Spiral Hosting Blog

There are major security bugs in some older versions of Joomla and WordPress. We are asking all shared hosting customers and resellers to ensure all the software on their accounts is up to date.

If you are running Joomla, it should be version 1.5.6 to avoid any security risk.

If you are running WordPress, it should be at least version 2.6.0 (2.6.1 is the latest but 2.6.0 is secure).

Software installed through Installatron can be upgraded really easy with only a few clicks in your cPanel. Hosting Resellers can also over-see all software installs through the Installatron Script Installer in their Web Host Manager.

If you have any questions about upgrading your software, please do get in touch.

The latest version of Firefox 3 has been released.

Developed by Mozilla, Firefox is an open source web browser that comes highly recommended. Mozilla claim it is 2-3 times faster, and includes major updates including faster page rendering, enhanced security features, and a smart location bar which helps you to find webpages when you can’t remember the address. The browser takes a little getting used to, but it is packed with new features.

Firefox are trying to break a Guinness world record with the most downloads in a 24 hour period, so their main site has crashed a few times today under the load.

If you currently use Firefox 2 or Internet Explorer, we recommend you upgrade!

New research has found that Irish Internet users are attacked online nearly 300 times each day.

Via RTÉ News:
“Research into online security, released by the Department of Communications today to launch its Market Secure campaign, found that Irish Internet users are faced with 298 phishing attacks every day and such incidents are expected to hit an all time high this year.

Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan, said that the statistics should not deter people from surfing the Internet, but he warned people to take precautions to protect themselves online.”

• Are some companies committing daylight robbery?
• What if your business was paying over €440 too much?
• You could save 95% by changing supplier.

Spiral Hosting run regular checks to ensure we can’t be beaten on price. Today Spiral Hosting look at the shocking prices charged for SSL certificates by Irish companies.

An SSL Certificate is an easily implemented protocol guaranteeing transaction security between your Website and your Customer’s browser. The certificate provides authentication to your customer that your website is secure, and prevents eavesdropping, tampering, or message forgery.

The most basic SSL certificate has 128 bit encryption. These are ideal for personal or business web site forms that need encrypted. However if your site will be handling confidential data such as credit card transactions then 256 bit encryption is advisable.

UTV Internet charge an exorbitant €444.98 for this basic service for the first year (€124.99 plus €319.99 setup). Their website does not clearly show if they can provide other options or higher levels of encryption.

Our equivalent SSL certificate is only €20 - which is €424.98 less than UTV Internet’s 128bit certificate. That’s a 95% saving!

The next company we compared was SecureCerts.ie which is owned by Host.ie/Novara.ie. Spiral Hosting and SecureCerts.ie provide the same brand of SSL certificates so it’s particularly easy to compare. You’ll find details on Quick SSL and Quick SSL Premium on our SSL site.
Quick SSL - SecureCerts.ie €119.99; our price €50.
Quick SSL Premium - SecureCerts.ie €169.99; our price €95.

The difference? Spiral Hosting provide competitive pricing, value for money and round-the-clock customer services.

Finally, Spiral Hosting compared the prices of BT Esat - who do not reveal their prices until you call them on the phone. Could it be that they are the most expensive?