When You Leave a Host

A

AbbieRose

New member
When you leave a host, and move to another, how can you be sure that all of your data (that was stored on the server) has been destroyed? I'm not just being paranoid here, but I do have some trust issues and I would prefer to know before I tell them how crappy their service was that they will have got rid of my stuff.
 
Well, I don't think you can know. It depends on the web host if they want to destroy it, or if they want to sell the data to your competitor :D

I'm just kidding there!

It would be better if you sign up with a reputable and well known web host as big companies would have strict policy about data protection and privacy.

If you go with a smaller ones, you just have to "trust" them I suppose.
 
Keeping your data on their servers after you leave does not make sense to them from an economic standpoint as it will cost them money represented by server space. :)
 
Its better you distroy/remove your data on your own after migration is completed. Then your webhost will have to remove your account only.
 
I agree with thewebedge. If you want to make sure your data is destroyed you need to delete it yourself. Move your data to the new host then change your dns then delete your data from the old host.

Mark
 
For us, the moment there's a cancellation request processed, all files and all backups are destroyed. As Artashes said, it can be expensive keeping customer data. I am surprised at how many people that come back 2 weeks later (or more) and ask if we still have a copy of their data.

If you're termination relations with the host, log in via FTP and delete your files. Any reputable host will not be doing things underhanded as posted earlier. Check the TOS and Privacy Policy on their site too - if they DO anything, you have recourse.
 
You can't guarantee about the web host, whether the web host has removed all your data from their server, practically speaking no web host will waste their server space in storing your data when you are no more with them.

Get relaxed and search for a good web host where you can trust them :)
 
I always delete my own data from a host's server, only takes a matter of minutes, same with backups I wouldn't leave my host to do backups for me, I'd do them myself.
 
Yes, it had occurred to me to delete the files that I have access to, but the back ups were I guess more of my concern. I guess ultimately the info would soon be over written so if I just wait a few days to make known my opinion I should be sound as a pound ;)
 
Like the others had said, I can't see many keeping the data however you have to remember that if you were using a hosting company that was small and not widely known or experienced then there are chances they won't even think to delete the files until they start having issues from them. :(
 
OK, yea deleting all content from your account before you cancel (as some people suggested) may be a solution but if that web host truly wants to get your data back they can simply check their monthly/weekly or daily backups and they would still be able to get your data... BUT... any respected and serious web hosting business would never do such a thing.
 
As others have said, there's no way to know if it has been removed, but the best bet is to remove it yourself & contact them to request they remove any backups. Most hosts will be more than happy to do this, if they don't remove it all by standard already - chances are they do anyway so that they can reallocate the space to new clients. In the worst case scenario that they have retained data, it's very unlikely they'll delve into it or pass it on if they're a reputable company.
 
You can never ensure that they've destroyed all files *and* backups. However removing all your files, databases, e-mails (etc) once you have cancelled is the best way to go about things; it will remove as much data as necessary.
 
Ok, just a thought. What about if you kept the account for another few weeks, and put up a blank site? Or just fill your pages with lorem ipsum? Then when the back ups are run they should in theory over write, or at least supersede the real back ups, and so lose your important info?
 
AbbieRose said:
Ok, just a thought. What about if you kept the account for another few weeks, and put up a blank site? Or just fill your pages with lorem ipsum? Then when the back ups are run they should in theory over write, or at least supersede the real back ups, and so lose your important info?
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That's an interesting solution. I really don't see any reason why a provider would keep your data.
 
Another key issue would be DMCA as the content could be then present and potentially accessible or used without your (copyright holders) consent. However there has and always will be throughout hosting those sites that are “suspended” for issues such as payment (or lack of it) and the data will be held or deleted within a period to ensure payment (often those hosts that continue the service into the following month before suspending an account).

It’s almost a grey area however any reputable host with their own interests and yours at heart would delete the data within a reasonable time frame. Often within less than a 2 week period dependant on the nature of the client departure, however everyone has been programmed due to lack of continence to just accept TOS agreements, though they also govern or outline the rules the provider as well as the user must comply with (often outlining governmental rules however these also apply).
 
For a reputable firm I agree that this is not an issue. But everyone must have seen a case or two of data being stolen-not necessarily by the host but it still is something that has made me wonder from time to time. I'm paranoid, yes ;)
 
AbbieRose said:
When you leave a host, and move to another, how can you be sure that all of your data (that was stored on the server) has been destroyed? I'm not just being paranoid here, but I do have some trust issues and I would prefer to know before I tell them how crappy their service was that they will have got rid of my stuff.
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Great question. That is almost impossible to tell :) But if you think about data, most data can be recovered with the right tools. Most hosts will eventually delete your account just to free up enough space for other customers.

You could always ask your former host and make them clearly spell out their data retention policy.

I have known some hosts to leave accounts active for a while in case a client forgot to transfer all the data.

Sometimes a client could change their mind after canceling too.
 
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