Kentico to WordPress: Hosting Requirements and Security Features
Migrating from Kentico to WordPress is a major shift—not only in content management but also in how your website is hosted and secured. Kentico, being an enterprise-level .NET CMS, runs in a different hosting environment compared to WordPress, which is PHP-based and open-source. When making the move, understanding the new hosting requirements and ensuring proper security configurations is essential for a smooth, secure, and high-performing website.
In this blog, we’ll explore the critical differences in hosting needs between Kentico and WordPress and offer best practices for implementing robust security features on your new WordPress site.
Understanding the Hosting Differences
Kentico Hosting Basics
Kentico is built on the Microsoft .NET framework, requiring Windows-based servers with IIS (Internet Information Services) and support for SQL Server. Hosting Kentico often means using enterprise-level infrastructure with higher costs and specific configurations.
Key Kentico hosting requirements include:
- Windows OS environment
- .NET runtime and ASP.NET support
- Microsoft SQL Server
- IIS web server
- Typically licensed hosting
WordPress Hosting Requirements
In contrast, WordPress runs on the LAMP stack—Linux, Apache (or Nginx), MySQL (or MariaDB), and PHP. It’s widely supported by virtually all major web hosts, and you can run a WordPress site on shared hosting, VPS, or managed hosting services.
Minimum WordPress hosting requirements (as of 2025):
- PHP 8.1 or higher
- MySQL 5.7+ or MariaDB 10.4+
- HTTPS support
- Nginx or Apache with mod_rewrite module
- Linux-based server (recommended)
Because WordPress is lightweight and versatile, it’s compatible with a range of hosting options, from budget-friendly shared servers to high-end enterprise cloud hosting.
Choosing the Right WordPress Hosting
When moving from Kentico to WordPress, you should prioritize performance, scalability, and support. Three main types of hosting are commonly used:
- Shared Hosting – Affordable, suitable for smaller sites, but limited performance and flexibility.
- VPS Hosting – Offers more control and better speed, ideal for medium-traffic WordPress sites.
- Managed WordPress Hosting – Optimized specifically for WordPress with performance tuning, backups, updates, and security built-in.
Top Hosting Providers for WordPress:
Make sure your chosen host includes SSD storage, built-in caching, and automated updates—features that aren’t usually found in Kentico’s typical setup.
WordPress Security Features and Best Practices
One of the biggest concerns during and after the Kentico to WordPress migration is security. While Kentico often relies on enterprise-grade security layers, WordPress security is more modular, relying on plugins, configurations, and best practices.
Let’s break down the essential security measures for your new WordPress site:
1. Use a Trusted Hosting Provider
A secure server is your first line of defense. A good WordPress host will offer:
- DDoS protection
- Web application firewall (WAF)
- Regular malware scanning
- Daily backups
- Server-side security monitoring
Many managed hosting services also isolate each site in a containerized environment, reducing cross-site contamination risk.
2. Install a Security Plugin
Security plugins simplify protection by offering multiple features in one package. Recommended options:
- Wordfence – Includes firewall, malware scanner, and live traffic monitoring
- iThemes Security – Brute force protection, login hardening, and file change detection
- Sucuri Security – Cloud-based WAF and malware removal services
These tools replicate many of the automated security policies built into enterprise platforms like Kentico.
3. Keep Core, Themes, and Plugins Updated
Outdated software is one of the leading causes of WordPress hacks. Make sure to:
- Enable auto-updates for plugins and themes
- Keep the WordPress core updated
- Regularly review and delete unused or outdated plugins
Unlike Kentico, where updates are typically handled through the development cycle, WordPress gives you real-time update flexibility.
4. Implement Strong Authentication Measures
Secure your WordPress login with:
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
- Strong passwords
- CAPTCHA protection
- Limiting login attempts
This helps protect against brute force attacks, which are more common in open-source environments.
5. Use HTTPS and SSL Certificates
HTTPS is non-negotiable. Use free SSL certificates from Let’s Encrypt or upgrade to premium SSL from your host or CDN provider. This not only improves security but also boosts SEO and builds trust with users.
6. Set Proper File Permissions
In WordPress, file and directory permissions should be carefully managed:
- wp-config.php – 400 or 440
- wp-content – 755
- Files – 644
This prevents unauthorized modifications from outside users or malware.
7. Perform Regular Backups
While some Kentico environments include database snapshots, WordPress allows for automated backups using plugins or your host. Recommended tools:
- UpdraftPlus
- BlogVault
- Jetpack Backup
Ensure backups are stored off-site and scheduled daily.
8. Limit Plugin Usage
One of WordPress’s strengths is its plugin ecosystem, but each plugin introduces potential vulnerabilities. After migrating:
- Audit plugins for security history
- Use only necessary, high-rated plugins
- Avoid plugins that haven’t been updated in 6+ months
9. Monitor and Scan Regularly
Use malware scanners and activity logs to track suspicious behavior. Tools like WP Activity Log or Sucuri SiteCheck can give you insights into user actions, file changes, and traffic anomalies.
Conclusion
Switching from Kentico to WordPress isn’t just about content migration—it’s about rethinking how your site is hosted and secured. With WordPress, you gain access to more flexible and affordable hosting environments, but you also take on greater responsibility for managing your website’s security.
By choosing the right hosting provider and following the best practices listed above, you can build a fast, secure, and scalable WordPress website that lives up to and even surpasses your old Kentico setup. After all, a smooth post-migration experience is the foundation for long-term website success.