Introduction: New Server, New Security Commitment

Following our recent migration to a more powerful server, I’m happy to say that your sites should now load faster and more reliably. There were a few hiccups along the way — thank you for your patience. This upgrade wasn’t just about speed; it was also about meeting today’s security challenges. Recent ransomware attacks on large brands such as M&S and the Co‑op remind us that cyber threats are widespread and evolving. Even small websites are targeted by automated bots scanning for outdated plugins, weak passwords and misconfigured servers.

 

Hosting & Maintenance Plans

For clarity, here’s what each of the smallbizmedia hosting plans include:

• Level 1 – Hosting Only: Reliable UK-based hosting for static sites.

• Level 2 – Hosting & Website Care: Shared hosting plus WordPress updates, monthly backups, database optimisation, spam cleanup, security scans, SSL, email support and up to 30 minutes of routine edits.

• Level 3 – VPS Hosting & Website Care: All Level 2 benefits on a dedicated VPS for higher performance and isolation.

Every new website build comes with 12 months of Level 2 care, and clients can upgrade at any time.

In order to keep costs down, most websites managed by smallbizmedia are hosted on a shared server.

 

Downsides of Shared Hosting

Shared hosting remains cost‑effective, but it has limitations:

• Performance variability: Your site can slow down when other websites on the same server get busy.

• Limited control: You can’t install custom software or change server configurations.

• Security risks: A vulnerability on a neighbour’s site or spam activity could lead to your IP being blocked.

• Basic email service: Shared hosts often provide only simple email services with limited storage and deliverability features.

A VPS or dedicated email provider mitigates these issues, making them worthwhile investments for growing businesses.

 

What is a VPS (and Why It Matters)?

A Virtual Private Server (VPS) divides a physical server into multiple isolated “private” slices. Unlike shared hosting where many websites compete for the same CPU, memory and storage, a VPS allocates resources specifically for you. This isolation means:

• Better performance: Your site won’t slow down when other sites experience traffic spikes.

• Greater control: You have root access, so you can install custom software and optimise security.

• Improved stability and security: Problems on neighbouring sites can’t affect you.

• Easy scalability: You can increase CPU or RAM as your site grows.

Level 3 plans use VPS hosting to provide these benefits. Shared hosting is ideal for simple sites, but if you’re running an e‑commerce store or expecting more traffic, a VPS is worth considering.

 

Why Separate Your Email from Web Hosting?

Keeping your email on the same server as your website can create problems:

1. Single point of failure: If your web server goes down, so does your email. Separating them ensures continuous email access.

2. Better syncing: Modern services like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 provide seamless multi‑device sync, unlike basic POP3 or even IMAP accounts.

3. 24/7 reliability: Dedicated email hosts focus exclusively on email uptime and support.

4. Reduced spam/blacklisting risk: On a shared server, if another site sends spam, your shared IP can be blacklisted. Some clients have experienced this recently.

5. Easier migration: Switching web hosts is simpler when email is separate.

6. More features: External services offer larger storage, shared calendars and collaboration tools.

Both Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 provide enterprise‑grade security, spam filtering and integration with other apps. For most businesses, the modest cost of these platforms is offset by the reliability and productivity gains.

 

Web-site and email security is a major issue and is consuming considerable energy to deal with.

My Level 2 and Level 3 plans include monthly personal checks, real‑time malware scanning and ongoing updates — far exceeding what typical hosting services offer. Many agencies charge between £600 and £2,400 per year for similar care, whereas my plans remain more affordable and charges have not been raised for 5 years. They offer a high level of security but unfortunately it is becoming harder to stay ahead of the cyber threats. 

For additional peace of mind, you can add Enhanced Security Monitoring, which provides continuous scanning, regular deep malware checks and automatic removal for a modest annual fee.

 

Real‑World Security Statistics

Wordfence, one of the leading WordPress security plugins, blocked over 130 million attacks per day in 2024 and more than 48 billion malicious requests over the year. This volume illustrates how widespread and indiscriminate automated attacks are — they target all kinds of websites, regardless of size.

 

Conclusion & Call to Action

Upgrading your hosting, separating email services and using enhanced security measures can make a huge difference in how your website and email performs and how safe it is. Whether you’re running a simple brochure site or a growing e‑commerce platform, there’s a tailored plan to suit your needs.

If you’d like to discuss moving from shared hosting to a VPS, setting up professional email with Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, or enabling Enhanced Security Monitoring, please get in touch.