The web hosting industry’s favorite control panel just got easier to use with the recent edge version release of cPanel/WHM 11.25. While this is not the official version of the new cPanel, it does offer some improvements and features that deserve mentioning.
Improved Security
cPanel/WHM 11.25 bundles new security features to give server administrators and website owners a peace of mind. A built-in token system appends URLs with session tokens to help thwart exploits such as XSRF (cross site request forgery) attacks. cPanel also processes blank referrer checks in a more accurate manner and can trigger XSRF prevention pages to alert administrators of suspicious activity.
Enhancements in DNS Clustering
cPanel has made several enhancements to its DNS clustering facility. In the latest version, the system syncs and deletes zones in batches, which dramatically reduces memory consumption during the process of DNS synchronization. There is also the addition of a new feature with the ability to automatically disable any server in the cluster that continuously fails to respond to DNS commands, thus stopping outdated information from being delivered to updated servers when the troubled server is finally restored.
Better IMAP Support for Mobile Devices
Version 11.25 of the cPanel/WHM package has a number of enhancements that provide significantly improved access to the software via popular mobile devices. For instance, instead of performing authentication with compatible devices over HTTP, the software uses cookies, which cuts the number of authentication requests by up to 50% in most instances. IMAP IDLE support has also been added for Dovecot email servers, which enables near real-time message delivery to mobile devices.
Optimized Apache Configuration
In older versions of cPanel, using administrative tools such as the Tweak Settings function meant that the Apache web server needed to be restarted numerous times. With 11.25, Apache is able to maintain a queue for restart requests, which drastically reduces the number of times the server needs to be restarted. The generation times for httpd.config have also been enhanced, thus resulting in a much faster Apache configuration.
Enhanced Performance
cPanel/WHM is packaged with several enhancements that can lighten the load on the server and prompt faster response times. Two prime examples are how the RoundCube webmail application can now be operated utilizing the SQLite database engine and the addition of a more robust log daemon that minimizes memory consumption and prevents log processing delays. Moreover, administrators can now dramatically boost transfer time and create accounts faster than ever before.
Testing Driving cPanel/WHM 11.25
cPanel/WHM 11.25 has some irresistible qualities and even more are to be included in the final product. Keep in mind that this is an edge version, which means that while it comes bundled with the latest technology and functionality, it also lacks comprehensive testing and therefore, is not recommended for use on a production server. cPanel/WHM 11.25 will be released in several minor releases but the first major launch is expected to hit the market in the very near future.
