Updated on 12 Jun 2026
If you’re setting up a website then keeping it safe from threats like malware, hackers, and data loss should be high on your to do list. Fortunately, Fasthosts has made security a core part of its web hosting services. From starting a small blog to scaling up a busy ecommerce store, you’ll find a strong set of protections already in place.
In this article, we’ll break down what Fasthosts security includes across our hosting plans. We’ll start with what’s common to all, then show you what’s available for our Shared Hosting, Hosting for WordPress, VPS and Dedicated Servers – making it easy for you to find a hosting plan with the security you need already in place.
Our core security foundations
Fasthosts security includes some core features you'll benefit from, regardless of which type of hosting you settle on.
UK-based data centres
While we do have data centres in Europe and the US, most websites are hosted in our UK-based, ISO 27001-certified data centres. Physical security includes strict access controls, CCTV monitoring, and on-site security teams to keep your servers protected around the clock.
SSL certificates included
Most Fasthosts hosting plans include free SSL certificates. And for those that don't include one, you can purchase an SSL certificate when signing up. SSL certificates encrypt your site’s traffic, helping keep user data safe and search engines happy.
24/7 platform monitoring
We always keep a close eye on our infrastructure. That includes automated systems and 24/7 human monitoring to detect unusual behaviour or potential threats.
Site Scan built in
Site Scan is just one layer of Fasthosts security. You don’t have to install anything to get basic protection. Our Site Scan service automatically checks your site for known malware, spam, or blacklisting issues.
Optional Acronis backups
If you want extra peace of mind, we offer Acronis Cyber Protect as a paid add-on, with 4 packages to choose from. All packages allow you to automate backups, and some also offer Antivirus and Antimalware protection.
These features create a solid baseline. From there, each hosting type builds on this in different ways.
Shared Hosting security features
Fasthosts’ Web Hosting (also called Shared Hosting) is designed for ease of use – but that doesn’t mean it skimps on security.
SSL protection across all plans
Only the entry-level Start plan doesn’t include a free SSL certificate. With the Grow plan you get 2 one-year SSL certificates for free. Scale and Pro plans come with lifetime SSLs for multiple domains, which is rare at this price point.
Malware scanning
All Shared Hosting sites are routinely checked for harmful code, suspicious redirects, and other signs of compromise. This runs quietly in the background. The Malware Removal Tool is available as an add-on to automatically remove any detected malware.
Site Scan (basic tier)
Included as standard, Site Scan watches for common website threats and reputation issues. It helps prevent your site from being flagged by search engines or email blocklists.
Site Scan + Repair
For a small fee, you can upgrade Site Scan to add daily vulnerability scans, along with automatic malware removal. It also includes a Sitelock Seal of Approval to show visitors your site is safe.
Backup coverage
Shared Hosting doesn’t come with built-in daily backups. But, as with all other hosting plans, you can add Acronis Cyber Protect to run scheduled, secure backups and enable one-click restores if needed. You control how frequently backups are made, what is backed up, and how long backups are retained.
Hosting for WordPress security
Fasthosts’ Hosting for WordPress adds extra protection tailored to WordPress users, without requiring any tech knowledge.
Daily backups by default
Unlike standard Shared Hosting, every Hosting for WordPress plan includes automatic daily backups. If your site gets hit or breaks during an update, you can roll back easily.
WPScan-powered vulnerability checks
On the Business and Pro plans, WPScan scans your site daily using the database. This flags any plugins or themes with known issues, saving you from having to manually monitor for vulnerabilities.
DDoS protection
While our on-site engineers are always monitoring for DDoS attacks, the Business and Pro plans of our Hosting for WordPress includes additional DDoS protection – helping to keep your site live even if it’s being targeted.
Plugin-friendly approach
Fasthosts’ Hosting for WordPress environment fully supports security plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri. This is ideal for adding your own security to the Launch plan or layering on additional protections for more control.
Easy updates, zero hassle
With Fasthosts managing the hosting stack, you don’t have to worry about patching PHP or server security. You can focus on building content while the platform handles the hard stuff.
Like Shared Hosting, Fasthosts manages the backend security, keeping it simple and worry-free. All you need to do is keep your WordPress content up to date.
VPS Hosting security
Fasthosts’ VPS Hosting is designed for users who want more control. And with that comes more responsibility. But on the security front, there are still some great features baked in, plus tools you can set up yourself.
Full root or admin access
You get complete control of your server environment. That means you can configure security settings at the OS level, install updates, and customise access policies.
Configurable firewalls
Through the Fasthosts Cloud Panel, you can manage your own firewall rules. That means blocking or allowing traffic by IP, port or protocol, and the ability to apply settings across multiple servers.
Secure remote access
Running a VPN is supported and strongly recommended for managing your server securely. OpenVPN and similar tools work well with Fasthosts VPS setups.
Backup with Acronis Cyber Protect
Backups aren’t included by default, but the optional Cyber Protect tool lets you schedule and store encrypted backups in the cloud, complete with ransomware scanning.
Optional Plesk control panel
If you prefer a simpler interface, Fasthosts offers Plesk for free with all VPS plans except the Mini plan. It includes integrated security features like web application firewalls, patch management, regular scans, and tools for backups and disaster recovery.
VPS Hosting gives you flexibility to shape your own setup. And you get to do this without losing access to core Fasthosts security. It’s a solid step up for users who want more power, without having to build everything from scratch.
Dedicated Server security
If you need maximum control and isolation, Dedicated Servers is where Fasthosts hands you the keys entirely. It’s ideal for resource-heavy or compliance-sensitive projects.
Physical server isolation
You don’t share anything with other customers. That eliminates “noisy neighbour” issues that can affect the performance of your site. It also reduces risk of shared vulnerabilities.
Firewall management
You can customise network-level firewall rules through the Fasthosts portal, giving you control over what traffic is allowed in and out of your server.
Cyber Protect Basic included
Unlike VPS and Shared Hosting, Dedicated Servers include 2GB of backup space with Cyber Protect for free. This gives you basic safety from day 1. But if you need more backup space or better security controls, you can add one of the professional packages to your plan.
Optional Plesk integration
With a dedicated server, you get full root access and a standard control panel. But you can add Plesk for simplified server and site management. Its built-in firewall, security patching, and monitoring make it easier to stay protected.
Tier IV data centre benefits
With Dedicated Servers, you can choose where your server is located – whether that’s our Tier IV-certified data centre in Worcester, one of 4 ISO 27001-certified facilities in Europe, or a site in the US. All Fasthosts locations meet high standards for information security, with varying levels of physical and infrastructure resilience.
With Dedicated Servers, you’re in full control, but still supported by Fasthosts’ infrastructure and backup tools. They’re best suited for developers, enterprises, or businesses with high compliance needs.
Security features at a glance
From basic website protection to full server control, Fasthosts security features scale with your hosting plan. Every Fasthosts hosting plan runs on ISO 27001-certified infrastructure, with 24/7 monitoring and security built in. Free SSL is included on many plans, and some customers can choose from UK, EU or US data centres depending on their needs. Whether you want a set-and-forget experience or full firewall control, Fasthosts gives you the tools to stay secure at every stage.
Not sure which hosting plan suits your needs? Explore Fasthosts Web Hosting options today or speak to our expert team. We’re here 24/7 to help you get started with confidence.
