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Proudly Canadian

WHC Stands with Canada. No Apologies.

WHC News & Events

Canada is under attack. Not with tanks or missiles, but with tariffs, economic threats, and trade warfare. The United States, a country we’ve long called an ally, has chosen to tear up its existing trade agreement, target our industries, our jobs, and our economy. Tariffs, trade barriers, unpredictable shifts and political posturing aren’t just policy decisions. They are a direct threat to Canadian businesses and workers.

But here’s the thing about Canadians: we don’t take kindly to bullies.

At Web Hosting Canada, the team and I have always been proud to serve Canadians. To help them succeed online. Today, that mission goes beyond just business. It’s about standing up for Canada’s sovereignty, our economy, and our future. Because let’s be clear: Canada is not the 51st state. We never have been, and we never will be.

Choose Canadian. Buy Canadian.

Over the past weeks, we’ve all witnessed something powerful: Canadians from all backgrounds are standing up and saying: Enough. We will not be pushed around. We will not let another country dictate our future. Even singing it loud and clear at hockey games. 

And at Web Hosting Canada, we won’t just talk about it. We’ll act. We will choose Canadian. We will support businesses that invest in our economy, that create jobs here, and that don’t answer to foreign interests.

Because if you don’t choose Canadian, here’s the truth:

✅ You pay more: Exchange rates, fees and tariffs add unexpected costs.
✅ Your business is at risk: Economic instability, policy changes, or even geopolitical issues in another country can directly impact your services, security, or supply chain.
✅ You’re not protected by Canadian laws: Consumer rights, privacy protections, and business regulations may not apply when dealing with foreign providers.
✅ You increase your carbon footprint: Services and products shipped or hosted from abroad require more energy and resources, often powered by non-renewable energy
✅ Canada loses out: Buying from foreign companies sends your money overseas instead of supporting Canadian businesses, jobs, and the local economy.

WHC’s Commitment to Canada

Canada is independent. Strong. Resilient. We don’t cower when the world pushes us around. We rise. We stand for what's right. At Web Hosting Canada, we don’t just talk about supporting Canadian businesses. We live it.

🇨🇦 We are Canadian owned and operated since 2003 with servers across the country.
🔒 We keep your data on Canadian soil, protected by Canadian laws.
⚡ We run on renewable energy, not fossil fuels.
💬 We provide 24/7, bilingual support, that actually cares.
💰 We price in CAD, so you don’t get burned by exchange rates.

If you’re with an American hosting provider, it’s time to ask yourself: who are you really supporting?

This isn’t just about business. This is about us, and the future of our country.

Switching to WHC Is Easier Than You Think

Migrating your hosting, website, and domain name might sound complicated, but it’s easier than you think. Our expert team handles most of it and is with you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth transition.

Here’s what to expect:

✅ We’ll transfer your website, domain name and email accounts to our secure Canadian servers.
✅ Our team handles all the setup, minimizing or avoiding downtime.
✅ We help test to ensure everything runs smoothly.
✅ We update and support you at every step.

Switching to a Canadian provider like WHC is fast, easy, and hassle-free.

Stand With Us. Stand With Canada.

WHC exists to help Canadians succeed online, strengthen our economy, and keep our digital future in our own hands. So I ask you, not just as a business owner, but as a fellow Canadian: who do you want to support? A bully, hellbent on “winning” at all costs, or a homegrown Canadian provider that’s committed to your success? 

You’ll pay less, get more, and we’ll make switching easy. Because that’s what Canadians do. We show up, we support each other, and we always stick together. 

It’s time to take a stand, Canada.

Faithfully yours,

Emil Falcon
CEO & Founder, Web Hosting Canada

#StandWithCanada 🍁

Email

How Your Email Address Is Hurting Your Business

Small Business Success

Imagine landing on a website that looks sleek and professional. You decide to make a purchase or sign up to their newsletter, only to receive an email from a generic Gmail address. Suddenly, that credibility takes a hit and you’re left wondering if you’ve made the right decision. Sound familiar?

In today’s business world, brand cohesion matters. Every detail, from your logo to your website and email address, shapes how customers perceive you. And what this all boils down to is simple: do you want to seem like an amateur or a pro?

The difference between free and pro emails

Many people think that using a generic email address like Gmail, Hotmail/Outlook, or Yahoo is "good enough" for their business, but it could actually be the weak spot that makes potential customers hesitate. Anyone can create a generic email address in just a few clicks, without any verification. So how could you expect customers to see you as legitimate, established, and trustworthy?

A professional email, on the other hand, is a simple and effective way to build trust and strengthen your brand identity. It shows that you’ve put effort into cultivating your business and that you care about offering your customers a secure and coherent experience.

And since you can get a branded email for free with web hosting, the choice becomes pretty easy.

Moving away from U.S. tech giants for safer Canadian hosting

More businesses are recognizing the risks in relying on American tech giants for their email and hosting services. Companies like Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo operate under U.S. jurisdiction, where laws such as the Patriot Act and the CLOUD Act allow government agencies broad access to stored data. This means that if you’re using Gmail for your business communications, your sensitive business data might not be as private as you think.

Hosting in Canada offers a strong alternative. With robust privacy laws and data sovereignty protections, Canadian hosting ensures that your business emails remain secure and out of reach from foreign surveillance. Moving your email and hosting to a trusted Canadian provider like WHC allows you to retain full control over your data, protecting both your business and your customers.

Now let’s break things down into 5 key reasons to avoid going generic:

The downsides of using a free email address

While free email addresses might seem convenient, they come with significant drawbacks:

  1. Lack of professionalism: A free email address doesn’t convey the same level of trust and credibility as a custom-branded email.
  2. Limited control: Free email services restrict your ability to fully brand your communications, limiting your professional presence.
  3. Data privacy concerns: Many free email providers store and scan emails for advertising purposes, potentially compromising your business’s sensitive data.
  4. Higher spam filtering risks: Emails sent from free email addresses are more likely to be marked as spam or ignored by recipients.

Why a professional email is better for everyone

1. A strong first impression

Your email address is like a digital business card. A professional email address (i.e., [email protected] instead of [email protected]) instantly signals trust and legitimacy, showing recipients that you’re serious about your business. On the flip side, a generic email address can easily be dismissed.

2. Customer trust

Customers are more likely to engage with businesses that use branded emails. A professional email adds credibility, especially in competitive industries where trust is key. Whether you’re reaching out to potential clients or responding to inquiries, a professional email address sets the tone for a trustworthy relationship, showing customers that they’re dealing with a legitimate business instead of spam or fraud. You don’t want people to see your messages as a phishing attempt!

3. Brand recognition

A professional email should be considered an extension of your brand identity. When your domain is included in your email address, it reinforces your brand every time you communicate. Over time, this builds recognition and keeps your business on people’s minds.

4. Security and compliance

Free email services often lack the robust security measures needed to protect your business. Most free email service providers are located outside Canada, meaning your data is subject to foreign regulations. But with a professional email hosted in Canada, your data is stored on servers that adhere to strict Canadian privacy laws, offering enhanced protection against unauthorized access.

Unlike free email service providers, WHC is ready to offer expert advice on achieving better email deliverability, enhanced security against identity theft and phishing, improved domain reputation, and industry-standard compliance, all of which ensure that your emails reach inboxes with confidence.

5. E-commerce benefits

When it comes to online shopping, you want to reinforce your brand identity with every interaction, creating a seamless and professional experience across platforms. This is great for keeping customer communications organized and secure for a smoother shopping experience.

In competitive e-commerce markets, a professional branded email can be the difference between earning a customer’s loyalty and losing their attention.

How to set up a professional email

Common misconception: Many users tend to think that setting up professional emails is too complicated, but the process is actually super simple!

Even if your website is hosted on platforms like Shopify, Wix, or Squarespace, having a professional email ensures a unified brand presence across all platforms. Also, your email doesn’t have to be tied to your website host. You can set up a branded email separately with a provider like WHC while keeping your site where it is.

What if I use Google Suite?

If you’re currently using Google Workspace for business email, you may still be concerned about where your data is stored and who has access to it. A Canadian-based alternative ensures your communications remain private and compliant with strong Canadian privacy laws while still offering the features your business needs.

How WHC can help

WHC makes it easy to create and manage professional emails:

  • Affordable, seamless solutions: Professional email services that integrate perfectly with your domain, whether it’s for e-commerce or any other business type.
  • Reliable hosting (in Canada!) with quality support: Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
  • More than just email: WHC also offers domain registration, web hosting, and SEO services to amplify your online presence.

Don’t settle for “good enough”

Investing in a professional email is a small step that delivers huge returns for trust, credibility, and brand recognition. It’s an easy, affordable way to make a lasting impression and build stronger customer relationships.

Ready to elevate your business? Explore WHC’s business email service today and take the first step toward a more professional online presence! And if you want the peace of mind of having all your digital needs cared for under one roof, we’ve got your back with robust hosting plans to help you reach new levels of online success.

WP plugin vulnerabilities

4 Critical WordPress Plugin Vulnerabilities to Fix Right Now (Jan 2025)

Security

Imagine waking up to find your WordPress site hacked or your data compromised. More than a little frustrating, right? Security threats are on the rise, and outdated or vulnerable WordPress plugins are a major weak point.

Staying on top of these issues is crucial in keeping your website and visitors safe. Especially since most vulnerabilities have simple fixes that are easy to apply.

In this article, we’ll highlight four major plugin vulnerabilities that could put your site at risk and show you exactly what you need to do to fix them today.

1. W3 Total Cache (Version 2.8.1)

Authenticated subscriber missing authorization for server-side request forgery

W3 Total Cache, a performance optimization plugin, was found to have a vulnerability that permits authenticated subscribers to conduct server-side request forgery (SSRF) attacks. This vulnerability allows an attacker to manipulate server-side requests, potentially exposing sensitive server resources.

Vulnerability: CVE-2024-12365
Vendor: boldgrid

What could happen

Attackers can exploit this flaw to: 

  • Gain unauthorized access to internal server endpoints.
  • Steal sensitive data or compromise your site.

What to do

  • Upgrade promptly: Update to the latest version of the plugin.
  • Restrict subscriber permissions: Avoid granting unnecessary capabilities to subscribers.

2. GiveWP Donation Plugin and Fundraising Platform (Version 3.19.2)

Unauthenticated PHP object injection

The GiveWP plugin, a popular choice for nonprofits and organizations accepting online donations, was recently found to contain a critical unauthenticated PHP object injection vulnerability. This flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code or manipulate application behavior remotely.

Vulnerability: CVE-2024-12877
Vendor: webdevmattcrom

What could happen

This security flaw can allow attackers to:

  • Gain unauthorized access to sensitive application data.
  • Take full control of your website.

What to do

  • Update immediately: Ensure your plugin is updated to the latest patched version.
  • Monitor website logs: Look for any unusual activity that might indicate attempted exploitation.
  • Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF): Services like Wordfence can help block malicious requests targeting this vulnerability.

3. Page Builder by SiteOrigin (Version 2.3.10) 

Authenticated contributor stored cross-site scripting

SiteOrigin’s Page Builder plugin, utilized by many for crafting dynamic page layouts, was found to have an authenticated contributor stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability. This issue arises from improper sanitization of the Row Label parameter, enabling attackers with contributor-level access to inject malicious scripts.

Vulnerability: CVE-2024-12240
Vendor: gpriday

What could happen

This vulnerability can allow attackers to:

  • Execute malicious scripts in the administrator's browser, leading to session hijacking or redirection to phishing sites.

What to do

  • Apply plugin updates: Ensure the plugin is updated to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
  • Restrict user roles: Limit the use of the Contributor role to trusted individuals.
  • Use security plugins: Employ tools to scan for and prevent XSS attacks.

4. WPBookIt (Version 1.6.4)

Unauthenticated arbitrary user password change

WPBookIt, a plugin used for online booking systems, contains a critical flaw enabling unauthenticated arbitrary user password changes. This vulnerability allows an attacker to reset passwords for any user, including administrators.

Vulnerability: CVE-2024-10215
Vendor: Iqonic Design

What could happen

Hackers would be able to:

  • Take over your site by resetting an administrator's password.
  • Deny service for legitimate users.

What to do

  • Update immediately: Use the latest secure version of WPBookIt.
  • Audit user accounts: Regularly review and validate admin user access.
  • Two-factor authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA for administrator accounts to enhance login security.

General best practices for plugin security

To protect your website from these and future vulnerabilities:

  1. Keep plugins updated: Always use the latest versions of plugins, as developers frequently release patches for identified vulnerabilities.
  2. Remove unused plugins: Deactivate and delete plugins you no longer use to reduce your attack surface.
  3. Conduct regular security audits: Use tools like Wordfence or Sucuri to scan your website for vulnerabilities.
  4. Backup your website: Maintain regular backups to ensure quick recovery in case of an attack.
  5. Educate your team: Train users with admin or contributor access to recognize and avoid potential security risks.

Final thoughts

WordPress is a flexible, expansive, and powerful platform, but it also means vigilance is required to maintain security. By staying informed about vulnerabilities like those in GiveWP, SiteOrigin’s Page Builder, W3 Total Cache, and WPBookIt, you can take proactive steps to protect your website and its users. Remember, timely updates and robust security measures are your best defenses against potential threats.

You can also rely on WHC’s Pro Services to handle the legwork in keeping your site in the best shape possible, leaving you to focus on running your business.

Hosting in Canada

Bring Your Data Home: 5 Reasons Hosting in Canada Matters More Than Ever

Small Business Success

Do you know where your website, emails, and files are hosted? If they’re outside Canada, your data could be at risk. And with the skyrocketing U.S. dollar, you might also be paying more for services by not choosing a Canadian provider.

Now more than ever, it’s time to take control and bring your data home to Canada. Protect your privacy, save money, and support Canadian innovation and the economy.

And let’s clear this up: Canada isn’t the 51st state (despite what you might read online). We have our own laws, priorities, and values. And when it comes to protecting your data, Canada stands tall with some of the world’s strictest privacy regulations.

If you’re not sure where your data’s hosted, now’s the time to check and act. Don’t risk your business or your privacy. You’ve worked hard for your success. Keep it secure.

Here are five reasons to host your data in Canada:

1. Strong privacy laws protect your data

In Canada, privacy isn’t just an afterthought. It’s the law. Hosting your data here means it’s protected by some of the toughest regulations in the world, like PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act). Canadian laws make sure your personal data is handled responsibly, keeping you in control.

Compare that to the U.S., where the CLOUD Act allows government agencies to access most data stored on American servers. That’s not the case here. Every email, file, and transaction hosted in Canada is shielded from prying eyes and unpredictable foreign policies.

Here at Web Hosting Canada, we don’t just follow these rules. We champion them. As a proudly Canadian company with over 21 years in business, we’ve built our reputation on trust, reliability, and world-class service. Our SOC 2 certification is a testament to our commitment to security and accountability. Hosting with us means your data stays securely on Canadian servers, backed by a partner fully dedicated to your success and privacy.

Act now: If your data is sitting outside Canada, it’s at risk. Make the switch today. 

2. Sustainable infrastructure and clean energy for a greener future

Canada is a proud leader in green hosting. Many Canadian providers, including WHC, run their datacenters on renewable energy. By choosing to host your data here, you’re making a choice that’s better for the planet without sacrificing performance.

Fun fact: Some of WHC’s datacenters use the natural flow of the St. Lawrence River to cool down, reducing energy use while maintaining peak performance. With a smaller carbon footprint and reliable speeds, your website or email hosting can make a big impact while staying green.

When you host sustainably, you’re showing your customers that your business values ecological respect and responsibility. That’s a message that resonates.

Make an impact: Choose green hosting that protects your data and that’s gentle on the planet.

3. Faster speeds for Canadians, by Canadians

Along with privacy and security, hosting your data in Canada is also about speed. Keeping your data local means it’s physically closer to your customers, resulting in faster load times, lower latency, and a better overall experience.

This is important for e-commerce and streaming, and essential for industries like healthcare, finance, and education, where speed and reliability are non-negotiable. Hosting locally also ensures compliance with Canadian delivery standards, so your data is handled securely and efficiently.

At WHC, we’ve spent over two decades perfecting hosting solutions for Canadians. With our state-of-the-art datacenters and 24/7 bilingual support, you’ll enjoy lightning-fast performance and peace of mind.

Why wait? Faster, safer data starts right here. Host your data in Canada.

4. Stability you can count on (that few countries can match)

When it comes to hosting, not all countries are created equal. In some places, shifting policies, unpredictable legal requirements, and sudden changes can leave your data vulnerable. Hosting your data in Canada is different. As one of the world’s most politically and economically stable nations, Canada offers a rock-solid foundation for your business.

With clear and reliable regulations, you won’t have to worry about navigating a maze of legal red tape or scrambling to respond to foreign subpoenas. Canada’s stability gives you peace of mind, so you can focus on growing your business without the stress of sudden disruptions.

At Web Hosting Canada, we’re proud to offer hosting backed by Canada’s unmatched stability and our 21 years of expertise. Our reliable infrastructure and dedicated support make us the safe, steady choice for your data.

Take control: Uncertainty isn’t worth the risk. Bring your data home to Canada.

5. Help the economy and drive innovation

Hosting your data here means investing in our nation’s future. Local hosting supports Canadian businesses, creates jobs, and drives innovation in the tech industry. From small startups to established giants, Canada’s tech ecosystem thrives because of choices like yours.

And there’s another benefit: local hosting means working with providers who understand Canadian businesses. It means faster, more personalized support, better communication, and solutions tailored to your needs. When you keep your hosting close to home, you’re supporting Canadian businesses and helping them grow alongside you.

WHC is deeply committed to helping Canadians succeed online. When hosting with us, you’re partnering with a team that cares about your success and the success of Canadian businesses.

Make an impact: Choose local hosting and help build a stronger, more innovative Canada.

Why choose WHC to host your data?

WHC is a proud Canadian company headquartered in the heart of Montreal with a team spanning the country. We’ve spent over 21 years helping businesses like yours succeed online.

With WHC, you’re getting more than just Canadian datacenters and secure servers. You’re partnering with a team that genuinely cares about your success. Our bilingual, 24/7 support team is always here to help, whether it’s a simple question or a complex issue.

Worried about migrating your website or email? Don’t be. Our team handles everything for you, from transferring your data to setting up your new hosting environment. We’ll make sure the process is smooth, stress-free, and completed with zero downtime, so you can focus on what matters: growing your business.

Switching is easier than you think

Migrating your website or email hosting might sound complicated, but it’s not. Our expert team manages everything, ensuring a seamless transition with no interruptions to your business.

Here’s what to expect:

  1. We’ll transfer your website and email accounts to our secure Canadian servers.
  2. Our team will carefully set everything up for you, in order to minimize or avoid interruptions.
  3. Once the migration is complete, we’ll check that everything is running smoothly.

From start to finish, you’ll have full support from our experienced team. We’ll even keep you updated at every step of the way, so you’re never left wondering what’s next.

Ready to switch? With WHC, it’s easy, fast, and stress-free.

Don’t wait. Migrate your data home today!

You’ve worked hard to build your business. Don't let hosting choices of the past put it at risk. Choose secure, local hosting with faster speeds, better privacy protections, and peace of mind.

There’s no better time to make the switch. We’ll guide you every step of the way, ensuring your website, emails, and files are safe, secure, and running at their peak.

Your online ecosystem deserves a solid foundation. Explore WHC’s hosting plans today and bring your data home to Canada. It’s the right move for your business, your privacy, and your peace of mind.

Migrate your data to Canada

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What's Included with Each Website Transfer?

Seamless migrations

We'll transfer your files, databases, and domains without no interruption.

Fully managed migrations

Sit back while our experts do all the heavy lifting for you!

Optional email transfer

We're happy to handle your email transfer needs!

Post-migration tests

We’ll test your site after the transfer to target potential issues.

Performance & security boost

Enjoy built-in website acceleration and daily backups post-transfer.

Domains & DNS changes

We'll point your domains to their new home, and you're all set!

Trusted by over 65,000
Canadian Small Businesses

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Ella Tsang
psimella.com

I have nothing but AMAZING experiences with the WHC live chat support. I started my website making journey with WHC and it has always been so smooth to get assistance… I will continue to recommend you guys to my friends and clients.

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Richard E. Ward
tydbytes.com

I recently moved my web hosting to Web Hosting Canada and I would happily give them 10 Stars. Apart from providing me with a solid technical environment, they have provided me with absolutely First Class, friendly, informative and fast support.

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Jessy Maria
 

Incredible customer service! Every time I get stuck, I know I can ask for help and receive a fast and very helpful response. I would highly recommend Web Hosting Canada to anyone, including beginners to the web hosting world.

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Why migrate to WHC?

Amazing value

A service that outperforms the competition at a fraction of their price. All in Canadian dollars.

24/7 expert support

English or French. Day or Night. Call, email or live chat. We'll be there!

Canadian, eh?

Canadian datacenters on both the East and West Coast for faster access and better privacy.

Security that never sleeps

Free SSL, advanced firewall, 24/7 monitoring and automatic backups.

Better performance

Up to 10 times faster than the competition with Raid-10, Local Full-SSD & dynamic caching.

Eco-friendly

Our datacenters run on renewable energy. Minimize your carbon footprint with WHC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hosting in Canada ensures your data is protected by some of the world’s strictest privacy laws, like PIPEDA. It also keeps your data shielded from foreign policies such as the U.S. CLOUD Act, which could compromise your privacy. By hosting in Canada, you also benefit from faster speeds for local users, a more stable infrastructure, and the opportunity to support Canadian innovation and the economy.

Yes! Many Canadian hosting providers, like Web Hosting Canada (WHC), use sustainable infrastructure powered by renewable energy. For example, some datacenters leverage the natural cooling effect of the St. Lawrence River, reducing energy consumption while maintaining top performance. Hosting sustainably also demonstrates your business’s commitment to ecological responsibility.

Absolutely. Hosting your data locally reduces latency and improves load times, especially for Canadian users. Faster speeds are crucial for industries like e-commerce, healthcare, and finance, where reliability and quick access to information are essential.

Hosting with a Canadian provider supports local businesses, creates jobs, and drives innovation within the tech industry. Additionally, working with a Canadian company means personalized support, better communication, and solutions tailored to your needs, ensuring a smooth and efficient hosting experience.

Get your website’s data in Canada Get Started