Shared hosting is a popular solution due to its low cost and ease of setup, but it's important to remember that it exposes your website to unique risks, as you are sharing server resources with other websites. In this article, we'll review the key steps you should take to ensure that your website remains secure even in this environment.
1. Use SSL (https)
Almost all hosting providers now offer free SSL certificates (Let’s Encrypt). Make sure the certificate is installed and that your site is only accessible via HTTPS.
Tip: You can force WordPress to automatically redirect to HTTPS using a plugin or by changing the file .htaccess.
2. WordPress and plugin updates
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Be sure to update your WordPress version as soon as it is released.
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Also update all plugins and themes.
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Remove plugins and themes that you don’t use—they are a vulnerability.
3. Strengthen passwords and user permissions
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Use strong, unique passwords.
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Limit user permissions – not every user needs to be an admin.
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Consider using two-factor authentication (2FA).
4. Install a security plugin
Popular security plugins for WordPress can provide an extra layer of protection:
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Wordfence – firewall + file scans. (Highly recommended)
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iThemes Security – Brute force prevention and site hardening.
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All In One WP Security – Easy to use and includes basic protections.
5. File and folder permissions
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Ensure that WordPress files are set with the correct permissions (
644for files,755for folders). -
Do not leave sensitive files (such as backups or
wp-config.php) accessible to the public.
6. Regular backups
Even the best protection does not guarantee 100% security. Therefore, it is important to set up daily/weekly backups of the website, database, and files.
Plugins such as UpdraftPlus or backups via the hosting provider's panel can save you in the event of a malfunction or hack.
7. Use an external WAF or CDN
Services such as Cloudflare or Sucuri Firewall can provide an additional layer of security on top of shared hosting – blocking attacks, preventing DDoS, and optimizing the website.
Shared hosting does expose your site to unique security risks, but with simple steps—SSL certificate, regular updates, security plugins, backups, and proper permissions—you can protect your site very well.
And if you want peace of mind, we offer a security and hardening service for WordPress websites on shared hosting, including installation, configuration, and periodic checks.