What Is Resource Abuse on Web Hosting?

Host Havoc web hosting is a shared environment. Resource abuse occurs when an account consumes an unreasonable amount of CPU, RAM, or MySQL resources, or when resources are used in a way that intentionally or incidentally degrades performance for other customers on the same server.

Web hosting accounts are intended for hosting websites and web applications. Uses that generate excessive resource consumption fall outside the scope of the service.

What counts as resource abuse

• CPU: Scripts or processes that run continuously or spike CPU usage well above the norm for a website.
• RAM: Applications that consume abnormally large amounts of memory relative to their function.
• MySQL: Queries that hold locks, run without indexes on large tables, or generate a disproportionate number of connections.

How to avoid resource issues

• Keep software (WordPress, plugins, themes, custom scripts) up to date. Outdated software is both a security risk and a common source of inefficient resource use.
• Implement caching at the application level to reduce database and PHP load.
• Optimize database queries and add indexes where appropriate.
• Avoid running cron jobs at very high frequencies (for example, every minute); space them out where possible.

For database-specific concerns such as allowing external connections, see Enabling Remote MySQL Connections. If you believe your site has been compromised and is generating abnormal traffic, see Website Security and Hack Response.

If you receive a resource abuse notice

If our team contacts you about resource abuse, submit a support ticket describing the application running on your account and the steps you have taken to reduce load. We will work with you to resolve the issue.