Here I will discusss security issues and responsibility of user. Feel free to disagree or add any comments. I won't be offended. This does not contain code helps.
I have found that if the PHP code is not written correctly, then it is easier for someone to "hack" the program - blogs, forums, etc.. This is why updates are made often to php code that makes up the program. If you are using a blog program check to see if its settings are actually working. I was using a particular program until I found that settings weren't working very well. People can post comments without signing up for membership and I don't get their email address so I can ban them that way. I ended up switching to a better program.
In saying all of this, the host company really can not be responsible for code it does not create itself. If I put the code up, I'm responsible. Sure they can ban my code, or ask me to fix it, upgrade it, etc. They can even insist I upgrade my php code to 5 - due to explotation issue in php 4. But, if my blog gets spammed by someone who I feel intends to hack it, its my responsibility to get rid of said 'hacker'. Its my site. I've banned several IP addresses, even though I know that this is not really a cure. The best hackers simply put in an easy code on their end to temporarily change their IP address, then if they are determined, they will come back. This is also why I go to stopforumspam.org. They list them by name, email address and IP address the worst offenders. Highly recommended website.
It is also my responsibility to have a password that is hard to guess. If your password does not contain at least 2 numbers, then its probably easy to guess. I do not recommend substituting numbers for letters such that the make words like 1d10t. Hackers know this trick. Better to use an acronym and secret code like:
This: Cat jumps over Elephant while Pig falls into the House.
Becomes this: Cj03wP41t4
With this code, I've decided ahead of time, that all F's and H's = 4. Adding symbols to your password is also highly recommended wherever this is allowed.
I hope this is useful to at least one person. Thanks!
