Why Dedicated Servers Remain the Backbone of High-Performance Infrastructure in 2026

In this article we explore why dedicated servers continue to play a critical role in modern IT infrastructure, delivering unmatched performance, reliability, and control for organizations running mission-critical and high-performance workloads in 2026.

As cloud-native platforms and virtualization continue to shape digital transformation, dedicated servers remain a critical foundation for high-performance workloads.

Businesses running mission-critical applications, data-intensive systems, or operating under strict compliance requirements often find that dedicated infrastructure delivers the stability and predictability shared environments cannot match.

In 2026, the role of dedicated servers is not diminishing; for many industries, it is becoming even more essential.

The Demand for Predictable, Consistent Performance

One of the primary reasons organizations choose dedicated servers is the need for consistent and uninterrupted performance. Unlike shared hosting or VPS servers, where multiple tenants may compete for CPU, memory, or storage I/O, a dedicated server provides exclusive access to all resources.

This level of reliability is crucial for workloads that require deterministic performance. Industries such as fintech, SaaS, enterprise resource planning, and scientific computing depend on stable environments where latency and throughput remain consistent.

A large e-commerce platform handling seasonal traffic spikes cannot risk slowdowns caused by virtualization overhead. Likewise, a trading firm running real-time analytics depends on millisecond-level responsiveness that only dedicated hardware can reliably deliver.

Security Isolation as a Strategic Advantage

Security remains a top priority, and dedicated servers offer a level of physical isolation that virtual environments cannot replicate. Highly regulated sectors, including healthcare, finance, iGaming, and government services, often require strict data segregation to meet compliance standards. A dedicated server helps organizations meet these requirements without introducing additional risk.

Dedicated infrastructure also allows full control over security architecture. Businesses can implement custom firewall rules, kernel-level hardening, intrusion detection systems, and tailored monitoring tools. When data privacy, regulatory compliance, or intellectual property protection is critical, dedicated servers provide a clear advantage.

Cost Stability and Long-Term Return on Investment

While cloud platforms offer flexibility, they often introduce unpredictable costs. Traffic spikes, storage growth, or misconfigured services can quickly lead to unexpected billing increases.

Dedicated servers follow a predictable pricing model, making budgeting and financial planning far simpler. Knowing your infrastructure costs in advance allows for clearer forecasting and improved long-term ROI.

At the same time, the performance-to-price ratio of dedicated servers continues to improve. Modern Intel and AMD processors, NVMe storage, and high-capacity memory options enable businesses to achieve excellent efficiency without excessive spending.

Geographic Distribution for Global Reach

Organizations with international audiences need infrastructure close to their users for both performance and regulatory reasons. Dedicated servers deployed in strategic data center locations help reduce latency and support regional compliance requirements.

This approach allows businesses to build a distributed infrastructure while maintaining consistent performance across regions. Gaming platforms can deploy servers near players, while keeping back-end systems elsewhere. iGaming operators can host infrastructure in multiple jurisdictions to meet licensing obligations. Dedicated servers make these strategies practical and cost-effective.

When Dedicated Servers Are the Right Choice

Dedicated hosting is not always necessary at the earliest stage, but several indicators suggest it is time to make the move:

  • Your applications regularly reach CPU or RAM limits on VPS hosting
  • You require strict data isolation and compliance
  • Your workloads demand consistently low latency
  • You manage large databases or compute-heavy applications
  • You prefer predictable monthly infrastructure costs

For many organizations, dedicated servers strike the right balance between raw performance, control, and cost stability.

Ready to Upgrade Your Infrastructure?

If your workloads demand consistent performance, strict isolation, and predictable costs, dedicated servers provide the control and reliability growing businesses need.

At NetShop ISP, our dedicated server solutions are built for performance-driven environments, offering enterprise-grade hardware, flexible configurations, and security-focused infrastructure.

Explore our dedicated server options and choose a platform designed to support your business in 2026 and beyond.

Why iGaming Operators Need Specialized Hosting in 2026

In this article we explain why iGaming operators need specialized hosting in 2026 to meet regulations, deliver low latency, prevent cyber threats, and ensure scalable, high-uptime platforms.

The iGaming industry continues to grow rapidly, fueled by global demand for online casinos, sports betting, live dealer games, and mobile gaming experiences. With competition intensifying and regulatory requirements tightening, operators must ensure their platforms run on hosting infrastructures that deliver consistent performance, high up-time, and strict compliance.

General-purpose servers often falls short for iGaming workloads. These platforms need ultra-low latency, scalable compute power, and robust network security. In 2026, specialized hosting is no longer optional; it is essential for staying competitive.

Ultra-Low Latency for Real-Time Gaming

iGaming platforms rely on instant transactions and real-time event processing. Every millisecond matters, whether a player is placing a sports bet or interacting with a live casino stream. Delays can lead to failed bets, frustrated users, and lost revenue.

Specialized iGaming hosting ensures:

  • Proximity to key markets
  • Optimized routing
  • High-speed network connectivity
  • Redundant uplinks

Players experience smooth, responsive gameplay, no matter where they are.

Scalability for Traffic

Major sports events, tournaments, or promotional campaigns can trigger sudden spikes in traffic. Standard hosting may struggle under such loads, causing platform instability.

Specialized iGaming hosting offers dynamic scaling to handle peak demand without performance issues, keeping users engaged and operations stable.

Regulatory Compliance and Licensing Support

iGaming operators must meet strict regulatory standards across multiple jurisdictions. Hosting environments need to support compliance with requirements related to:

  • Data sovereignty
  • Transaction security
  • Fair gaming
  • Geographical restrictions

At NetShop, we can build infrastructure solutions to meet or exceed these standards, giving operators confidence when applying for licenses or expanding internationally.

Advanced Security for Player Data

Cyber threats targeting iGaming are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Operators must protect sensitive information, including payment details, identity data, and betting records.

Specialized hosting includes:to create a platform ready for growth and long-term success.

This combination safeguards the platform while ensuring fair, secure gaming experiences.

Support for Live Streamed and High-Intensity Games

Live dealer games and interactive casino experiences demand top-tier streaming performance. Hosting optimized for iGaming provides:

  • High bandwidth
  • Content delivery networks (CDNs)
  • Low jitter
  • Fast video transcoding

Without these features, streams may suffer buffering or pixelation, which can drive players away.

Building a Future-Proof iGaming Platform

Running a successful iGaming operation requires more than standard hosting. With strict regulations, rising player expectations, and fierce competition, specialized hosting ensures compliance, reliability, and performance.

For operators planning to launch or scale, choosing a provider that combines high-performance infrastructure, security, and scalability is critical. Explore specialized iGaming hosting solutions today to create a platform ready for growth and long-term success.

How to Improve MT4/MT5 Expert Advisor Stability With Proper VPS Configuration

In this article we explain the key configuration steps needed to ensure your Expert Advisors run smoothly and reliably on a MT4 / MT5 client terminal.

Expert Advisors (EAs) play a central role in modern Forex trading, automating strategies that demand precision, speed, and uninterrupted execution. However, even the most advanced EA will struggle if the VPS running it is not properly configured.

Many traders assume that simply installing MT4 or MT5 on a VPS is enough, but in practice, stability depends on choosing an environment designed specifically for automated trading workloads.

If your trading strategy relies on consistent execution and uptime, running your EAs on a Forex-optimized VPS can significantly reduce platform issues and missed opportunities. In this article we explain the key configuration steps needed to ensure your Expert Advisors run smoothly and reliably.

Choose a VPS With High-Frequency CPU Performance

Expert Advisors process large volumes of tick data, especially during volatile market conditions. Delays of even a fraction of a second can result in late entries or missed exits.

High-frequency CPUs provide:

  • Faster tick processing
  • Reduced platform latency
  • More consistent trade execution
  • Better performance during high-impact news events

This is particularly important for scalping strategies, grid systems, and EAs that rely on precise timing.

Use a Windows Server Version Optimized for MT4 and MT5

While MT4 and MT5 can run on several Windows versions, Windows Server 2019 or 2022 is generally better suited for VPS environments. These operating systems offer improved memory handling, better process stability, and stronger compatibility with virtualized infrastructure.

Selecting the right OS helps prevent freezing, reduces terminal lag, and minimizes unexpected EA crashes.

MT5 Client Terminal with Expert Advisor

Keep MT4 and MT5 Terminals Fully Updated

Outdated trading terminals are more vulnerable to bugs and performance issues. Platform updates frequently resolve problems such as:

  • Chart rendering delays
  • Indicator calculation errors
  • Memory leaks
  • Connection instability

Enable automatic updates where possible, or schedule regular checks to ensure all terminals are running the latest stable version.

Ensure a Stable, Low-Latency Network Connection

A Forex VPS should offer more than basic connectivity. Reliable trading environments include:

  • Redundant network routes
  • Fast network uplinks (e.g. 10Gbps)
  • Short-path routing to Forex broker servers

These features help maintain continuous connectivity during periods of high market activity and reduce the risk of trade interruptions.

Optimize EA and Platform Settings for VPS Use

Many Expert Advisors are configured with default settings that assume a local machine. When running on a VPS, it is important to adjust:

  • Chart history limits
  • Logging frequency
  • Number of active charts
  • Indicator usage

Reducing unnecessary background processes improves platform responsiveness and enhances overall EA stability.

Monitor VPS Resource Usage Consistently

Running multiple EAs, charts, or backtests can quickly consume VPS resources. Regular monitoring helps identify issues such as:

  • CPU saturation
  • Insufficient RAM
  • Increased disk activity
  • Terminal freezes under load

Deploy Forex VPS Today with NetShop ISP

Stable automated trading starts with the right VPS foundation. By selecting a VPS optimized for Forex workloads, fine-tuning your MT4 or MT5 setup, and actively monitoring system resources, you can ensure your Expert Advisors run consistently and predictably.

A well-configured VPS not only supports better execution but also reduces the operational stress that comes with managing automated strategies. When stability is treated as a priority, EAs are far more likely to perform as intended.

You may choose to deploy instantly any of our pre-configured Forex VPS plans from here or contact our hosting specialists for further advise.

MetaTrader 4™ and MetaTrader 5™ are trademarks of MetaQuotes Software Corp. Their use does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by the respective trademark holders.

NetShop ISP in 2025: Year In Review

A snapshot of the progress, expansion, and highlights that shaped NetShop ISP within 2025.

2025 was an exceptional year for NetShop ISP. One defined by major infrastructure upgrades and release of new hosting solutions.

As we celebrated our 20th anniversary, our mission remained clearer than ever: to deliver high-performance hosting, cloud, and connectivity services that empower organizations to scale securely and efficiently.

Across every department, from engineering to customer care, we focused on reliability, automation, and stronger partnerships. The results speak for themselves.

Stefano Sordini, CEO NetShop ISP

“2025 has been a milestone year that reflects our long-term commitment to reliability, innovation, and customer success,” said Stefano Sordini, CEO of NetShop ISP. “As we move into 2026, we are focused on further expanding our cloud platforms, enhancing automation, and delivering next-generation hosting solutions for fast-growing industries.”

2025 at a Glance

This year marked one of the most transformative periods in NetShop’s history. Key achievements include:

  • 125% growth in annual cloud and infrastructure revenue compared to 2024
  • 75% expansion in infrastructure footprint within the EMEA region
  • 28% increase in new customers acquisition comparing to 2024
  • Expansion of our Netherlands infrastructure through Equinix AM2 data center
  • Delivery of new edge devices in the LD4 and LD7 data centers to accommodate growing traffic.
  • Launch of multiple new products including XConnect, Hybrid Cloud Backup, PoP VPS and Flexi PRO VPS.
  • “Digital Shield” goes live – NetShop’s fully automated intrusion-detection and DDoS-protection system
  • Deployment of hosting services through the CY05 data center, the newest purpose-built facility in Cyprus
  • Delivered over 20 significant software updates and features to enhance our automation, monitoring, security and provisioning functions
  • Launch of the Forex Technology Partners page, highlighting NetShop’s strategic collaborations with leading fintech companies.
  • Participation in 6 major exhibitions within the EMEA region

As we wrap up 2025, we want to thank our customers, partners, and community for making this year so productive for NetShop ISP. Your feedback and input continue to guide our roadmap, and we’re already committed and motivated to deliver even more impactful improvements in the coming year.

Looking forward to another year of advancing our services and delivering exceptional results.

NetShop ISP Website Refresh Goes Live, Featuring New SaaS & AI Hosting Pages

NetShop ISP rolls out website refresh along with the launch of new solutions for SaaS Hosting and AI infrastructure.

In 2026, a website should be content-focused and easy to navigate. As our hosting portfolio and content library continue to grow, it became clear that our website needed to evolve alongside them.

We’re excited to announce the launch of the refreshed netshop-isp.com.cy. The update provides a better experience for every visitor and focuses on usability, readability, consistency, and performance.

Improved Readability for a Content-Rich Platform

NetShop ISP serves technical professionals, businesses, and enterprises who rely on detailed information to make informed decisions. One key improvement in our redesign is an updated font family that enhances readability across all devices.

The new typography improves line spacing, contrast, and visual balance, making long-form content, product specifications, and technical documentation easier to read and scan. Whether you’re browsing service descriptions, comparing hosting solutions, or reviewing industry-specific pages, the content now feels cleaner and more accessible.

Consistency Across Pages, Links, and Calls to Action

As our website grew over time, some inconsistencies naturally appeared across page layouts, hyperlinks, and call-to-action buttons. This update addresses those issues head-on.

We have standardized page formats, aligned content sections, and unified the styling of links and action buttons. This creates a smoother browsing experience and makes it easier to identify key actions, such as requesting a quote, exploring services, or getting in touch with our team.

A Cleaner, More Cohesive Look

The new design introduces a refined, modern color palette built around dark blue and white, with blue hyperlinks and blue-to-purple gradient accents for specific actions.

This visual approach reinforces our brand identity while maintaining a clean, professional appearance. Subtle gradients highlight important interactions without distracting from the content.

Introducing SaaS and AI Hosting Solutions

As demand grows for scalable platforms and intelligent workloads, we have launched dedicated pages for SaaS Hosting and AI infrastructure solutions.

SaaS Hosting Solutions - NetShop ISP

These pages clearly show how NetShop ISP supports software vendors, startups, and enterprises running SaaS platforms, as well as organizations deploying AI-driven applications.

AI Infrastructure Solutions - NetShop ISP

From performance-optimized cloud environments to reliable infrastructure for data-intensive workloads, these sections highlight how our hosting solutions are designed for modern use cases.

Performance Optimizations for Faster Page Load Times

Speed matters not just for user experience but also for search visibility and accessibility. As part of this facelift, we have optimized the website for faster page load times, ensuring quicker access to content across regions and devices.

Explore Our New Website

We invite you to explore the updated netshop-isp.com.cy and discover our improved navigation, SaaS and AI hosting pages, and enhanced content experience. Whether you’re researching hosting solutions or learning about our latest services, the site is now faster, clearer, and easier to use.

How To Install Plesk Control Panel on Almalinux 9 using the CLI method

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the complete process of installing the Plesk Control Panel on AlmaLinux 9 server using the CLI method.

Plesk is one of the most popular and powerful web hosting control panels available today, designed to simplify server and website management for system admins, developers, and hosting providers.

Whether you’re managing multiple domains, automating routine tasks, handling email accounts, or securing your infrastructure, Plesk provides an intuitive graphical interface to streamline these tasks.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the complete process of installing the Plesk Control Panel on AlmaLinux 9 server using the CLI method.

Pre-requisites for Installing Plesk on Almalinux 9

Before you start with this tutorial, make sure of the following pre-requisites:

  • Almalinux 9 server with access to public internet
  • Root or sudo-level user on the server

Steps to Install Plesk on Almalinux 9

Plesk offers various installation methods for Linux servers – in this tutorial we will follow the CLI installation method.

Step 1 – Download and Run the Plesk installer

As soon as you connect on your server download the Plesk auto-installer:

root@localhost:~$ wget https://autoinstall.plesk.com/plesk-installer

Then add the proper permissions to the downloaded file, as follows:

root@localhost:~$ chmod +x plesk-installer

You are now ready to run the installer and start the automated installation process. Run the installer as follows:

root@localhost:~$ ./plesk-installer

Once prompted choose the Go forward action by pressing the letter F.

At some point you will be prompted to answer whether you would like to send information to Plesk for issues/errors occurred. You may choose Y or n. In our case, we pressed n for No.

Step 2 – Choose Installation type for Plesk Obsidian

During the process, the Plesk installer will ask you whether to proceed with Recommended, Full or Custom installation.

You may choose to proceed with the Recommended option. Like before, press F to Go forward with the installation.

During the next steps, the Plesk installer will detect any outdated packages within your Almalinux server and ask for your approval to proceed with the update.

Press F to continue by updating all pending packages.

Step 3 – Create your Admin Credentials

Once the installation has been completed, an output similar to the screenshot below will appear.

How To Install
Plesk Control Panel
on Almalinux 9 (CLI)

You can then browse to the indicated URL (e.g. https://<IP ADDRESS>:8443 and then login using your server’s root username and password.

Once logged in you will be prompted to set a new password for user ‘admin’ as well as validate a Plesk commercial license or a free trial license.

You should now see the following screen on your web browser.

You are all set! If you have followed the above steps, you have succeeded in installing Plesk control panel on your Almalinux 9 server using the CLI installation method.

Get Started with a Plesk Linux Server Today

At NetShop ISP we offer a wide-range of server hosting solutions that you can use to deploy Plesk control panel.

From VPS to Dedicated Servers available in our global infrastructure, you can get started with a low-cost configuration and then upgrade as your website’s traffic grows.

Should you need to speak with a Solutions representative for any questions or a tailor-made hosting solution, contact us today.

NetShop ISP Launches “Digital Shield” to Strengthen Network-Wide DDoS Protection

NetShop ISP has deployed Digital Shield – a network-wide protection framework designed to detect abnormal traffic patterns and automatically isolate malicious activity.

NetShop ISP has deployed Digital Shield, a new automated DDoS mitigation system now active across selected data centers worldwide. This upgrade enhances the security and stability of our network by identifying and mitigating denial-of-service attacks in real time.

Digital Shield is a network-wide protection framework designed to detect abnormal traffic patterns and automatically isolate malicious activity. The system continuously evaluates incoming traffic and enforces immediate mitigation actions when an attack is detected.

How Digital Shield Works

Continuous Traffic Inspection

An intrusion-detection engine monitors network flows 24/7 and identifies signatures associated with DDoS attacks, such as sudden or abnormal traffic spikes toward specific IPs.

Automated Attack Isolation

When an attack is detected, the targeted IP address is temporarily isolated using a controlled “blackhole” (null-route). This prevents the malicious traffic from entering our infrastructure, maintaining service performance for all other customers.

Digital Shield vs. Commercial DDoS Protection

Digital Shield is designed to protect NetShop ISP’s global network infrastructure and ensure service stability for all customers when a single IP or service becomes the target of an attack.

It should not be confused with our commercial DDoS Protection service, which focuses on protecting an individual customer from the impact of a DDoS attack.

Digital Shield: safeguards the entire network by isolating attacks before they cause widespread disruption.

Commercial DDoS Protection: safeguards a specific customer’s service, filtering malicious traffic so their application remains accessible during an attack.

Both solutions operate independently and serve different purposes within our security ecosystem.

Key Benefits

Network Stability
The system ensures that attacks directed at a single client do not affect the performance of the wider network.

Immediate Response
Mitigation is performed automatically within minutes, without manual intervention.

Enhanced Reliability
Services across all regions remain protected from collateral impact during high-volume attacks.

Proactive Mitigation
Digital Shield not only detects but actively blocks malicious traffic.

The Digital Shield has been enabled and running as a default protection mechanism on selected network infrastructures. It supports our ongoing objective of maintaining a secure, resilient, and high-performance hosting environment across all locations.

For more information or technical clarifications, please contact us.

NetShop ISP Extends Its Multi-Year Support as Sponsor of the Cyprus Fintech Summit 2025

NetShop ISP is proud to announce its renewed partnership with the Cyprus Fintech Summit 2025, to be held at the Carob Mill Cultural Centre in Limassol from 1st to 3rd of December 2025.

NetShop ISP is proud to announce its renewed partnership with the Cyprus Fintech Summit 2025, to be held at the Carob Mill Cultural Centre in Limassol from 1st to 3rd of December 2025.

As one of Cyprus’ leading hosting, colocation and managed services providers with expertise in the financial markets and regulated industries, NetShop ISP is committed to supporting the fintech ecosystem through secure infrastructure, low-latency connectivity, and tailored solutions.

For the third year in a row, NetShop ISP is proud to stand behind the Cyprus Fintech Summit, a community the company actively supports through its work with fintech, blockchain, and trading-technology clients. Visitors will be able to meet the team on-site, ask questions, and learn how NetShop ISP’s infrastructure solutions can help them scale securely and efficiently.

Join Us at the Summit
NetShop ISP invites fintech executives, startup founders, technology vendors, investors and regulators to register for the Cyprus Fintech Summit 2025 and connect with its team. The event is an unmissable opportunity to network, learn and build partnerships that will define the next wave of financial-technology innovation.

About NetShop ISP
Founded in Cyprus with global infrastructure and certification credentials, NetShop ISP specialises in high-performance dedicated servers, colocation, managed hosting and connectivity designed for financial services firms, gaming and regulated industries. With over 20 years of experience supporting latency-sensitive and compliance-driven workloads, the company delivers secure and scalable infrastructure solutions tailored to today’s digital economy.

Tickets & Info: https://cfs.zohobackstage.eu/CyprusFintechSummit2025

Lessons from the recent AWS & Cloudflare Outages

Over the past few weeks, the internet experienced two major disruptions; first an AWS outage, and yesterday (Tuesday, 18th November 2025) a global Cloudflare incident that took down or severely affected some of the world’s largest online platforms. Social networks, streaming services, and even AI platforms were unreachable for hours. For most everyday users, it […]

Over the past few weeks, the internet experienced two major disruptions; first an AWS outage, and yesterday (Tuesday, 18th November 2025) a global Cloudflare incident that took down or severely affected some of the world’s largest online platforms.

Social networks, streaming services, and even AI platforms were unreachable for hours. For most everyday users, it felt like the whole internet simply switched off.

From where I stand as the CEO of a hosting and infrastructure company, I want to share a different perspective. Not a blaming one – because outages, disruptions, and technical issues are a part of life for every provider, small or large. Rather, I want to highlight what these outages should teach all of us about how we build and rely on digital infrastructure today.

Outages Happen — Even to the Biggest Names

To me, the biggest surprise wasn’t that Cloudflare went down. It was how many massive companies went down with it.

Whether it’s AWS, Cloudflare, Google, Microsoft, or any other major provider, no company can guarantee 100% uptime forever. Systems are complex, configurations evolve, and automation can fail like any other human-written code.

As a person who runs a hosting provider for the past twenty years, I know this reality very well.

So I want to be very clear: the goal of this article is not to blame AWS or Cloudflare. Both are industry leaders. Both run incredibly sophisticated global infrastructures. Both responded quickly and transparently to their incidents.

What truly matters is not to prevent an outage from happening (that is not realistic), but how fast the provider acts, how they communicate, and how they ensure the same problem does not happen again.

The Real Problem: Relying on a Single Provider

When Cloudflare went down yesterday, a large portion of the internet collapsed with it. Exactly what happened few weeks earlier, during the AWS outage.

Many of the world’s largest companies had no fallback. No alternative path. No secondary CDN. No load-balancing across providers.

This raises an important question that every CTO, CIO, and business owner should be asking: Where were the Disaster Recovery (DR) and Business Continuity (BCP) plans?

We have been talking about DR and BCP strategies for decades. Yet the last two outages (AWS, Cloudflare) showed that even organizations with budgets in the tens or hundreds of millions still put all their eggs in one basket.

Relying on a single edge provider, single DNS provider, or single cloud platform is like building a skyscraper with only one elevator and hoping it never breaks!

Many companies today believe that if they use AWS or Cloudflare, they are automatically protected from failure. This is a naive and dangerous mindset.

It’s a fact that hyperscale providers give massive reliability, capacity, redundancy, and security.
But they do not replace your own responsibility to build resilience around your application or service!

Let’s go back to the basics and remind you what true business continuity means:

  • Having a multi-provider DNS cluster
  • Using more than one CDN or edge security provider
  • Distributing workloads/servers across more than one cloud/provider
  • Ensure monitoring systems are independent of your primary provider
  • Testing failover scenarios regularly

These practices are not just for large enterprises. They are essential for any organization that relies on online platforms to operate, whether it’s a small e-commerce store, a fintech company, a forex broker, or a SaaS platform.

Such Outages are More than Technical Failures

When a global outage happens, the technical explanation is often the simplest part. The real impact is felt at the business level:

  • Support tickets explode
  • Customers panic
  • Payments stop
  • Users lose access
  • Deadlines slip
  • Trust is shaken

Even the biggest companies cannot afford hours of downtime. For smaller businesses, one major outage can cost months of hard-earned revenue, SEO ranking, or customer confidence.

Lessons from the AWS and Cloudflare Incidents

Here are the key lessons I believe every company should take from the recent AWS and Cloudflare outages:

  1. No provider is perfect, so don’t plan as if they are! Your infrastructure and network architecture must assume your provider will eventually fail.never too late
  2. Whether you are fully on cloud or on a hybrid setup, if your entire business goes down because one vendor/provider is offline, your strategy is obviously faulty and needs to be revisited.
  3. Always place your monitoring devices outside your primary vendor. Otherwise, you won’t see the outage until your customers complain.
  4. Communication matters! During the recent outages both AWS and Cloudflare were providing frequent updates through their Status dashboard pages. The least you can do for your customers, during an emergency, is to be transparent and show you are working on resolving the case. Nobody likes being ghosted.

Moving Forward as an Industry

As an infrastructure provider celebrating 20 years in this industry, we have seen the internet evolve from simple hosting to cloud, to multi-cloud, and now to highly distributed architectures.

The last 3 weeks reminded us that despite all the innovation, many organizations are still building on fragile foundations – or better yet, designing infrastructures with the wrong mindset.

I encourage companies, large and small, to revisit their network architectures, re-evaluate their business continuity plans, and ensure they are not over-centralizing their critical paths.

This article is not a sales call. It’s a reminder about things all IT architects should know about already.

It’s never too late though.

How To Create CAA DNS Record for SSL Certificate Validation

In this article we explain the purpose of a CAA DNS record and how to create one for the purpose of validating your single domain or wildcard SSL Certificate.

CAA stands for Certification Authority Authorization and it’s a standard that allows you to control which certificate authorities (CAs) are permitted to issue certificates for your domain.

In this article we explain the purpose of a CAA DNS record and how to create one for the purpose of validating your single domain or wildcard SSL Certificate.

What is CAA DNS Record

Using CAA helps reduce the risk of vulnerabilities within certificate authority validation systems while ensuring that your organization’s certificate issuance policies are properly enforced.

Putting it simply, CAA is a type of DNS record that allows site owners to specify which Certificate Authorities (CAs) are allowed to issue certificates containing their domain names.

All Certificate Authorities were mandated to check CAA DNS records for SSL certificates starting on September 8, 2017. Some providers began enforcing CAA lookups more strictly in recent years, such as Sectigo in 2024.

How to Create a CAA Record

Purchasing a Sectigo SSL Certificate will require creating a CAA DNS record as part of the Domain verification process.

Steps to Create a CAA DNS Record in cPanel

Assuming the nameservers of your domain name point to your cPanel server, proceed as follows to create the CAA record for your domain name. In our example, the domain is lg.netshop.global and we will create a CAA for Wildcard Sectigo SSL certificate.

You may also be interested in these two guides:

Login to cPanel and click Zone Editor.

Create a CAA DNS Record in cPanel - Step 1

Then click Manage to access the Zone editor for your domain name.

Create a CAA DNS Record in cPanel - Step 2

Click + Add Record and choose Add “CAA” Record from the drop-down menu.

Create a CAA DNS Record in cPanel - Step 3

Complete the fields as follows (screenshot below):

  • Name: lg.netshop.global. (here it goes your domain name)
  • TTL: 14400 (or lower if supported)
  • Type: CAA
  • Record:
    • Issuer Critical Flag: 0
    • Tag: issuewild (this is for wildcard certificates. If you are creating a single-domain SSL, then choose issue
    • Value: sectigo.com (this value depends on the Certificate Authority issuing your SSL Certificate)

Click Save Record.

Create a CAA DNS Record in cPanel - Step 4

Steps to Create a CAA DNS Record in GoDaddy

If your domain is registered with GoDaddy and the nameservers point there then follow these steps.

  • Log in to your GoDaddy Domain Control Center.
  • Select the domain you wish to add a CAA for to access the Domain Settings page.
  • Click the DNS tab
  • Click the Add New Record button
  • Select CAA as the Record type.

The necessary fields are similar to the cPanel Zone editor, fill them up as follows:

  • Name: @ for root domain (e.g. example.com) or www for www.example.com.
  • TTL: 1/2 hour (or lowest possible).
  • Flags: 0
  • Tag: issuewild if you are using this for a wildcard SSL certificate, or issue for single domain SSL.
  • Domain: sectigo.com if you are using an SSL issued by Sectigo.

Congratulations! if you’ve followed the above steps then you have successfully create the CAA DNS Record. You will now need to wait for global DNS propagation and then wait for the domain validation to be completed by your SSL certificate issuing provider.

Still Need Help? Get SSL from NetShop ISP in minutes

At NetShop ISP we like to get the job done. No matter if your domain has not been purchased with us, or if the nameservers point somewhere else, we can help customers with an SSL purchased from us.

Once you complete your SSL order, contact our support team via ticket or live chat for further assistance on your SSL Certificate activation.

NetShop ISP Featured in InBusiness Magazine: Leading Cyprus’ Digital Transformation Journey

NetShop ISP has been featured in the November 2025 issue of InBusiness, Cyprus’ leading magazine, under the ICT & Digital Transformation section.

NetShop ISP has been featured in the November 2025 issue of InBusiness Magazine, under the ICT & Digital Transformation section. In this exclusive interview, our CEO Stefano Sordini reflects on the company’s 20-year journey, its innovation milestones, and how NetShop ISP continues to drive digital transformation for businesses in Cyprus and beyond.

NetShop ISP CEO (Stefano Sordini) Interview - InBusiness, November 2025
NetShop ISP CEO (Stefano Sordini) Interview – InBusiness, November 2025

20 Years of Growth and Innovation

Founded in 2004, NetShop ISP has grown from a small web hosting provider into a global infrastructure company serving industries such as forex, iGaming, fintech, martech, and ICT.
A key milestone in this evolution was the establishment of infrastructure within Equinix data centers (LD4, LD7, AM2, SG5) — among the world’s most strategic connectivity hubs — which has strengthened our ability to serve clients globally. Between 2022 and 2024, the company achieved a 125% increase in annual revenue, reflecting strong customer trust and consistent innovation.

Stefano Sordini, CEO NetShop ISP

“A business is like a river; if it stops moving forward, it becomes stagnant. Cyprus will always be our home, but our business is global,” said Stefano Sordini, Founder & CEO of NetShop ISP.

Building Smarter, Faster Infrastructure

Today, NetShop ISP delivers a complete suite of hosting and IT infrastructure solutions, including:

Embracing New Technologies

In the interview, Stefano highlighted the company’s investment in NVMe storage and automation as major technological advancements. Using a proprietary provisioning system, it allows NetShop’s clients to deploy and scale servers in minutes, while XConnect, the company’s flagship private low-latency connectivity service, links clients directly to major financial hubs like London (LD4) and Singapore (SG5) — bypassing the public internet for faster, more secure communication.

Looking Ahead: AI, GPUs, and Global Expansion

As part of its five-year roadmap, NetShop ISP plans to expand internationally while introducing GPU-powered hosting solutions for AI and high-performance computing workloads in 2026.

Read the full interview from the InBusiness digital magazine edition here.

Curaçao’s Prime Minister Takes Control of Gambling Regulation

A major shake-up hits Curaçao’s gambling regulator as the CGA board steps down and the Prime Minister takes charge.

Curaçao’s long-awaited gambling reform has hit a major setback following the mass resignation of the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) Supervisory Board. The move has left the regulator without leadership at a critical stage of transition, while Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas has stepped in to assume direct control of the island’s gaming sector.

According to multiple reports, all members of the CGA’s Supervisory Board resigned in mid-September, creating a sudden power vacuum. The resignations come just months after the CGA was established to replace the outdated Gaming Control Board (GCB) and implement stronger licensing and compliance standards.

Prime Minister Pisas reportedly held meetings directly with CGA executives shortly after the board’s exit—without the participation of Finance Minister Javier Silvania, who had previously overseen gaming regulation. This unexpected move is widely interpreted as a political power shift, giving the Prime Minister’s office greater influence over one of the country’s key economic sectors.

Regulated Curacao VPS Servers by NetShop ISP

Legal and Operational Uncertainty

The mass resignation has raised serious concerns about governance and the legal status of the regulator itself. Local media noted that the CGA has yet to appear in Curaçao’s commercial registry, which could complicate decision-making and licensing procedures.

The lack of an appointed board has left operators uncertain about whom to engage with on compliance and licensing issues. No official timetable has been announced for appointing new members or clarifying oversight responsibilities.

Reform at Risk

This turmoil comes at a crucial point for Curaçao’s gaming industry. The island is midway through implementing the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK), a comprehensive reform designed to phase out the old sublicensing model and introduce direct, transparent regulation under the CGA.

With Minister Silvania—one of the main architects of the reform—now reportedly sidelined, observers fear the process could slow down or lose direction. Industry insiders warn that further delays could hurt Curaçao’s credibility as it seeks to align with international compliance and anti-money-laundering standards.

What’s Next for Curaçao’s iGaming Sector

The Prime Minister’s office has not announced new appointments or offered clarity on how pending license applications will be handled.

As global regulators and operators watch closely, the next few weeks will determine whether Curaçao can restore confidence and continue its modernization—or risk undermining years of reform efforts.

Sources:
https://www.gamblinginsider.com/news/31575/prime-minister-takes-control-as-entire-curaao-gaming-authority-board-resigns
https://igaming-times.com/curacaos-gambling-regulation-in-turmoil-as-cga-board-resigns-and-prime-minister-takes-control/