If you’re running an ecommerce website, PCI compliant hosting is a must. It ensures that your customers’ data is secure and protected from malicious attackers. With the right hosting provider, you can make sure that your website meets all the necessary security requirements for online transactions.
The Importance of PCI Compliant Web Hosting
As the world of online commerce continues to evolve, website security remains a top priority for businesses. To protect customer data effectively, many companies turn to PCI Compliance, adhering to website security compliance standards set forth by the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). This article will explain what PCI Compliance is and how it relates to website hosting.
PCI Compliance refers to the adherence to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), a set of security protocols developed by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC). All organizations handling credit card information must follow these protocols, which cover everything from encryption and authentication methods to employee training and system audits. By implementing these standards, businesses can safeguard their customers' sensitive data against malicious actors.
The Role of Website Hosting in PCI Compliance
When it comes to website hosting, PCI Compliance requires web hosts to provide secure servers and networks to protect customer information from unauthorized access or theft. To meet these requirements, web hosts must implement robust security measures such as firewalls, antivirus software, and SSL certificates.
The Importance of Choosing the Right PCI Compliant Hosting Solution
As businesses increasingly rely on digital technologies, securing their data and maintaining compliance with Payment Card Industry (PCI) standards is crucial. To achieve this, companies need a secure web server host that offers cloud-based data storage solutions tailored to their compliance requirements. A variety of secure managed web hosting services are available to cater to different business needs. In this article, we will delve into the various types of PCI compliant hosts and provide guidance on where to find them.
Shared Hosting for PCI Compliance
Shared hosting is an affordable option for small businesses that require a secure environment for their websites. In this setup, multiple websites share the same server resources, including storage, bandwidth, and processing power. To ensure PCI compliance, web hosts must provide a secure server environment, which typically includes firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular security updates.
Virtual Private Server (VPS) Hosting for PCI Compliance
For medium-sized businesses or those with more demanding security requirements, Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting is an excellent choice. VPS hosting offers a more isolated environment compared to shared hosting, as each client has a dedicated partition on the server. This separation allows for better control over server resources and ensures a higher level of security. VPS hosts should offer PCI compliant features such as encryption, secure file transfer, and robust access controls.
Dedicated Hosting for PCI Compliance
Dedicated hosting is ideal for larger businesses and enterprises that require the highest level of security and control. With dedicated hosting, a company leases an entire server exclusively for its own use, ensuring complete control over server resources and configurations. To maintain PCI compliance, dedicated hosting providers should offer comprehensive security measures, including regular vulnerability scans, advanced intrusion prevention systems, and real-time monitoring.
Managed Hosting for PCI Compliance
Managed hosting is a specialized hosting solution that includes ongoing support and maintenance of the server environment. With managed hosting, the provider takes care of server updates, security patches, and other administrative tasks, allowing businesses to focus on their core operations. Managed hosting providers should offer a range of PCI compliant features, such as secure data storage, encrypted communication, and strict access controls.
Comparison of PCI Compliant Web Hosting Providers
With a plethora of hosting providers in the market, selecting the right one can be challenging. To simplify this process, we have compiled a list of the top 10 PCI compliant hosting providers, comparing their features and pricing plans to help you make an informed decision. Keep in mind that pricing and features may change over time, so it's essential to visit each provider's website for the most up-to-date information.
| Hosting Provider | Entry-Level Plan | Mid-Level Plan | High-Level Plan | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluehost | Basic - $2.95/month | Plus - $5.45/month | Choice Plus - $5.45/month | Shared hosting, free SSL, unlimited websites, unmetered SSD storage, free domain for 1 year |
| Cloudways | Basic - $10/month | Standard - $22/month | Advanced - $42/month | Managed cloud hosting, pay-as-you-go pricing, free SSL, 24/7/365 support, PCI compliant servers |
| DreamHost | Shared Starter - $2.59/month | Shared Unlimited - $3.95/month | VPS Basic - $13.75/month | Shared and VPS hosting, free SSL, unlimited traffic, free domain for 1 year, 100% uptime guarantee |
| GoDaddy | Economy - $5.99/month | Deluxe - $7.99/month | Ultimate - $12.99/month | Shared hosting, free SSL, unmetered bandwidth, free domain for 1 year, 1-click installs |
| HostGator | Hatchling - $2.75/month | Baby - $3.50/month | Business - $5.25/month | Shared hosting, free SSL, free domain for 1 year, one-click installs, unmetered bandwidth |
| Inmotion | Lite - $2.49/month | Launch - $4.99/month | Power - $7.99/month | Shared hosting, free SSL, free domain, unlimited email accounts, PCI compliant servers |
| Kinsta | Starter - $30/month | Pro - $60/month | Business 1 - $100/month | Managed WordPress hosting, free SSL, daily backups, free CDN, PCI compliant servers |
| Krystal | Amethyst - £4.99/month | Topaz - £9.99/month | Ruby - £19.99/month | SSD hosting, free SSL, free website migration, Litespeed caching, PCI compliant servers |
| Liquid Web | Managed WordPress - $19/month | Managed WooCommerce - $39/month | VPS Hosting - $59/month | Fully managed hosting, free SSL, daily backups, free CDN, PCI compliant servers |
| Nimbus Hosting | Personal - £9.99/month | Startup - £19.99/month | Business - £39.99/month | SSD hosting, free SSL, daily backups, unlimited bandwidth, PCI compliant servers |
Please note that prices and features may change over time, so it's essential to visit each provider's website for the most up-to-date information. When comparing these hosting providers, consider factors such as their PCI compliance features, customer support, and overall reputation. Keep in mind that the pricing plans listed here are mainly for shared hosting, and more advanced hosting solutions like VPS or dedicated hosting may have different pricing structures.
