🔒 SSL Certificates
Cloudways
Free Let’s Encrypt SSL with 1-click installation on all plans.
✅ Easy setup, automatic renewal, and included by default.
SiteGround
Also offers free SSL via Let’s Encrypt on all plans.
✅ Works well and is beginner-friendly.
🏆 Winner: Tie (Both are great here)
🔄 Backups
Cloudways
Fully automated backups with daily or hourly scheduling.
✅ 1-click restore and staging support included.
SiteGround
Daily backups included, but manual restore is only available on GrowBig & GoGeek plans.
🏆 Winner: Cloudways (More flexible + hourly options)
🛡️ Malware Protection
Cloudways
Built-in firewalls + optional MalCare integration for real-time protection and malware removal.
✅ Proactively blocks brute force attacks and bot abuse.
SiteGround
Uses proprietary Web Application Firewall (WAF) and AI-based bot protection.
✅ Great for common threats like XSS or SQL injections, but lacks free malware cleanup.
🏆 Winner: Cloudways (Offers more complete protection + cleanup)
🔥 Firewall & DDoS Protection
Cloudways
Includes OS-level firewalls on all plans. Free DDoS protection via Cloudflare.
✅ Plus: You can whitelist IPs for added login security.
SiteGround
Uses its WAF and server-level DDoS filters, but no IP whitelisting or advanced customization.
🏆 Winner: Cloudways (More hands-on security options)
🔍 Security Extras
Cloudways
✅ 2FA Login – Optional but easy to enable
✅ IP Whitelisting – Restrict access by location/IP
✅ SafeUpdates – Test updates safely before applying to live site
SiteGround
✅ Auto updates for WordPress
✅ Patch management and security monitoring
❌ No 2FA or IP whitelist on hosting dashboard
🏆 Winner: Cloudways (More layers of protection & control)
✅ Final Verdict: Who Wins for Security?
If you want a fully managed, security-focused hosting platform, Cloudways is the better choice. It gives you more tools out of the box — including 2FA, IP whitelisting, and automated malware protection — without requiring third-party services or extra payments.
SiteGround is secure, especially for basic sites and beginners, but Cloudways offers more control and better long-term protection for serious site owners.
