No, cPanel isn’t a server. Instead, it’s a control panel that most web hosting companies offer their clients as part of their hosting packages. cPanel is a Linux-based, online graphical interface (GUI) that’s employed as a control panel to simplify website and web server management. Using cPanel, you can manage domains, publish websites, create email accounts, arrange web files, and do a lot more.

Server management refers to the process of monitoring and maintaining servers to let them function optimally. It also covers the management of software, hardware, backups, and security. The primary goals of an efficient server management strategy are to create secure server environments, mitigate and hopefully eliminate server downtime and slowdowns, and ensure servers continue to meet the requirements of a business as it grows.

cPanel consists of two interfaces. One is a user interface named cPanel, while the other is a server management interface called WHM or Web Host Manager. This blend of interfaces lets users manage their websites while giving hosting providers the necessary tools to manage the server. You can use the Server Information interface to find out your server’s version of cPanel & WHM.

Server hardening refers to the process by which maximum pieces of security software are installed and configured on the server to help prevent different security threats. Some key steps involved in server hardening are:

CSF: CongfigServer Security Firewall has become an inevitable part of cPanel servers as it strengthens the security layer significantly. Instead of acting as a mere firewall, it can also be configured to monitor emailing, server load, processes, etc., all of which make it an effective security suit for the server.
Apache: Securing Apache is another important step. Usually, it’s recommended to set everything to ‘PCI Compliant’ in WHM’s Apache Global Configuration. You should also consider enabling SymLink Security Patch from EasyApache (in case you don’t have CloudLinux kernel installed), disabling Directory Listing, and enabling PJP Open Base Dir Restriction.

Disabling unwanted processes that aren’t required for OS installation, tweaking some kernel variables to prevent attacks like SYNFLOOD, and making security tweaks to cPanel like disabling compiler access, background process killer, enforcing SSL, etc., are some other ways that are used for server hardening.

cPanel server monitoring includes checking for abnormal RAM, CPU, network, web server requests, and other metrics that are likely to adversely affect server performance. With such close monitoring, we can take an instantaneous action in case we detect an anomaly and even offer you support as and when you need it.

This involves different tasks for which you’ll need to have all the permission over the server. From creation, modification, or deletion of any account from the cPanel server to uploading files, handling databases, creating emails, setting cron jobs, etc., you can do them all and more with cPanel server administration.