blog, eCommerce store, or business website, cybercriminals are constantly searching for vulnerabilities to exploit. The good news is, you don’t need expensive hosting to stay secure. Even cheap hosting solutions can offer excellent protection — if you know what to look for and how to enhance it.
Let’s explore how to secure cheap web hosting and protect your web server against hacker attacks, without burning a hole in your wallet.
Why Hackers Target Cheap Hosting Servers
Cheap hosting platforms often host hundreds of websites on the same server, making them prime targets for hackers. Common reasons include:
- Outdated software
- Weak passwords
- Shared resources
- Lack of proactive security measures
However, price does not always equal vulnerability. Many affordable hosting providers offer robust security features, especially when properly configured and supplemented with additional measures.
Core Principles of Securing a Cheap Hosting Web Server
1. Choose a Secure Hosting Provider
Start with a provider that includes essential security measures out of the box, even with low-cost plans. Look for:
- Free SSL certificates (HTTPS)
- Firewall and malware scanning
- Daily backups
- DDoS protection
- Two-factor authentication (2FA)
Top budget hosting providers like CheapHoster, A2 Hosting, and SiteGround offer these features even on their entry-level plans.
2. Regular Software Updates
Most server hacks exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated software. Keep all components up to date:
- Web server software (Apache, NGINX, etc.)
- CMS platforms (WordPress, Joomla, etc.)
- Plugins and themes
- Operating system and database software
Enable automatic updates when available or set a strict manual update schedule.
3. Use Secure Protocols Only
Ensure your web server only uses secure communication protocols. Key measures include:
- Enable HTTPS with an SSL/TLS certificate
- Disable FTP and use SFTP or FTPS
- Use SSH instead of Telnet
These protocols encrypt data in transit, preventing data interception and unauthorized access.
4. Configure File and Folder Permissions
Insecure file permissions can lead to data leaks or script execution by attackers.
- Set files to
644and directories to755 - Prevent execution in sensitive directories like
/uploads/ - Disable script execution in unused directories
On a Linux server, tools like chmod and .htaccess configurations help manage these permissions effectively.
5. Install a Web Application Firewall (WAF)
A Web Application Firewall sits between your website and incoming traffic, blocking malicious activity like:
- SQL injection
- Cross-site scripting (XSS)
- Brute force attacks
Even on budget hosting plans, you can use services like:
- Cloudflare (Free plan) – basic DDoS protection and WAF
- Sucuri – premium WAF and malware cleanup
- Wordfence (for WordPress) – powerful plugin-based firewall
6. Harden Your CMS (e.g., WordPress)
If you’re using WordPress or any other CMS, extra layers of protection are necessary:
- Disable XML-RPC unless necessary
- Limit login attempts
- Change the default login URL
- Use strong, unique passwords and 2FA
- Remove unused plugins/themes
CMS-specific security plugins like Wordfence, iThemes Security, or All-In-One WP Security can make this easy to implement, even for beginners.
7. Monitor Server Logs and File Integrity
Server logs and file integrity monitoring help you spot suspicious activity early. Watch for:
- Unauthorized login attempts
- File changes
- Unusual traffic patterns
You can use tools like:
- Logwatch or GoAccess for log analysis
- OSSEC for file integrity checks
- cPanel security tools if included in your hosting plan
8. Implement Account-Level Protection
Even if your host is secure, your account can be the weakest link. Here’s how to protect it:
- Use strong passwords (minimum 12 characters, alphanumeric + symbols)
- Enable 2FA for your hosting dashboard and CMS
- Limit access to only trusted users/admins
- Regularly review user permissions and access logs
9. Backup, Backup, Backup
No security system is 100% bulletproof. That’s why frequent backups are your best friend.
- Daily automatic backups are a must
- Store backups offsite (Google Drive, Dropbox, external server)
- Ensure easy restore options
Many affordable hosting providers include daily or weekly backups. If not, use plugins like UpdraftPlus, BlogVault, or JetBackup.
10. Secure Your DNS and Domain
Often overlooked, DNS hijacking and domain theft are real risks. Protect your digital assets by:
- Enabling domain lock at your registrar
- Using premium DNS with DDoS protection
- Enabling 2FA on your domain registrar account
- Keeping WHOIS information private
Can You Get Security on a Budget? Absolutely.
Let’s break the myth: cheap hosting doesn’t have to mean insecure hosting. With proper configuration, attention to best practices, and a bit of initiative, you can build a rock-solid security posture for your web server — without spending hundreds per month.
Bonus: Red Flags to Avoid in Cheap Hosting
- No SSL (even free)
- No backup or restore option
- Outdated PHP/MySQL versions
- Limited or no customer support
- No firewall or malware scanning
- Poor online reputation
Avoid such providers — cheap should never mean low-quality.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to choose between affordability and security. With the right tools, practices, and providers, you can run a secure web server even on a budget. Prioritize proactive protection, choose smart hosting options, and monitor your systems regularly to stay a step ahead of hackers.
Remember: cybercriminals look for easy targets — don’t be one of them.