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.
