Online security isn’t only for tech experts — it affects every business and website owner. Whether you manage emails, maintain your site, or log in to your hosting account, one weak password or careless click can put everything at risk. Knowing how to secure your hosting account is now as essential as securing your bank account.
At IDS Hosting, we take your security seriously — but true protection starts with good habits. Here’s an easy, practical guide to keeping your online accounts, devices, and websites secure.
🔐 1. How to Secure Your Hosting Account and Client Area
Your client area holds your billing, hosting, and domain details — treat it like your bank account.
- Use a strong password — at least 80% strength, but aim for 100%.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of protection.
- Avoid logging in on public Wi-Fi or shared computers.
- Log out after use and keep your browser updated.
Tip: 2FA is available directly in your IDS Hosting client area. It takes one minute to set up and adds strong protection.
💻 2. Secure Your cPanel and Protect Your Hosting Account
Your cPanel manages everything behind your website — files, emails, and databases — so it’s one of your most valuable logins. Taking time to secure your hosting account here helps prevent many common breaches.
- Use a unique password (100% strength) — never reuse your client area password.
- Enable cPanel 2FA under the “Security” section.
- Do not share your cPanel password with developers or anyone else. If you need help installing software or making changes, ask your hosting company to assist, and only share the software admin login (e.g. WordPress admin).
- The IDS Website Builder lets you invite a developer or designer with their own login that can later be removed — a much safer option.
- Always log out after you finish, especially on shared or office computers.
🛡️ 3. Secure Your Emails
Your emails are often the easiest target for hackers. Protecting them properly helps secure your hosting account as a whole.
- Always use SSL/TLS for secure mail (IMAP Port 993, SMTP Port 465).
- Don’t save your password in the mail app or browser.
- Change your email password regularly (aim for 100% strength).
- Use IDS Antivirus (ESET) to block phishing and infected attachments.
- In cPanel → Email → Forwarders, check there are no unknown or hidden forwarders.
- Review your Email Filters (in both cPanel and webmail) to make sure nothing is redirecting mail elsewhere.
- In webmail → Identities, check that no extra or unknown identities have been added — remove anything suspicious.
Tip: If you notice missing mail, new identities, or unexpected forwards, change your password immediately.
🚫 4. Never Click Payment or Banking Links in Emails
Phishing scams are getting smarter — one click can give criminals full access to your accounts and undo your efforts to secure your hosting account.
- Never send your banking login or OTP via email or WhatsApp.
- Never click “Pay Now” or “Verify Account” links inside emails.
- Always log in directly to the supplier’s website instead of using email links.
- Do not accept banking details by email. Phone the supplier to confirm or request an official proof of banking details before making any payment.
- If you’re unsure about an email, contact the sender directly through a trusted method (e.g. phone their known number) before taking any action.
Remember: No legitimate company or bank will ever ask for your password or OTP via email.
💽 5. Secure Your PC, Laptop, and Mobile Devices
If your computer or phone is infected, everything else can be compromised too — and that includes your ability to secure your hosting account.
- Install ESET Endpoint Security for real-time protection against ransomware, phishing, and viruses.
- Install ESET Mobile Security on your phone or tablet to block unsafe apps and SMS scams.
- Keep your software, browsers, and operating system up to date.
- Avoid saving passwords in browsers.
- Use the IDS VPN Service when using public Wi-Fi.
- Back up important documents and emails to an external drive or secure cloud folder.
Tip: Treat your phone like your computer — it holds just as much valuable data.
🔐 6. Safe Remote Access
Remote access can be very useful for support, but it must be done safely.
IDS Hosting will only request remote access through a secure link that looks like this:
Can I connect to your computer?
https://idshosting.getscreen.me/invite/123456789
- If the link looks different, or you weren’t expecting a session, do not accept it.
- Only allow access from trusted technicians.
- Use one-time session tools (e.g. GetScreen.me, TeamViewer QuickSupport, Windows Quick Assist) — never permanent access.
- Stay at your computer and monitor what’s being done.
- Don’t allow new software installs unless you understand what they are.
- When finished, close access, uninstall the tool, and change your password.
- Run a full antivirus and anti-malware scan afterwards.
Tip: If anyone calls unexpectedly offering to “fix” or “clean” your computer, hang up.
🌐 7. Secure Your WordPress Website
Your website is your online storefront — and it’s constantly being scanned by bots looking for weak points.
- Use HTTPS (SSL) — all IDS Hosting plans include free SSL certificates.
- Keep WordPress, themes, and plugins updated.
- Use strong admin passwords (80–100%) and enable 2FA.
- Install trusted security plugins:
- Wordfence Security — firewall, malware scanner, brute-force protection.
- Sucuri Security — alerts you if unwanted files or changes appear on your site.
- Use WordPress Tools (in cPanel) and enable all the security measures offered — file permission checks, version monitoring, integrity scanning.
- Delete unused plugins or old themes.
- Always back up before updates or new plugin installs.
Learn more about Wordfence Security on WordPress.org for extra protection.
Tip: Wordfence blocks attacks, while Sucuri monitors file changes — using both gives complete coverage.
🧩 8. Backups and Recovery — Your Safety Net
A good backup is like an “undo” button for your website and emails. It’s the simplest way to recover from problems quickly.
- Use the Softaculous backup tool. If your website was installed through Softaculous, you can create a full backup — files and database — in just a few clicks. Even if your site wasn’t originally installed with Softaculous, it can be added later to manage backups and schedule automatic copies to popular off-site locations (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive).
- Try the WP Tools backup option. WP Tools also allows quick, easy backups of your WordPress site without using plugins.
- Add a dedicated backup plan from IDS Hosting. IDS offers stand-alone website and email backup services that automatically store your data off-server and give you restore access whenever needed:
- Back up before updates or big changes. Always make a backup before installing plugins, changing themes, or updating WordPress.
- Keep multiple copies. Follow the 3-2-1 rule: three backups, two locations, one off-site.
Tip: Whether you use Softaculous, WP Tools, or IDS’s backup services — having control of your own backups gives true peace of mind.
🔑 9. Password Storage and Management
Strong passwords are only safe if they’re stored properly.
- Never store passwords in browsers or Word/Excel files.
- Use a secure password manager — KeePass is recommended (free, offline, and easy to use).
- Other options: Bitwarden or 1Password if you prefer syncing across devices.
- Enable 2FA for your password manager.
- Create a master password with 100% strength — long, random, and unique.
- Rotate important passwords (hosting, cPanel, and email) every 6–12 months.
- Never share passwords via email or WhatsApp.
- Back up your KeePass database file securely on an encrypted USB or cloud drive.
Tip: A password manager means you only need to remember one password — make it your strongest.
🧱 10. Extra Safety Tips Anyone Can Do
Simple habits go a long way toward staying safe online.
- Double-check who’s emailing you before clicking any link.
- Keep your computer, phone, and browser updated.
- Don’t log in from public or shared computers.
- Review your email settings occasionally — make sure no hidden forwarders or filters exist.
- Back up your data — it’s worth more than your device.
- Never share your login — if someone needs access, your hosting provider can create a separate account.
- When in doubt, pause and confirm — never act on a message that feels rushed or unusual.
Conclusion
Security isn’t about being technical — it’s about smart habits. Use strong passwords, enable 2FA, verify payment details, and always keep your own backups. By following these steps, you’ll secure your hosting account and keep your website, email, and data safe.
Behind the scenes, IDS Hosting protects your websites and emails with secure servers, malware scanning, and optional stand-alone website and email backup services.
Stay safe, stay alert, and stay in control — your online security starts with you.
Short answer: IDS SEO Tools make it easy for any business owner to improve how their website ranks on Google—without hiring an SEO expert. The tool scans your site, finds what is holding it back, and gives you clear, step-by-step fixes you can apply right away.
Why SEO still matters
Search engines are how most customers discover new services. If your website is not on the first page, your competitors get the clicks. IDS SEO Tools turn complex optimisation into something simple, measurable, and automatic.
What IDS SEO Tools actually do
- Scan and grade your website for structure, speed, mobile readiness, and keyword visibility.
- Highlight easy fixes such as broken links, missing meta descriptions, slow images, and weak headings.
- Track progress week by week as your SEO score improves.
- Suggest keywords and competitors to focus your content and page titles.
- Email monthly reports so you always know how your site is performing.
It all lives in your IDS Hosting dashboard—no extra plugins or separate logins needed.
Two versions for different needs
MarketGoo Lite
Great for small sites and beginners. It runs automatic scans, shows your main issues in plain English, and offers quick-win actions you can do yourself.
MarketGoo Pro
Ideal if you are ready to compete for visibility. Adds detailed keyword tracking, competitor comparisons, link monitoring, and guided improvement plans—like having a digital marketing coach in your hosting.
What makes IDS SEO Tools different
- Integrated with hosting—no setup, APIs, or heavy configuration.
- Local relevance—tuned for South African search results and intent.
- Action-based insights—clear “do this next” steps instead of vague advice.
- Real-time scoring—see the impact as you publish changes.
- Simple reporting—clean monthly summaries without jargon.
Beyond keywords: building trust
Google rewards trustworthy sites. The tools measure and help you improve:
- Technical health—SSL, mobile friendliness, core structure.
- Content quality—titles, meta descriptions, headings, and alt text.
- User experience—page speed, image sizes, and broken links.
- Consistency—no duplicates, clean sitemaps, correct indexing.
Is it right for your business?
- You manage your own website and want clear guidance.
- You serve a local market and want more qualified enquiries.
- You use WordPress, Site.pro, or Oxygen Builder—it works with all.
- You prefer measurable progress without agency retainers.
What your dashboard shows
- An overall SEO score out of 100.
- A prioritised list of issues and wins.
- One-click “How to fix it” guides for each item.
- Keyword and traffic tracking that updates weekly.
Each recommendation links to the exact part of your site to change—no guesswork.
Smart tip for owners
Most ranking gains come from simple fixes: strong titles, clear meta descriptions, compressed images, and working links. IDS SEO Tools surface these fast—often delivering more impact than weeks of social posting.
How to get started
- Log in to your IDS Hosting client area.
- Choose SEO Tools Lite or SEO Tools Pro.
- Connect your domain—the first scan runs automatically.
- Apply the easy wins shown in your report.
- Check your SEO score again next week and keep improving.
Real example
A local service business improved its search visibility by 37% in one month by fixing page titles, adding meta descriptions, and compressing large images—actions recommended by IDS SEO Tools Lite.
Short answer: OX App Suite is business email that’s simple, fast, and secure. It gives your team professional email, shared calendars, contacts, and tasks in one clean inbox—without the bloat you don’t need. It runs in your browser and on your phone, and it works with your current domain.
Why businesses choose OX App Suite
- It’s easy to use: clean layout, quick search, zero learning curve for non-technical users.
- Shared work tools: calendars, contact lists, and task lists that the whole team can see.
- Serious security: strong spam and malware filtering, TLS in transit, and account-level controls.
- Works with what you have: keeps your domain, supports common mail apps via IMAP/SMTP, and syncs calendars/contacts via CalDAV/CardDAV.
- Local support: set up and guided by IDS Hosting in South Africa, with clear steps if you’re moving from cPanel webmail or another provider.
What you actually get (in plain language)
- OX Mail: a fast inbox with powerful search, quick filters, and smart threading.
- Calendar & Contacts: share calendars with your team, send invites, see availability, and keep one company address book.
- Tasks: assign, track, and sort by due date—simple, built-in, and no extra app needed.
- Mobile access: use your phone’s native Mail and Calendar apps, or log in via the web app on any device.
- Drive (optional): cloud storage and file sharing available on the Productivity plan.
Work Better Together with OX App Suite + Productivity
The Productivity plan turns OX App Suite into a full collaboration hub. It’s designed for teams who need to share, edit, and communicate—all in one place.
OX Drive — Share and collaborate securely
- Share files or folders instantly with your team—no lost attachments or external storage.
- Control who can view, edit, or comment.
- Automatic version history so nothing gets lost.
- Replace risky attachments with clean, secure share links.
Everyone works from the same version of a document, safely and efficiently.
OX Documents — Edit together in real time
- Includes OX Text, OX Spreadsheet, and OX Presentation.
- Works with Microsoft Office-compatible files (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).
- See team edits live with colour-coded cursors and comments.
- Add notes, track changes, and collaborate from anywhere.
No more endless “final_v4_revised” email attachments—everyone works in one place.
OX Chat — Team messaging made simple
- Create project or team chat channels.
- Share OX Drive files directly in chat.
- Convert a chat into a task or calendar event instantly.
Seamless integration between all tools
Mail, Calendar, Drive, Documents, and Chat all connect naturally. Attach a file from Drive in an email, schedule a follow-up meeting in Calendar, or discuss a document in Chat—within the same interface.
Why teams love the Productivity plan
- Fewer apps to juggle—everything’s in one workspace.
- Keeps your company data secure and private.
- Saves time and simplifies workflows.
- Backed by IDS Hosting’s local support and setup assistance.
What’s different vs cPanel webmail
- Cleaner inbox: faster navigation and better conversation view.
- Built-in sharing: team calendars and company contacts by default.
- Smart admin controls: manage identities, enforce password rules, and stop risky forwarding.
Non-obvious wins our clients love
- Smart search operators: find emails by sender, date, or attachment in seconds.
- Multiple identities: send mail as sales@ or accounts@ from one login with separate signatures.
- Server-side rules: automatically sort messages, even when your computer is off.
- Safer attachments: preview and scan before downloading.
Security that’s not just marketing
- Advanced spam and malware filtering.
- TLS encryption between compatible mail servers.
- SPF, DKIM, and DMARC alignment for trusted delivery.
- Optional two-factor authentication (2FA) for key accounts.
Who is OX App Suite best for?
- Owner-managed SMEs who want reliable, secure business email without the complexity of corporate systems.
- Teams moving off cPanel webmail that need better search, sharing, and organisation.
- Service-based businesses (legal, trades, hospitality) that rely on shared inboxes like info@ or sales@.
Quick setup plan with IDS Hosting
- Pick your plan and create users in the IDS client area.
- Point your DNS records (MX, SPF, DKIM, DMARC) — IDS assists with this setup.
- Migrate mailboxes — your old emails and folders are transferred automatically.
- Set up devices using IMAP/SMTP for mail and CalDAV/CardDAV for calendar and contacts.
- Switch over — new mail lands in OX App Suite once propagation completes.
Admin defaults we change on day one
- Enforce strong passwords and 2FA on critical mailboxes.
- Block auto-forwarding to free mail services.
- Standardise email signatures for brand consistency.
- Set up shared folders and rules to keep inboxes tidy.
Common migration questions
Will I lose my old emails?
No — your existing folders and messages migrate over.
Does it work with Outlook or Apple Mail?
Yes. It supports IMAP/SMTP for mail and CalDAV/CardDAV for calendars and contacts.
Can I keep my existing domain?
Yes, you just update your DNS settings.
Is cloud storage included?
Only on the Productivity plan, which adds OX Drive and the document suite.
How to log in
Once your setup is complete, log in through the IDS client area (under your OX App service) or directly via https://us.appsuite.cloud/ using your email address as your username.
Make the most of it
- Use flags and folders for lightweight task tracking.
- Create shared calendars for bookings or projects.
- Set Send-as identities for shared mailboxes.
- Enable vacation replies with a link to your contact page or WhatsApp.
Next steps
Want a cleaner, safer inbox and a better way to collaborate? IDS Hosting can set up OX App Suite, migrate your mail, and secure your communication in one go.
See OX App Suite Plans | Contact IDS Hosting
So, you’ve heard of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). You know it matters. But how do you choose the right SEO plan for your business? The truth is, not every business needs the same approach. A small local bakery does not need the same SEO as a national e-commerce brand. Here’s how to figure out what’s right for you.
Start with your business goals
Ask yourself:
- Do I want local customers to find me in my town or city?
- Am I targeting clients across South Africa?
- Or am I aiming at an international audience?
Your answers will shape the SEO plan that makes the most sense.
Entry-level SEO
Ideal for small businesses that need to be found locally. Focus areas include:
- Making sure your site works perfectly on mobile.
- Optimising your homepage and contact details.
- Showing up in local searches with correct business info.
Medium-level SEO
Designed for growing businesses that want to compete more broadly. This includes:
- Using targeted keywords across more pages.
- Publishing blogs or guides to capture more searches.
- Improving technical aspects like speed, structure, and security.
High-end SEO
This is where big agencies step in with data-heavy campaigns, international targeting, and larger budgets. Many small and medium businesses don’t need this level — which is why most of our clients focus on entry- or medium-level SEO.
The IDS Hosting approach
At IDS Hosting, we’ve partnered with MarketGoo to create SEO packages for South African businesses that want clear results without the complexity. The tool analyses your site and provides a relevant report on your website status plus a clear roadmap for better ranking. As your website improves, the advice updates — so your SEO grows with you.
Browse SEO Packages
Keep learning
You paid for a website. Maybe you chose a great design and clean layout. But is it actually working for you? A site that just sits online isn’t earning its keep. This is where Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) turns a passive brochure into an active lead-generator.
Your website is more than a business card
A digital business card is useful—you can share a link in your email signature or on social profiles. But to bring in new customers, your site must show up where people are searching and answer their questions clearly enough to win the click and the enquiry.
How SEO makes that happen
- Match real searches: Use the same words your customers type into Google and AI tools.
- Build trust with content: Helpful pages, guides, and FAQs show expertise and reduce doubt.
- Fix technical basics: Fast load times, mobile-friendly pages, and secure browsing (HTTPS) all boost visibility.
- Show clear signals: Simple titles, descriptive meta descriptions, and structured headings help machines understand your pages.
SEO in action (a simple example)
Imagine you run a furniture shop in Witbank. When someone searches “furniture shop Witbank,” your site should appear with a clear page title, a convincing description, and a page that loads quickly on a phone. That is SEO at work—matching the search, answering the need, earning the click.
Turn visits into enquiries
- Add a short, friendly call to action on key pages.
- Place your phone, WhatsApp, and email in obvious spots.
- Use a simple contact form with just the essentials.
- Follow up quickly—speed wins deals.
Practical steps you can start today
- Write one helpful page that answers a common customer question.
- Compress large images and remove anything that slows the page.
- Make sure your site works perfectly on a small phone screen.
- Check that your business name, address, and phone are consistent everywhere.
Our SEO option that keeps things simple
At IDS Hosting, we’ve partnered with MarketGoo to offer an SEO product for entry- to medium-level needs. It analyses your site and gives you a relevant report on your website status plus a clear roadmap for better ranking. As your site improves, the guidance updates—so you always know what to do next.
See our SEO Packages
Keep learning
Having a website is great. Getting people to find it is even better. This guide explains what Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is, why it matters, and how to start improving your visibility on Google and modern AI search tools.
What is SEO, in plain English?
SEO is the process of improving your website so search engines and AI tools can understand it and show it higher in results. In simple terms: SEO helps the right people find you when they search for what you offer.
Why does SEO matter?
- Visibility: Most people never go past page one.
- Qualified traffic: You reach people who are already looking for your product or service.
- Trust: Higher rankings feel more credible to users.
- Competition: If you are not visible, a competitor will be.
Quick checks you can do today
- Open your site on a phone. Is it easy to read and use?
- Search for your service + your town on Google. Do you appear?
- Click a few pages. Does your site load fast and feel tidy?
- Is your contact info clear on every page?
Four essentials every site should cover
- Mobile-friendly pages: Most visitors are on smartphones.
- Speed: Slow pages lose users and rankings.
- Clear content: Answer real questions in simple words.
- Local signals: Show your city/area and contact details clearly.
Tip: Write for people first. Keep sentences short. Use headings. Explain benefits. Then make sure your page title and meta description match what users are searching for.
Where to go from here
You do not need to rebuild your website to start with SEO. Small steps help: improve one page, then the next. Keep your contact details consistent. Add a simple FAQ. Share helpful posts that answer common customer questions.
Our starter-friendly SEO option
At IDS Hosting, we’ve partnered with MarketGoo to offer an SEO product designed for entry- to medium-level needs. It analyses your website and gives you a relevant report on your website status with a clear roadmap for better ranking. The guidance updates as your site improves, so you always know what to do next.
View SEO Packages
Keep learning
Quick FAQ
- How long does SEO take?
- Most sites see early movement in a few weeks. Strong gains build over months.
- Do I need to write blogs?
- Helpful articles make a big difference. Short, clear answers to real questions work well.
- Is SEO only for Google?
- No. Good SEO also helps AI search tools understand and surface your content.
Need help choosing a plan? Talk to us about your goals and budget.
