Running websites, applications, or online stores on the cloud has become the go-to choice for businesses of all sizes. Managed cloud hosting providers take away the heavy lifting of server management, letting you focus on growth instead of worrying about patching, scaling, or monitoring infrastructure.
But even with managed hosting, security should always remain a top priority. Cyberattacks are increasing every year, with hackers targeting weak points in web apps, plugins, databases, and even user logins. A strong hosting partner provides multiple layers of protection, but as a site owner, you also need a clear checklist to make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
This post covers a complete security checklist for websites, apps, and e-commerce stores hosted on managed cloud platforms. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for in a hosting provider and what best practices you should implement yourself.
1. Choose a Provider with a Security-First Mindset
The foundation of secure hosting starts with your provider. Look for a managed cloud host that doesn’t treat security as an add-on but as a core part of its service. Key signs include:
- Regular OS and firmware patching
- 24/7 security monitoring
- Firewall and bot protection included
- Proactive vulnerability scanning
For example, if you’re running an e-commerce store during high-traffic seasons like Black Friday or Cyber Monday, downtime or breaches could cost thousands in lost revenue. Choosing a provider like Cloudways ensures built-in firewalls, automated patching, and DDoS protections, giving you peace of mind when traffic spikes.
2. Implement SSL Certificates for All Projects
An SSL certificate isn’t just about trust signals anymore—it’s the baseline for encryption between your website and visitors. Without it, customer data like login details or payment information can be intercepted.
Your checklist:
- Use free SSL (Let’s Encrypt) for every project.
- Enable automatic renewal.
- Redirect all HTTP traffic to HTTPS.
- For e-commerce, consider Extended Validation SSL for added credibility.
Cloudways includes free SSL certificates in its managed cloud hosting plans, removing the cost barrier for small businesses.
3. Keep Applications and Plugins Updated
Attackers often exploit outdated software. WordPress plugins, Magento modules, and outdated app frameworks are common entry points.
Security checklist steps:
- Enable automatic updates where possible.
- Schedule monthly manual audits for plugins and dependencies.
- Remove unused apps, themes, or extensions.
- Test updates in staging before applying to production.
By keeping your apps updated, you close the door on known vulnerabilities before hackers can exploit them.
4. Enable Web Application Firewall (WAF)
A Web Application Firewall (WAF) filters and monitors traffic between your app and the internet. It can block malicious traffic before it reaches your site.
Checklist for WAF:
- Ensure your hosting provider offers a server-level firewall.
- Add an application-level WAF (like Cloudflare or Sucuri) for extra defense.
- Configure rules for SQL injection, XSS, and brute force attacks.
Most managed cloud platforms like Cloudways include firewalls by default, but adding a secondary WAF is smart if you handle sensitive customer data.
5. Secure User Access and Authentication
Poor password hygiene remains one of the top causes of breaches. Protecting access to both hosting accounts and app dashboards is critical.
Checklist:
- Enforce strong passwords with mixed characters.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
- Restrict SSH/SFTP access to whitelisted IPs.
- Use role-based access control for teams.
Cloudways, for example, provides 2FA for account security and lets you set granular team permissions, which is especially useful for agencies managing multiple client projects.
6. Backup Strategy: Automated and Offsite
If your website or store is compromised, backups are your lifeline. Without them, recovery can take days—or be impossible.
Backup checklist:
- Daily automated backups.
- On-demand backup option before updates.
- Store backups in multiple locations.
- Test restores regularly.
Cloudways allows both automated and on-demand backups with one-click restoration, making disaster recovery quick and painless.
7. Monitor for Malware and Intrusions
Malware can hide in code, often unnoticed until it damages SEO rankings or steals customer data. Continuous monitoring is key.
Checklist for monitoring:
- Enable server-level monitoring.
- Use external tools like Sucuri SiteCheck or Wordfence for WordPress.
- Regularly review logs for suspicious activity.
- Set alerts for unusual spikes in traffic or resource usage.
Managed hosting solutions usually include monitoring dashboards, so keep them part of your weekly routine.
8. Secure Databases and File Permissions
Hackers often target misconfigured databases or files with loose permissions.
Checklist:
- Use strong unique passwords for databases.
- Restrict remote database access.
- Apply the principle of least privilege to users.
- Configure file permissions (644 for files, 755 for directories).
A managed cloud host will guide you with default best practices, but reviewing your configurations adds an extra layer of assurance.
9. DDoS Protection and Traffic Filtering
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks overwhelm servers with fake traffic, taking your site offline.
Checklist:
- Ensure your host offers DDoS mitigation at the network level.
- Use a CDN with built-in DDoS protection.
- Rate-limit login attempts.
For online stores during sales seasons, this is especially critical. A simple DDoS attack could cost thousands in sales.
10. Security for E-Commerce Transactions
If you run an online store, customer trust depends on secure payment handling.
Checklist:
- PCI DSS compliance.
- HTTPS on checkout pages.
- Use secure payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal, etc.).
- Tokenize sensitive data.
Managed cloud hosting makes compliance easier, but always confirm your payment provider’s security practices too.
11. Regular Security Audits
Even with all protections in place, regular audits catch blind spots.
Checklist:
- Schedule quarterly security audits.
- Run penetration testing annually.
- Audit user roles and unused accounts.
- Document changes to security settings.
Some hosts offer audit support, while others let you integrate with external security firms.
12. Educate Your Team
Technology alone can’t secure your cloud environment—your team also needs training.
Checklist:
- Conduct password and phishing training.
- Share access securely (no plain-text emails).
- Regularly review who has access to hosting accounts.
- Document and update a response plan for incidents.
Human error is one of the top causes of breaches, so investing in education pays long-term dividends.
Bonus: Seasonal Security and Performance Prep
During high-traffic seasons like Black Friday Cyber Monday (BFCM), both performance and security risks increase. Hackers know businesses are distracted by sales, while traffic surges strain infrastructure.
This is where a managed cloud hosting platform like Cloudways shines. You get:
- Auto-scaling resources to handle traffic.
- Built-in firewalls and SSL.
- One-click backup restore if something goes wrong.
And if you’re planning to upgrade your hosting this season, Cloudways is offering a special deal: use the code BFCM5050 to get 50% off for 3 months. It’s a simple way to secure your projects and save at the same time.
Final Thoughts
Managed cloud hosting takes away the complexities of server management, but your role as a site owner is to ensure security remains airtight. By following this checklist—covering SSL, firewalls, backups, malware monitoring, DDoS protection, database security, and team training—you’ll create a strong shield for your websites, apps, or online stores.
Security isn’t a one-time task; it’s an ongoing commitment. The good news is, with the right hosting provider and the right practices in place, you can stay focused on growing your business while knowing your digital assets are safe.
So, before your next sale season or app launch, review this checklist. And if you’re looking for a secure managed cloud hosting partner with built-in protections and a BFCM deal too good to ignore, don’t forget the BFCM5050 coupon for 50% off Cloudways hosting for 3 months.
