If you have Internet and technology savoir-faire, you would have heard of the term Internet Protocol or IP address and must be aware that this is the method by which data is communicated or sent from one computer to another on the Internet. It is a string of scientific numerical digits separated by dots that specifically represent every network. IP addresses actually distinguish each computer from the rest and even identify the computer’s location in any corner of the world.
IP addresses can be classified into two categories: Static IP Address and Dynamic IP Address. Put simply and as you can glean from the self-explanatory names, Static IP address is the default address of a (network) device; while the same network takes on the Dynamic IP address as soon as it enters the network.
On the other hand, IP addresses may also be classified according to their implementation. In shared hosting, where resources are shared IP addresses can be put into operation either as Name-based or IP-based virtual hosting. Name-based hosting is more popularly known as Shared IP Hosting, wherein all server partitions become accessible through the same IP address. The only way to tell each website apart is by the specific URL. Websites on shared IP Hosting – for example, www.web1.com and www.web2.com lead to the same IP address but typing the first would show the user to one partition; while the other would send the browser to another partition – both on the same server.
Conversely, with IP-based virtual hosting, multiple IP addresses are found on single server; each IP address matches up to a distinct website. This is deemed an advantage as it allows the website to obtain its own SSL.
Now that we’re done with terminology explanations, let’s take a closer look and examine the security aspect of Shared IP Hosting.
Is Shared IP Hosting Safe and Secure?
There has always been a long-running debate on how secure shared IP Hosting is. The fact is, the most significant weakness of Shared IP Hosting, so far is the intrinsic issues on the low level of security that besiege this web hosting method. The idea of sharing security certificates with thousands of domains on one server is already an enormous drawback. Added to this, if any of the websites are allowed to or are able to run PHP or Perl Scripts, it could open a hole that may cause security breaches. The same is true if the server allows shell access.
Another risk you could be facing with Shared IP Hosting is the potential for your files getting accessed by unscrupulous individuals (or company, for that matter) who shared the same server with you, if your host utilizes prepackaged software. The ability of the software to read, write and execute files on the server level can put your files in grave jeopardy. Further, one compromised website can result to a chain of compromised websites on the same server. If one website is charged with malicious and abusive Internet behavior – even if only to distribute spam, it may affect the whole server and could disable, block and shut down other sites on that server as well.
Although efforts are being currently done by developers to create software that can minimize the risks involved in shared IP hosting, there simply is no absolute guarantee for a full protection for your data and files on shared hosting. At best, tight and efficient security policies can only restrict some of the available ports and connections.
The Advantages of Shared IP Hosting
Budget Hosting
The supreme benefit that you can get from Shared IP Hosting is in its reasonable and affordable price. A web server incurs a lot of cost and requires regular upkeep. Sharing the server means you also divide the expenses involved among all the websites
IP addresses can be classified into two categories: Static IP Address and Dynamic IP Address. Put simply and as you can glean from the self-explanatory names, Static IP address is the default address of a (network) device; while the same network takes on the Dynamic IP address as soon as it enters the network.
On the other hand, IP addresses may also be classified according to their implementation. In shared hosting, where resources are shared IP addresses can be put into operation either as Name-based or IP-based virtual hosting. Name-based hosting is more popularly known as Shared IP Hosting, wherein all server partitions become accessible through the same IP address. The only way to tell each website apart is by the specific URL. Websites on shared IP Hosting – for example, www.web1.com and www.web2.com lead to the same IP address but typing the first would show the user to one partition; while the other would send the browser to another partition – both on the same server.
Conversely, with IP-based virtual hosting, multiple IP addresses are found on single server; each IP address matches up to a distinct website. This is deemed an advantage as it allows the website to obtain its own SSL.
Now that we’re done with terminology explanations, let’s take a closer look and examine the security aspect of Shared IP Hosting.
Is Shared IP Hosting Safe and Secure?
There has always been a long-running debate on how secure shared IP Hosting is. The fact is, the most significant weakness of Shared IP Hosting, so far is the intrinsic issues on the low level of security that besiege this web hosting method. The idea of sharing security certificates with thousands of domains on one server is already an enormous drawback. Added to this, if any of the websites are allowed to or are able to run PHP or Perl Scripts, it could open a hole that may cause security breaches. The same is true if the server allows shell access.
Another risk you could be facing with Shared IP Hosting is the potential for your files getting accessed by unscrupulous individuals (or company, for that matter) who shared the same server with you, if your host utilizes prepackaged software. The ability of the software to read, write and execute files on the server level can put your files in grave jeopardy. Further, one compromised website can result to a chain of compromised websites on the same server. If one website is charged with malicious and abusive Internet behavior – even if only to distribute spam, it may affect the whole server and could disable, block and shut down other sites on that server as well.
Although efforts are being currently done by developers to create software that can minimize the risks involved in shared IP hosting, there simply is no absolute guarantee for a full protection for your data and files on shared hosting. At best, tight and efficient security policies can only restrict some of the available ports and connections.
The Advantages of Shared IP Hosting
Budget Hosting
The supreme benefit that you can get from Shared IP Hosting is in its reasonable and affordable price. A web server incurs a lot of cost and requires regular upkeep. Sharing the server means you also divide the expenses involved among all the websites
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