The cPanel is an incredible and powerful tool that ensures efficient management of your hosting system. However, like every software application, even cPanel needs to be secured and kept safe so that your server and therefore, the website continues to perform well. While it is the responsibility of the web hosting providers to ensure security and safety of the system, you, as the site owner and/or webmaster also need to ensure that you maintain the cPanel’s security and make it function optimally. 

Here’s how.

Use Secure Passwords.

Like any application, cPanel also needs high-security passwords. Use long-form and strong passwords that cannot be easily hacked and ensure that each user on cPanel has a strong password of their own. Change the password at regular intervals. Avoid using default passwords and have different options for a user account, FTP account, and so on. You should also enable SSL to your cPanel to avoid unauthorized access.

Enable Firewall, Anti-Virus, and Anti-Rootkit.

ConfigServer Security and Firewall or CSF, helps you double up the security on your cPanel. It is a popular firewall application and offers various recommendations on how you can increase security. For anti-virus, you can opt for ClamAV, which is a plugin and can be easily installed. For Anti-Rootkit, you can use Rootkit Hunter, which detects any malicious programs running in stealth mode.

Secure SSH.

Secure Shell or SSH, allows you to remotely access the cPanel on your server. This can help you easily upgrade, configure, or fix any issues on the server without directly accessing the cPanel and makes for a protective measure. Also, when running an SSH, change the default port number to avoid unwarranted access.

Keep your cPanel Updated.

Like any other software application, cPanel also needs to be updated regularly. The updated version comes with bug fixes and better security measures. You can easily run an upgrade from the cPanel homepage. For smarter execution, automate the process through settings on server configuration and the version will get updated by itself whenever there is a new one available.

Enable Brute-Force Protection.

This is essential when there are repeated attempts to access your server. With brute-force protection, you can block your IP address to intruders. To activate it, enable “CPHulk Brute-Force Protection” in “Security Center.”

Disable Anonymous FTP.

When running FTP, always disable the ‘Anonymous FTP.’ Otherwise, hackers can easily upload content to your system and hack your account. To activate this, you need to go to FTP Server Configuration and disallow anonymous logins.

Secure Apache and PHP.

To prevent any malicious PHP scripts from opening at other locations, you can quarantine them within the home directory. Always ensure you have the latest version of PHP to avoid this. Use the ‘Easy Apache’ utility in the cPanel for the latest version of Apache server.

Summing up…

You can never be failsafe when it comes to security. That’s why you have to keep all bases covered and make sure that every access point is safeguarded from hackers or viruses. Additionally, having a trusted Cloud-based hosting partner can boost your security measures. A good Cloud Hosting provider will also ensure that your system is always secure and will provide you with necessary support whenever needed.