HostGator Newsletter - February 2010

So you've spent months or years developing your web pages, promoting your web site, gaining a loyal audience, and you wake up one day to realize your web site has been .hacked.. This is every webmasters worst nightmare, and unfortunately it happens more often than most realize.

Web sites consisting of just static HTML files and images are far less likely to be attacked; however this only works for the simplest of sites. Web sites that incorporate dynamic languages, such as PHP, are much more capable, but are far more vulnerable to vicious attacks. Typically what happens is there will be a bug in the software you've uploaded which can then be exploited to gain entry into your account.

HostGator takes security very seriously. Our servers are patched and monitored 24/7, with custom firewall rules, running suPHP, and other security precautions in place.

If you're using a popular script in Fantastico (inside your cPanel) such as WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, etc., make sure to check for updates regularly software's web site, and apply any patches or updates immediately.

For those webmasters who want extra peace of mind, HostGator has teamed up with SiteLock to offer security scanning services to your pages, as well as a site seal certificate to let your visitors know that your site is secure.

If you're interested in a free 30 day trial or to learn more, please visit our page at SiteLock. Monthly subscriptions, with HostGator's special bulk rate, starts at just $14.95 per year if you decide to keep it after 30 days.

HostGator Around the Web

Did you know that HostGator has an active presence on both Twitter and Facebook? Consider following us on Twitter and/or becoming a fan of HostGator on Facebook to get the latest HostGator news and updates.

Rate Your Tickets and Save

If you have ever submitted a ticket to HostGator's ticket system, then you have almost certainly seen the line on the bottom of each email that asks you to rate the response you received. To encourage more ratings, we're going to be entering everyone who rates a ticket into a drawing for a $25 $50 service credit. Rating a ticket takes less than a minute and can save you some money on your next hosting bill. Details can be found here.

3 for 1 VOIPo Special

For a limited time, VOIPo is offering HostGator customers a package of 3 services for the price of 1. Just order a VOIPo phone service package (unlimited calling to US/Canada starting at $8.25 per month) and get these services free:

1.) FREE Toll-Free Number (Just Pay for Minutes Used)
2.) FREE Fax Account

This is a great way to save some money and have all your communications needs covered. Statistics show that having toll-free and fax numbers can drastically increase your sales.

Since both of the free services offered normally sell for $4.95 per month each, this is a VERY limited promotion and will end soon. To take advantage of this, you must use coupon code GATORPACK when ordering VOIPo phone service. Visit the VOIPo forum post for complete details.