Every October, Cyber Security Awareness Month serves as a reminder that online security isn’t optional — it’s essential. For any web hosting customer, your account is more than just a login. It’s the gateway to your websites, email accounts, customer data, and your online reputation.
At GreenGeeks, we take security seriously, and this month we want to highlight how you can take simple, practical steps to protect your hosting account.
The central theme this year: Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). Combined with updated passwords, up-to-date software, and smarter account practices, 2FA is a powerful way to stay ahead of attackers.
Why Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Should Be Your First Step
Relying on passwords alone is no longer enough to protect sensitive accounts. Hackers use stolen password databases, phishing emails, and even automated bots to try millions of combinations until they get lucky. While GreenGeeks uses a variety of security tools to prevent unauthorized logins, such as an advanced firewall and brute force protection, attackers can still slip through if they know your password.
That’s where 2FA comes in. By requiring something you know (your password) and something you have (a code generated by an authentication app), you create a double lock. Even if someone guesses or steals your password, they won’t get far without that second factor.
Think of 2FA as the difference between locking your front door versus locking your door and also enabling a security alarm. It drastically reduces the chance of unauthorized access, and for hosting accounts, that’s critical — because one compromise could lead to your websites being defaced, customer information stolen, or your business reputation harmed.
GreenGeeks strongly recommends that all customers enable 2FA on their GreenGeeks accounts for optimal protection of their accounts and data.
Strengthening Your Hosting Security: Beyond 2FA
While enabling 2FA is the foundation, it works best when paired with other smart security practices. Here are key areas every GreenGeeks customer should focus on:
1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords or Passphrases
Avoid reusing the same password across multiple services. If your password leaks on one stolen password database, hackers will try it everywhere.
Use a password manager to generate and securely store long, complex passwords. Update your hosting and website passwords regularly and never share them over email or chat.
Instead of using passwords, GreenGeeks recommends all customers use a passphrase instead, as this makes it harder for hackers to guess or brute force your account.
2. Keep Your Website Software Updated
Outdated WordPress installations, plugins, and themes are among the most common entry points for attackers. Enable auto-updates when possible, or set a regular schedule to check for updates.
Remove unused software. An old CMS installation in a forgotten folder can still be exploited even if you don’t actively use it.
3. Avoid Using a Domain-Based Email for Your GreenGeeks Account
Many customers use something like (email protected) for their GreenGeeks Account. While convenient, this creates serious risks:
If your domain expires, you lose access to that email. Even worse, if your site is compromised, attackers may hijack your email and reset your hosting password.
Using a third-party email (like Gmail or Outlook) ensures you’ll always have access to account notifications and recovery options, even if your website is down.
4. Stay Alert to Phishing Attempts
Attackers often send emails pretending to be from hosting companies such as GreenGeeks, your bank, PayPal, or other important online services, warning you of “urgent issues” with your account.
Always check the sender’s address and hover over links before clicking. If you’re unsure, log in directly to your GreenGeeks account instead of following a link in an email.
Cyber Security Awareness Month: What’s Next
This October, we’ll be publishing a series of helpful articles to give you deeper insights into securing your hosting environment. Here’s a preview of what’s coming:
Why 2FA is Critical in Today’s World
Real-world examples of how 2FA prevents account takeovers — and why it’s now considered a basic requirement for online security.
Removing Unused WordPress or CMS Installations
How forgotten installs become hacker playgrounds and why cleaning up your hosting account is as important as locking your front door.
How to Report a Suspicious Email Claiming to Be from Your Host
Step-by-step guidance on what to do when you receive a phishing email, including how to protect yourself and help stop fraudsters.
Preventing AI Harvesting of Your Website Content
Exploring practical ways to reduce how much automated bots — including AI scrapers — can extract from your website without your consent.
Take Action Today
Cyber Security Awareness Month isn’t just about learning — it’s about acting. By enabling 2FA, updating your passwords and software, and reviewing your account security settings, you can reduce the chances of compromise significantly.
At GreenGeeks, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Start today by enabling 2FA on your GreenGeeks Account, reviewing your contact email, and checking for unused or outdated software. The small steps you take now could prevent major issues later.
Stay safe. Stay secure. Stay hosted with confidence.
