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Site Quality Monitoring

Stay on top of your site’s performance

  • Uptime monitoring
  • Performance checks
  • SEO insights
  • Broken link identification

Quickly spot and fix your website’s issues

Easy-to-Use Dashboard

Powerful insights at a glance—see your website's health and performance to keep things running smoothly.

Site Quality Monitoring dashboard

Get actionable insights

Fix issues with clear, step-by-step recommendations from Google Lighthouse to improve your website’s speed, accessibility, and SEO rankings.

Google Lighthouse results example

Catch Issues
Early

Get fixes you can act on before they impact your visitors.

Track Performance
Over Time

See how your site's health changes and improve continuously.

Get Alerts
Built For You

Receive tailored alerts and recommendations for any site issue directly in your inbox.

Site Quality Monitoring is free with hosting on cPanel

Web Hosting

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web hosting for your site. Starting at C$3.89/mo C$9.99 Save 61% View all plans

Cloud Server

Take full control with
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Dedicated Server

Boost your business
with dedicated hardware. Starting at C$149.99/mo C$159.99 Save 6%% View all plans

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s a simple and powerful tool to monitor your website’s performance and health. Available for free with WHC hosting. SQM provides real-time reports on uptime, performance, SEO, and much more. Identify and fix issues before they affect your visitors.
Nothing at all! SQM is included in all WHC plans: hosting, cloud, dedicated servers, and resellers. To monitor larger or multiple sites, an upgrade is available via cPanel.
It’s easy! Log in to your Client Area, then access your cPanel account. Go to the "Metrics" section and select "SQM." Activate it to start monitoring your website. If you have a Cloud or Dedicated Server you need to ensure that SQM is enabled in the WHM Feature Manager.
SQM detects issues like slow loading times, broken links, SEO weaknesses, duplicate content, and even mobile responsiveness problems.
Yes, absolutely! SQM identifies SEO weaknesses, like missing meta tags or insufficient keyword usage. By fixing these issues, you can improve your site’s ranking in search engines.
Not at all. The reports are designed to be simple and easy to understand, even for those without technical expertise.
Yes! SQM is available for all websites hosted on cPanel servers, whether they’re e-commerce sites, blogs, or corporate websites.
Follow the recommendations. Fix identified issues, like optimizing images, removing duplicate content, or adjusting the layout for mobile devices. Need help? WHC’s Pro Services are available to assist you!
Monitor your site for free today Activate

Dan Sauvé

Uncategorized

WHC’s Blog

Articles by Dan Sauvé

As Product Manager at WHC, Dan is focused on delivering reliable and scalable web hosting solutions to help Canadians succeed online. When not at work, Dan enjoys spending time with his family, camping, playing retro arcade games, and listening to full albums from start to finish (yes, that's still a thing!)
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Web Hosting Canada manages fast and reliable online infrastructure with 24/7 support. Learn more about WHC
PHP 8.3

PHP 8.2 and 8.3 are now available

Performance

PHP 8.2 & 8.3 are now available on WHC's Web Hosting, Reseller Hosting, and Managed WordPress plans. For Cloud and Dedicated plans, these new versions are available provided you have the latest cPanel version. These upgrades offer enhanced performance and introduce several new features for websites running on PHP. If you're ready to upgrade, you can easily switch to the latest version directly from your control panel.

What is PHP?

PHP is a flexible and powerful programming language that helps create dynamic, interactive websites. It's a key part of the LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) and supports popular platforms like WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, and Magento. Many major sites and apps, including Facebook, Instagram, Zoom, and Wikipedia, also rely on PHP.

What’s new in PHP 8.2?

PHP 8.2 is another significant step forward for PHP, continuing the evolution of the language with new features, performance improvements, and greater security.

PHP 8.2 is available for Web Hosting, Reseller Hosting, and Managed WordPress plans. Also Cloud and Dedicated plans with the latest cPanel version.

Key Features of PHP 8.2:

  • Read-Only Classes: Developers can now make entire classes read-only, not just individual properties. This helps keep your data secure and unchangeable where needed.
  • Improved Type Handling: PHP 8.2 offers more flexible options for combining different types of code, making it easier to write and maintain.
  • Deprecation of Dynamic Properties: For greater code consistency and maintainability, dynamic properties are now deprecated.
  • Improved Performance: Various internal optimizations have been added to further enhance speed and memory usage, making PHP 8.2 one of the fastest versions yet.

For a full list of updates, check the official PHP 8.2 Release Announcement.

What’s new in PHP 8.3?

PHP 8.3, the latest release, brings even more enhancements to improve the performance, developer experience, and feature set of PHP, making it easier to build and maintain modern web applications.

PHP 8.3 is available for Web Hosting, Reseller Hosting, and Managed WordPress plans. Also Cloud and Dedicated plans with the latest cPanel version.

Key Features of PHP 8.3:

  • json_validate: A new function that makes it easier to check if JSON data is valid, without needing extra tools or libraries.
  • Simplified Closures: With auto-capture closures, you can now write less code to achieve the same functionality, making your coding faster and cleaner.
  • Anonymous Read-Only Classes: You can create read-only anonymous classes, offering more flexibility when you need quick, secure solutions.
  • Better Performance: PHP 8.3 improves speed and reduces memory usage, making websites run more efficiently than ever.

Developers eager to explore the latest features can check out the official PHP 8.3 Release Announcement.

Why should I update to the latest version?

Upgrading to PHP 8.2 or 8.3 unlocks a range of powerful new features that can significantly enhance your website’s speed, security, and functionality. Developers can tap into the latest tools for more efficient coding, while website owners may notice performance improvements across the board. However, it's essential to check that your site's plugins, themes, and applications are fully compatible with these newer versions before making the switch.

To minimize disruptions, it’s often best to wait a few months before upgrading to a newly released version, especially if your site uses older plugins or themes that haven't been updated to be compatible with the latest PHP versions. By delaying for a few months, you give developers time to release updates that work smoothly with the new version. 

Always test your website after changing PHP versions and, if available, test your updates in a staging environment first to ensure everything runs as expected. Website forms, order forms and login pages are particularly susceptible to breaking when changing PHP versions.

How do I change the PHP version?

It’s easy to switch PHP versions, right from your cPanel. If you discover a problem on your website following the switch, you may use this procedure to switch back to a prior version.

Where does PHP go from here?

With the release of PHP 8.3, PHP continues to evolve and improve, with further performance boosts, stability improvements, and new features on the horizon. Expect to see even more advancements that make PHP faster, more secure, and easier to use. PHP 8.4 is scheduled to be released on November 21, 2024

Stay updated with PHP's development by visiting the official PHP website.

Act Fast: Critical LiteSpeed Vulnerability

Security
If your WordPress site uses the LiteSpeed Cache plugin, you must take action regarding a new critical security flaw (CVE-2024-28000) that could potentially put your site at risk. This vulnerability allows unauthorized users to gain admin access, potentially leading to a complete takeover. This means that hackers could possibly take full control of your website. A pretty serious concern! The team at WHC moved quickly to safeguard our clients by applying extra protection specific to this vulnerability across all Web Hosting, Managed WordPress, and Reseller Hosting services. This patch is a temporary protection. To keep your website secure action is needed on your part. You must update your LiteSpeed Cache plugin to version 6.4 or higher from your WordPress admin dashboard to ensure proper security and feature usability. Here’s exactly what all this means:

Who is affected?

This vulnerability impacts all WordPress sites running LiteSpeed Cache plugin versions 6.3.0.1 and earlier. As one of the most widely used plugins with over five million active installations, it's critical that site owners upgrade to the latest version (6.4) as soon as possible. If your site has not been updated, it remains vulnerable to potential attacks. This issue primarily affects Linux-based servers, meaning Windows-based WordPress sites are not exposed to this particular risk.

What’s the vulnerability?

CVE-2024-28000 stems from a weak security hash in the plugin’s user simulation feature. This flaw allows attackers to exploit the system, spoof user IDs, and gain admin-level access. Once they have admin privileges, they can install malicious plugins, take over your site, and disrupt its operation. Hackers can use a brute-force method to guess the hash value, which has only one million possible combinations due to the plugin's reliance on an insecure random number generator. Once a valid hash is discovered, attackers can use it to create new admin accounts via the WordPress REST API, giving them full control of your site.

What WHC has done

  1. Deployed virtual protection for Web Hosting: The team installed a wall of protection specific to this vulnerability on all Web Hosting, Managed WordPress, and Reseller Hosting services until users update the LiteSpeed Cache plugin.
  2. Prompted users to Update Plugins: Although we’ve added a layer of protection, it's still crucial for you to manually update the plugin to the latest version of LiteSpeed Cache (6.4) through their WordPress admin interface.
  3. Support for Cloud and Dedicated Server Clients: For those on Cloud or Dedicated servers running LiteSpeed Cache, please follow the official instructions on LiteSpeed’s website for patching or contact our team. We’re ready to assist if needed.
  4. Continuous Monitoring: Our cybersecurity team is keeping a close eye on any threats and will continue to take action if necessary.

Stay informed and secure

Security vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-28000 highlight the importance of staying vigilant and regularly updating your website's software. WHC is committed to keeping your site protected and providing ongoing support to ensure your online presence is safe. If you haven’t already, please update your LiteSpeed Cache plugin to the latest version as soon as possible. If you’re unsure whether your site is secure or need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is here to help, 24/7. Thank you for your trust in us.
Domains Price Increase COM XYZ

Lock in your rate before domain prices go up

Domains

Verisign, the registry for .COM, is raising its prices again, drawing scrutiny and concerns from government officials and industry leaders. Essentially, starting September 1, 2024, the price of .COM domains—both new registrations and renewals—will go up. A few other domain extensions as well. 

Don’t let it dominate your budget.

These price increases affect all domain providers, including WHC. So, in the spirit of transparency, we want to give you a heads-up: the price for .COM is going up, but you still have time to lock in the current rate. 

Here's how to avoid paying more as prices rise.

What is increasing?

If you own a .COM domain, the price increase will affect your renewal or any new domain you register after September 1. The difference is minimal, but can quickly add up over the years, especially for those with multiple domains.

Renew your domain at the current lower price before the deadline. And renew for multiple years to save more, and protect yourself from next future hikes. 

What about other domains?

The price increase on .COM will have the most impact because of its popularity, of course. However, a few other domain extensions will have price changes in the coming months. You can find a general list below: 

Extension Current price New price Effective Date
 

Registrations

Renewals

Registrations

Renewals

  

.COM

$13.99

$18.99

$15.49

$19.99

2024-09-01

.XYZ

$15.99

$19.49

$17.49

$20.99

2024-09-02

.CEO

$119.99

$145.99

$161.49

$189.99

2024-09-02

.COLLEGE

$80.99

$100.99

$79.99

$105.99

2024-09-02

.LOL

$40.99

$44.99

$36.99

$47.99

2024-09-02

How can I save?

Keeping in mind that the deadline is September 1st, 2024, to avoid paying more for your domains, there are 3 things you can do:

  • Renew your domains now: Act before the price increases and renew your domains at the current lower price. 
  • Renew them for multiple years: Some domains can be renewed for up to 10 years. Renew them for a longer period and avoid price increases in the near future.
  • Transfer your domains to WHC: WHC always strives to give you the lowest price. If you have domains registered somewhere else, now is the time to consolidate them.

How do I renew early?

You can renew at any point in the life cycle of your domain name. It only takes a few minutes. Here’s how to do it: 

  1. Log into your Client Area
  2. Click on My Domains in the left menu
  3. Choose the domain you want to renew
  4. Click on Renew next to that domain Domain renewal
  5. And remember you can choose the maximum number of years to maximize savings!  Domain renewal duration

Own 25+ domains? Save even more!

If you have more than 25 domains with WHC, you qualify for The Domain Club. This free program offers exclusive discounts and premium features, helping you save even more as prices go up. If you think you’re eligible, reach out to us and start saving today!

Why .CA is always a good choice

For Canadians, .CA domains are an excellent choice. They’re not only usually more affordable, but they also help strengthen your online presence by signalling that you’re a trusted, local brand. Canadian shoppers are 4x more likely to choose .CA when shopping online. 

A .CA domain builds credibility with Canadian consumers and boosts your visibility in local search results. Plus, there’s no price increase on the horizon for .CA domains, making them a stable and cost-effective option for the long term.

Domain Tip: Securing the .CA version of your .COM domain is best practice and can help protect your brand from competitors. 

Clock is ticking

Whether you’re renewing your .COM or considering a .CA, we recommend that you take action today to save money while keeping your domains. 

WHC is here to help you stay ahead of the changes while keeping your online presence secure and affordable.

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