When you login to your site, to CPanel, WHM or with ftp, you need to be aware that in doing so you may be giving your username/password away.

Using normal http connections (in your browser addressbar, the url starts "http://"), all communication between your browser and the website are "visible" to all network devices between you and the server. That means someone using "sniffer" (Visit here for more info) can grab your username and password, then login to a site as you! The same applies to ftp - usernames and passwords are delivered in what is known as "clear text".

Luckily, your Tech Logic account allows SSL connections (SSL is describe here: click to visit), which basically encrypt the conversations between you and the server. In a web browser, such connections will usually be begin "https://" in the address bar (note the extra "s"). If possible, always use SSL.

• To access your WebHostMananger securely, use:
  
  https://www.yourdomain.com:2087
  OR
  https://www.youripaddress.com:2087

• To access your CPanel securely use:
  
  https://www.yourdomain.com:2083
  OR
  https://www.youripaddress.com:2083

Note the 2087 and 2083 are tcp "port numbers" - to read more click here.

You also have command line access to the Linux shell, which is available using SSH (secure shell). Most Unix clients will already have an SSH application installed. For Windows, we recommend you use Putty, click here to download. Save this in your C:WINDOWSSYSTEM32 directory then you can start it any time using "Run" from the Start menu and type "Putty". Remember to set the "protocol" to SSH.

Finally, to solve the problem with ftp, you need to either sftp (secure ftp) or scp (secure copy), both of which will transfer files using SSL connections. Again Linux operating systems will probably have these installed.

For Windows, you can either use:

• psftp (click here to download), which is a command line secure ftp tool. 
• WinSCP (click here to download), which provides a GUI inferface to transer files with.
• OpenSSH (click here to download), which does everything in one!

Warning: always scan free and shareware downloads with an up to date anti virus package before installing!

Changing your password

You can change your password from CPanel ("Change Password" link), Web Host Manager ("Password Modification" then select your domain account ) or from an SSH connection, by typing the command "passwd".