Ready to dive into a Cloudways Security review? Let’s face it – website security isn’t exactly the most thrilling topic to dig into over your morning cuppa, is it? But if you’ve ever had a site hacked, you’ll know it’s about as fun as a root canal without anaesthetic. Today, I’m diving into Cloudways‘ security to answer the burning question: is your website actually safe with them? Spoiler alert: things are looking pretty good in the Cloudways security department, but don’t just take my word for it – let’s get into the nitty-gritty details, shall we?

At Magnifyi, we’ve migrated dozens of client websites to Cloudways, and security concerns are always top of the list of questions we get bombarded with. So I thought it high time to put together a proper, no-nonsense review of what security is really like under the hood.

What is Cloudways and Why Should You Care About Its Security?

For the uninitiated, Cloudways is a managed cloud hosting platform that sits on top of infrastructure providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and DigitalOcean. It’s the middle-man that makes these powerful (but often complex) cloud services accessible to mere mortals without a PhD in server configuration.

But here’s the thing – a hosting provider is essentially the foundation of your digital house. If that foundation is wobbly, the whole thing could come crashing down faster than you can say “malware attack.” Security matters because they’re the gatekeepers of your digital kingdom, and the last line of defence between your precious website and the internet baddies looking to cause mischief.

The Cloudways Security Landscape

Before we get into the technical bits and bobs, let’s set the scene. The hosting world is a virtual battlefield:

• There are over 80,000 malware attacks every day globally
• WordPress sites (which make up 40% of the web) are targeted relentlessly
• A single security breach costs small businesses an average of £25,000
• 60% of small companies go out of business within six months of a cyber attack

At Magnifyi, we’ve seen first-hand the devastating impact of poor security measures. One of our clients came to us after their previous host had a security breach that took their e-commerce site offline for a week. The lost revenue? Just north of £30,000. Not exactly pocket change, is it?

Cloudways Security Features: The Good Bits

Right, let’s get down to brass tacks and see what Cloudways security actually offers to keep your website safe and sound.

When we at Magnifyi evaluate hosting providers, security always sits at the top of our checklist. After all, you can have the fastest, prettiest website in the world, but if it gets compromised, you’re in for a world of pain. Cloudways security has consistently impressed us with both its breadth and depth – they’ve clearly put some serious thought into protecting their clients’ digital assets.

What’s particularly refreshing about Cloudways security is that it doesn’t feel tacked on as an afterthought. Too many hosting providers treat security like that weird cousin no one wants to talk to at family gatherings – awkwardly acknowledged but quickly moved past. Cloudways, on the other hand, has integrated security into the very fabric of their platform. It’s evident in everything from their server architecture to their user interface design.

Platform-Level Cloudways Security Measures

First up, let’s look at the platform-wide security features that apply to every Cloudways server. These are the foundational elements that form the bedrock of their security approach, and they apply across the board regardless of which cloud provider you choose or what plan you’re on.

Regular Security Patching

One of the most impressive aspects of Cloudways security is their commitment to regular patching. Their team doesn’t faff about when it comes to security updates – they’re on it like a car bonnet.

• OS-level security patches applied automatically
• Critical vulnerabilities addressed within hours, not days
• Notification system keeps you informed about important updates

Our experience at Magnifyi confirms this isn’t just marketing fluff – when the major Log4j vulnerability hit in late 2021, Cloudways had patched their systems before most of us had even heard about the issue. That’s the kind of proactive Cloudways security approach that helps us sleep better at night.

I want to emphasize just how crucial this automatic patching is to your website’s overall security posture. In my years working with websites, I’ve seen too many businesses get compromised simply because they were running outdated software with known vulnerabilities. It’s like leaving your front door wide open when you go on holiday – you’re practically inviting trouble in for a cuppa and a rummage through your valuables.

Cloudways security takes this burden off your shoulders. Their engineering team constantly monitors for new vulnerabilities across their entire stack – from the operating system right up to common applications. When a security patch is released, they test it thoroughly in their staging environments before rolling it out to production servers. This means you get the security benefits without the risk of an update breaking your site – the perfect balance of protection and stability.

Dedicated Firewalls

Cloudways security includes dedicated firewalls for every server, which is like having a bouncer at the door of your digital nightclub:

• Application-level firewall protection
• IP-based restrictions to lock down admin areas
• Bot protection to prevent automated attacks

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Anyone who’s anyone in the security world will tell you that 2FA is non-negotiable these days. Cloudways security includes robust two-factor authentication:

• SMS-based verification
• App-based authentication options
• Required for all server access by default

At Magnifyi, we mandate 2FA for all our clients’ Cloudways accounts. It’s a small inconvenience that provides massive protection – like wearing a seatbelt in a car. Slight faff, potentially life-saving.

Server-Level Cloudways Security Features

Beyond the platform itself, Cloudways security shines at the server level too:

SSH and SFTP Protection

Cloudways doesn’t mess about with insecure FTP – it’s all SFTP (the secure version) and SSH:

• Key-based authentication
• No root password access (a massive security plus)
• Customisable port settings to avoid standard attack vectors

Database Security

Your database is where all the good stuff lives, and Cloudways security takes database protection seriously:

• Automatic MySQL/MariaDB security hardening
• Remote connections disabled by default
• Password-protected database access

In our Magnifyi client audits, we’ve found Cloudways database security to be significantly stronger than most competitors in the same price bracket. When it comes to keeping your data safe, their security doesn’t cut corners.

The database is often the juiciest target for attackers, as it contains everything from customer information to product details and user credentials. A database breach can be catastrophic – just ask any of the many companies that have had to send those excruciating “we regret to inform you that your data may have been compromised” emails to their entire customer base. Not a conversation anyone wants to have on a Monday morning, I can tell you that much.

Cloudways security approaches database protection with the seriousness it deserves. Their MySQL/MariaDB installations come pre-hardened with secure defaults that drastically reduce the attack surface. By disabling remote connections by default, they eliminate one of the most common attack vectors entirely – if attackers can’t reach your database from the outside world, they can’t exploit it.

Another aspect of Cloudways security that deserves mention is their database backup system. While backups aren’t strictly a security feature, they’re your last line of defense if everything else fails. Cloudways makes it trivially easy to schedule automated backups of your entire server, including databases. These backups are stored securely off-server, meaning that even in the worst-case scenario, you can recover your data without paying a ransom to some hacker in a Guy Fawkes mask demanding Bitcoin.

SSL Certificate Management

HTTPS isn’t just nice to have anymore – it’s absolutely essential. Their security makes SSL management absurdly simple:

• Free Let’s Encrypt certificates
• One-click installation and renewal
• Custom SSL support if you need it

Cloudways Security: The Advanced Stuff

For those who like to get into the weeds a bit (hello, fellow geeks!), Cloudways security offers some more advanced features that are worth shouting about.

Bot Protection and Brute Force Defence

Bots are responsible for a massive percentage of website attacks, and their security has tools to keep these digital pests at bay:

• Rate limiting to prevent brute force attempts
• Bad bot blocking based on behaviour patterns
• Customisable security rules for specific requirements

Malware Scanning and Removal

While not included in every plan, Cloudways security can be enhanced with malware protection:

• Real-time scanning for suspicious code
• Automatic quarantine of infected files
• Clean-up services if you do get hit

At Magnifyi, we typically add additional scanning tools to complement Cloudways security features, but their built-in options provide a solid foundation.

DDoS Protection

Distributed Denial of Service attacks can take down even the most robust websites, but Cloudways security includes DDoS protection as standard:

• Traffic pattern analysis to detect unusual spikes
• Automatic mitigation of small to medium attacks
• Infrastructure-level protection via cloud providers

We’ve had two clients experience attempted DDoS attacks while hosting on Cloudways, and in both cases, the sites remained online and stable. That’s Cloudways security doing exactly what it says on the tin.

Where Cloudways Security Could Improve

No hosting provider is perfect (though some of their marketing departments might claim otherwise!), and Cloudways security does have a few areas where there’s room for improvement. In the spirit of giving you a fair and balanced review, I think it’s important to highlight these gaps – not to discourage you from choosing Cloudways, but to help you plan for comprehensive protection.

Every security system has its blind spots, and knowing where they are is half the battle. At Magnifyi, we take a “defence in depth” approach, which means layering multiple security controls to protect our clients. Understanding the limitations of Cloudways security allows us to supplement with additional measures where needed, creating a more robust overall security posture.

Limited WAF Customisation

While their security does include a Web Application Firewall, the level of customisation is somewhat limited compared to security-focused hosts:

• Pre-defined rule sets that can’t be fully customised
• Limited visibility into blocked requests
• No advanced WAF reporting

The Web Application Firewall (WAF) included with Cloudways does a decent job of blocking common attack patterns, but security professionals sometimes need more granular control. If you’re running high-risk applications or have specific security requirements mandated by compliance frameworks, this limitation might require additional solutions.

That said, for most standard websites and applications, the default WAF configuration provides solid protection against the OWASP Top Ten vulnerabilities and common attack vectors. It’s a bit like having a standard home security system – it’ll deter most opportunistic burglars, but if you’re storing the Crown Jewels, you might want to add a few extra layers.

Plugin Vulnerability Scanning

Cloudways security doesn’t currently include comprehensive WordPress plugin vulnerability scanning:

• No automated plugin vulnerability alerts
• Manual checks required for plugin security issues
• Third-party tools needed for complete coverage

This gap is particularly relevant for WordPress users, which make up a significant portion of Cloudways’ customer base. WordPress plugins are notorious for introducing security vulnerabilities, and without automated scanning, these can go undetected until it’s too late.

At Magnifyi, we supplement Cloudways security with additional tools like Wordfence for our WordPress clients to cover this gap. It’s an extra expense, but the protection is worth the investment. Think of it as fitting a burglar alarm to complement your deadbolt – neither is foolproof alone, but together they provide much stronger protection.

The lack of built-in vulnerability scanning isn’t unique to Cloudways – many hosting providers leave this to third-party solutions. However, given the popularity of WordPress on their platform, this would be a valuable addition to their security offering. We’ve provided this feedback directly to their product team, and they’ve hinted that expanded security features might be on their roadmap. Here’s hoping!

Real-World Cloudways Security: Our Experience at Magnifyi

Theory is all well and good, but how does Cloudways security hold up in the real world? Let me share some actual experiences we’ve had at Magnifyi:

Case Study: E-commerce Client Migration

Last year, we migrated a mid-sized e-commerce client (£2M annual revenue) from a budget host to Cloudways. Within the first month, Cloudways security features blocked over 1,200 malicious login attempts that would have sailed through their previous hosting security.

The client’s site speed improved by 42%, and more importantly, they haven’t experienced a single security incident in the 14 months since migration. That’s Cloudways security earning its keep right there.

Internal Usage Stats

At Magnifyi, we currently host over 70 client websites on Cloudways, and our security incident stats tell an interesting story:

• 0 successful malware infections in the last 18 months
• 3 blocked attempted breaches (caught by Cloudways security)
• 99.9% uptime across all sites
• Average of 15,000+ blocked malicious login attempts per month

When you compare this to our experience with other hosts, Cloudways security comes out looking pretty stellar.

Is Cloudways Security Right for Your Website?

The million-pound question: is Cloudways security good enough for your specific needs? Let’s break it down by website type:

For Small Business Websites

If you’re running a small business website with modest traffic, Cloudways security provides more than enough protection out of the box. The platform-level security combined with basic best practices will keep you well protected.

For E-commerce Sites

Online shops need extra protection, given the sensitive customer data involved. Cloudways security is sufficient for small to medium e-commerce sites, but I’d recommend adding:

• Additional malware scanning
• Regular security audits
• PCI compliance checks

For High-Traffic or High-Value Sites

If your website gets massive traffic or represents a particularly valuable target, Cloudways security should be supplemented with:

• Advanced WAF solutions
• Dedicated security monitoring
• Regular penetration testing

How to Maximise Your Cloudways Security

Even the best hosting security can be undermined by poor practices. Here at Magnifyi, we follow these guidelines to get the most out of Cloudways security features:

Essential Cloudways Security Best Practices

1. Enable all available Cloudways security features
   • Activate bot protection
   • Implement IP blocking for suspicious activity
   • Enable automatic backups (security isn’t just about prevention!)
2. Use strong credentials everywhere
   • Create complex server passwords
   • Generate unique database credentials
   • Regularly rotate all passwords
3. Restrict access appropriately
   • Limit server access to necessary team members only
   • Implement least-privilege principles for all accounts
   • Use application passwords for service connections

Beyond Cloudways Security: Additional Measures

To create a security fortress, complement Cloudways security with:

• Regular third-party security scans
• Up-to-date CMS and plugin versions
• Security-focused development practices
• Staff training on security awareness

The Cost-Benefit Analysis of Cloudways Security

Let’s talk money, shall we? Is Cloudways security worth the price tag?

When we analyse the total cost of ownership at Magnifyi, Cloudways sits in a sweet spot of security vs. cost. You could pay significantly more for marginally better security with enterprise-grade hosts, or you could pay less and get substantially worse protection with budget providers.

For most small to medium websites, Cloudways security features offer excellent value. The peace of mind alone is worth the modest premium over bargain-basement hosting options.

Cloudways Security vs. Competitors

How does Cloudways security stack up against the competition? Based on our experience at Magnifyi:

• Better than: Most shared hosting providers, entry-level managed WordPress hosts
• On par with: Mid-tier managed WordPress hosts, many VPS providers
• Less comprehensive than: Enterprise-level security-focused hosts, fully managed dedicated server providers

The Verdict: Is Cloudways Security Good Enough?

After thoroughly reviewing Cloudways security features and testing them in real-world scenarios with our Magnifyi clients, here’s my honest assessment:

Cloudways security is robust, thoughtfully implemented, and sufficient for the vast majority of websites. It’s not the Fort Knox of web hosting, but it’s certainly not leaving the door unlocked either.

Let me be crystal clear here – in the hosting world, there’s no such thing as perfect security. Anyone who tells you their platform is “100% secure” is either lying or woefully naive. Security is always a balance between protection, usability, and cost. What matters is finding the right level of protection for your specific needs and risks.

What impresses me most about Cloudways security isn’t any single feature, but rather their holistic approach. Security isn’t treated as an add-on or upsell – it’s baked into the core platform and continuously improved. Their team clearly understands that security is a process, not a product, and they’ve designed their systems accordingly.

Another factor worth considering is Cloudways’ rapid response to emerging threats. In the five years we’ve been working with them at Magnifyi, we’ve seen multiple instances where they’ve responded to new vulnerabilities with impressive speed. When the PHP world was rocked by critical vulnerabilities in 2021, Cloudways had patches deployed within hours – faster than many enterprise hosting providers charging five times the price.

For most business websites, e-commerce shops, and content sites, Cloudways security provides an excellent balance of protection without breaking the bank. The platform offers a solid security foundation that can be enhanced with additional tools if your specific situation demands it.

I particularly appreciate their transparent approach to security incidents. While no major breaches have affected Cloudways directly (a testament to their security practices), they’ve been upfront and communicative about potential issues that could affect their customers. This open communication is surprisingly rare in the hosting industry, where many providers prefer to sweep potential issues under the rug.

Our Magnifyi Recommendation

Based on years of real-world experience, we at Magnifyi confidently recommend Cloudways security for:

• Small to medium business websites
• Standard e-commerce stores
• Content-focused sites
• Membership platforms
• Online portfolios and brochure sites

For enterprise-level applications or sites with extraordinary security requirements, Cloudways can still work beautifully, but plan to implement additional security layers on top of their foundation.

I want to emphasize that our recommendation isn’t theoretical – it’s based on actual experience migrating and managing over 70 client websites on Cloudways. We’ve put their security through its paces in real-world conditions, with real businesses whose livelihoods depend on their websites staying secure and operational. Cloudways security has consistently met or exceeded our expectations.

That said, no security solution is one-size-fits-all. Your specific requirements might differ based on your industry, compliance needs, or risk profile. If you’re handling particularly sensitive data or operating in a highly regulated industry, you’ll want to have a detailed conversation about additional security measures that might be appropriate for your specific situation.

Take Your Website Security to the Next Level

Confused about whether Cloudways security is right for your specific situation? Worried about making the right choice for your digital presence? You’re not alone – and you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.

At Magnifyi, we’ve helped hundreds of businesses make smart hosting decisions that balance security, performance, and budget. Our team can:

• Assess your specific security requirements
• Create a customised hosting security plan
• Handle migration to Cloudways with zero downtime
• Implement additional security measures as needed
• Provide ongoing security monitoring and support

Don’t leave your website security to chance. Contact Magnifyi today for a free, no-obligation security consultation, and let’s make sure your digital assets are properly protected.

Because when it comes to website security, it’s not about if you’ll be targeted – it’s about being ready when it happens.