Security is paramount for reseller hosting providers. Your clients trust you with their websites, data, and business operations. DirectAdmin includes robust built-in security features that protect both your server and your clients' accounts. This guide covers DirectAdmin's security features and compares them to cPanel addons like Imunify360.
DirectAdmin built-in security features
1. Built-in firewall (CSF)
DirectAdmin includes ConfigServer Security & Firewall (CSF):
- Firewall protection: Blocks malicious traffic
- Intrusion detection: Detects and blocks attacks
- IP blocking: Automatically blocks suspicious IPs
- Port management: Control which ports are open
- Login failure tracking: Blocks IPs after failed login attempts
Benefits: No additional cost, integrated with DirectAdmin, easy to configure.
2. Auto-SSL with Let's Encrypt
DirectAdmin includes free SSL certificate management:
- Automatic SSL: One-click SSL certificate installation
- Let's Encrypt integration: Free SSL certificates
- Auto-renewal: Certificates renew automatically
- Wildcard SSL: Support for wildcard certificates
- Multi-domain SSL: SSL for multiple domains
Benefits: All client accounts can have SSL at no extra cost, improving security and SEO.
3. Crash recovery and backups
DirectAdmin includes backup and recovery tools:
- Automated backups: Schedule daily, weekly, or monthly backups
- Remote backups: Backup to FTP, S3, or other locations
- One-click restore: Restore accounts quickly
- Incremental backups: Efficient backup storage
- Account-level backups: Backup individual accounts
Benefits: Protect client data, quick recovery from issues, peace of mind.
4. ModSecurity integration
DirectAdmin supports ModSecurity web application firewall:
- WAF protection: Blocks web application attacks
- SQL injection protection: Prevents database attacks
- XSS protection: Blocks cross-site scripting
- Custom rules: Configure custom security rules
- Attack logging: Track and analyze attacks
5. Two-factor authentication (2FA)
DirectAdmin supports 2FA for enhanced security:
- Admin 2FA: Protect admin accounts
- Reseller 2FA: Secure reseller accounts
- User 2FA: Optional for end users
- App-based 2FA: Use authenticator apps
- Backup codes: Recovery codes for account access
6. Password policies
Enforce strong passwords:
- Minimum length: Require 8+ character passwords
- Complexity requirements: Require letters, numbers, symbols
- Password expiration: Force password changes
- Password history: Prevent password reuse
7. IP access control
Control who can access accounts:
- IP whitelisting: Allow only specific IPs
- IP blacklisting: Block specific IPs
- Country blocking: Block by country
- Login restrictions: Limit login attempts
DirectAdmin vs cPanel security comparison
cPanel security (with Imunify360)
cPanel requires Imunify360 addon for advanced security:
- Cost: $5-15/month per server
- Malware scanning: Yes
- WAF: Yes
- IDS: Yes
- Proactive Defense: Yes
- Reputation management: Yes
DirectAdmin built-in security
DirectAdmin includes security features at no extra cost:
- Cost: Included
- Firewall (CSF): Yes
- Auto-SSL: Yes
- ModSecurity: Yes
- Backups: Yes
- 2FA: Yes
Security feature comparison
| Feature | DirectAdmin | cPanel + Imunify |
|---|---|---|
| Firewall | Built-in (CSF) | Imunify360 |
| Auto-SSL | Built-in | Built-in |
| Malware Scanning | Via plugins | Imunify360 |
| WAF | ModSecurity | Imunify360 |
| Backups | Built-in | Built-in |
| Cost | Included | $5-15/month |
Best practices for DirectAdmin security
1. Keep DirectAdmin updated
- Enable automatic updates
- Review update changelogs
- Test updates in staging
- Apply security patches immediately
2. Configure firewall properly
- Enable CSF firewall
- Configure allowed ports
- Set up IP blocking rules
- Monitor firewall logs
3. Enforce SSL for all accounts
- Enable auto-SSL for all domains
- Force HTTPS redirects
- Use strong SSL configurations
- Monitor certificate expiration
4. Regular backups
- Schedule automated backups
- Store backups off-server
- Test restore procedures
- Keep multiple backup copies
5. Strong passwords
- Enforce password policies
- Require complex passwords
- Enable password expiration
- Use password managers
6. Monitor for threats
- Review security logs regularly
- Monitor failed login attempts
- Check for suspicious activity
- Set up alerts
Additional security measures
1. Server hardening
- Disable unnecessary services
- Use SSH key authentication
- Change default ports
- Limit root access
2. Client account security
- Educate clients on security
- Require strong passwords
- Enable 2FA where possible
- Monitor account activity
3. Regular security audits
- Review security configurations
- Check for vulnerabilities
- Update software regularly
- Test security measures
iServerGo DirectAdmin reseller hosting security
iServerGo provides secure DirectAdmin reseller hosting:
- DirectAdmin with all security features enabled
- Built-in firewall (CSF) configured
- Free SSL certificates for all accounts
- Automated backups included
- 24/7 security monitoring
- Regular security updates
- Multiple data centers (hong kong hosting, us web hosting, eu web hosting)
- DDoS protection
Conclusion
DirectAdmin includes robust built-in security features that protect your server and client accounts. While cPanel requires addons like Imunify360 for advanced security (at additional cost), DirectAdmin provides essential security features at no extra charge.
Combined with best practices and regular monitoring, DirectAdmin's security features provide excellent protection for reseller hosting businesses.
Ready to secure your reseller hosting? Contact iServerGo to discuss DirectAdmin reseller hosting with comprehensive security features.
Alex, Senior SRE is a hosting infrastructure specialist with years of experience managing mission-critical workloads. This article reflects real-world expertise in Security and is regularly updated to ensure accuracy.
Looking for fast, reliable hosting? Explore our cPanel Hosting, DirectAdmin Hosting, and US East hosting plans to match your project's needs.