Reliability, Uptime Scores and Security are the main factors to consider when choosing a hosting provider. However, it shouldn't be the only deciding factor. Price and technical specifications should also be taken into account, as not all hosts are created equal. Some prioritize customer support while others see it as an afterthought.
Server security is an important factor that is often overlooked when selecting a web hosting provider. Symantec reports that 1 in 13 web requests lead to malware, so it's essential to choose a solution that protects your website from cyberattacks. Firewall rules and network monitoring processes can help keep potential hackers away. The hosting provider must also provide access control for users and keep its computers up to date with antivirus and anti-malware scans. In addition, backups should be created in case of hard drive failure or corruption.
Cyber attacks, such as ransomware, are no longer restricted to financial websites, Symantec reports. Every day you target an unprecedented number of general websites, as they are often easier targets. These attacks can leave irreversible damage to a website's files, making it virtually impossible to restore it without a backup. Are server resources shared or restricted? Most shared hosting divides web server resources, including CPU, RAM, storage, and bandwidth, among hundreds of different websites. If a site becomes greedy, it can consume a large portion of those resources and leave others fighting for the rest.
On the other hand, VPS and dedicated hosting delimit a specific amount of resources for each site, so you get a consistent level of performance. It is also important to check that the web hosting provider uses the latest server technology. Technology is advancing rapidly, and you'll want a web host that moves with the times instead of using outdated technology. For example, Kinsta's software stack includes Nginx, LXD containers, PHP 7.4 and MariaDB for lightning-fast speed. Another consideration is server location; if your primary audience is in Australia, then it makes sense to choose a data center located in Australia (or nearby) so that your web pages load faster. If you can't select a server location, you'll definitely need a content delivery network (CDN) to speed up page loading. Caching is also necessary for best performance; some web servers include server-level caching while others don't include any caching.
If that is the case, check if there are any restrictions on what you can install. For example, if you host with Kinsta, which includes server-level caching, WP Rocket is the only caching add-on that allows. Customer support is also essential; some web hosting providers answer all support calls in live chat in less than 30 seconds while others transfer serious issues to second or third level support that may take days to resolve. Finally, check for hidden extras; some companies charge based on monthly one-time visits but reinstate what is considered a one-time visit after 24 hours. As a result, accommodation costs can become extremely expensive with these types of companies. When choosing your website hosting provider, prioritize options that offer uptime greater than 99%. Pay attention to these 10 tips to have more confidence when selecting the best web hosting: reliability, uptime scores and security; price and technical specifications; customer support; server security; access control; backups; shared or restricted server resources; latest server technology; server location; caching; customer support; hidden extras.
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