SiteLock: Configuring Server Access and Database Settings

 

This article explains how to configure server access and database settings in SiteLock. Its purpose is to guide you through the required setup steps to ensure SiteLock can properly connect to your hosting environment and perform security scanning and protection functions.

 

On this page

• Configure Server Access  
• Configure Database Settings 
• FAQs

 

Configure Server Access

Follow these steps to configure server access:

1. Go to your SiteLock Dashboard. 
2. Click on Setup Wizard tab. 
3. Under Configure Server Access, choose how credentials will be used: 
   • Same Credentials - Use same FTP credentials for both Smart File Scan and SMART Database Scan. 
   • Separate Credentials - Enter different FTP details for SMART File Scan, Database Scan, and Backup. This option creates separate tabs for each product. Use this only if multiple access configurations are required. 
      
4. Enter your FTP/SFTP credentials: 
   • Connection Type: We recommend to select SFTP 
   • Host: Enter the IP address of your hosting. 
   • Port Number: 22 (if you use SFTP), 21 for FTP 
   • Username: use your hosting username 
   • Password: use your hosting password 
   • Transfer Speed: Set the number of simultaneous connections. Higher values may reduce scan time but can exceed server connection limits. 
   • Maximum Download Time: Define how long each scan is allowed to download files. 
      
5. Click on Save and Continue. SiteLock will then test the connection.

   Once the credentials are validated, the Website Root Directory field will appear at the bottom of the page. 
6. In the Website Root Directory field, select the folder where your website files are stored.

   Most of the time, website folders are stored on the following folders:

   • httpdoc - for Windows hosting 
   • public_html - for Linux hosting
7. After selecting your Website Root Directory, click Save and Continue

Once done, the database configuration will follow. Proceed the next step. 

 

Configure Database Settings 

Right after the Server Access configuration, you will be redirected to the Database Settings. If not, click on Setup Wizard > Database Settings. 

 

For WordPress or Joomla website 

1. Select WordPress or Joomla (depends on what platform you are using) in the Platform field. 
2. In the Web URL, enter your WordPress or Joomla site URL. 
3. Click Save and Continue. 
4. SiteLock will check the features on your server. Once done, just click Continue to complete the setup.

 

For other website 

If your website is not WordPress or Joomla, follow these steps: 

1. Select Other in the Platform field. 
2. In the Web URL, enter your website URL. 
3. Enter your Database remote access details: 
   • Host: Enter the IP address of your hosting server, or database server if hosted separately. 
   • Port Number: 3306 for MySQL or 1433 for MSSQL 
   • Username: database username 
   • Password: database password 
   • Database Name: database name 
4. Click Save and Continue. 
5. SiteLock will check the features on your server. Once done, just click Continue to complete the setup. 

 

FAQs

 

Where to find my FTP credentials? 

Your FTP credentials are usually just your hosting username and password. You may also create an FTP account. Read our guides on how to Manage Files Using FTP to learn more.

What are my database connection details?

Database connection details include the host, username, password, and port required to access your database. These are typically stored in your website’s configuration files. For custom-built websites, these details are often stored in files such as configuration.php, settings.php, or connection.php. 

Common file locations:

• WordPress: /website-root/wp-config.php
• Joomla: /website-root/configuration.php
• Drupal: /website-root/settings.php