How Caching Works

Static File Caching Information

Included with any hosting plan, Personal or higher, and with the Advanced WordPress Maintenance package is a Cloud-based Web Application Firewall with a Content Delivery Network (CDN).  This service protects your websites from hackers and provides caching to improve the speed of your website.

All static files on your site (such as images, .css, .js, .pdf, .txt, .mp3) are always cached by Sucuri to improve your site’s performance.  Therefore, if you need to change a static file, you need to change the reference to it by adding a query string such as “?ver=123.1” and incrementing (such as ?ver=123.2) on each update.  Alternatively, you can clear the cache (see instructions below).

Page Caching Information

In addition to static file caching, the CDN also offers options to cache your website pages, which can greatly improve the overall experience of your website.  They have 4 levels of caching, and when we first set it up, we will analyze your site and determine the appropriate level.  However, if you are having any problems with the content of your pages not showing the correct information, please contact support, and we will be happy to help.

The four levels of page caching are:

• Enabled – The CDN will cache your entire site and only clean cache every few hours. This is the best option when it comes to site performance, as it will make your site faster.  With this option enabled on a WordPress site, we will also install a plugin that will clear the cache anytime you update a page.  This option is not recommended if you are running a custom application, a forum, an eCommerce store, or a membership site, as it may cache the pages for logged in users.
• Minimal caching (only for a few minutes) – The CDN will cache your entire site and clean the cache every few minutes. This is the best option when you need to make constant changes to your site and you are not using WordPress.  Any changes you make will be available within a few minutes.  However, it is still not recommended if you are running a custom application, a forum, an eCommerce store, or a membership site, as it may cache the pages for logged in users.
• Site caching (using your site headers) – The CDN will not cache anything for logged in users. This is the best option if you run a custom application, a forum, an eCommerce store, or a membership site.
• Disabled – The CDN will only cache static files such as images, .css, .js, .pdf, .txt, .mp3 and a few more extensions. Note that this option can slow down your site.

Clearing the Cache in WordPress

If you’re using WordPress, we will install the Sucuri Security plugin for you.  Once that’s installed, you can follow these steps to clear the cache in WordPress.

1. Log into your WordPress account
2. Click on Sucuri Security in the left menu
3. Click the Firewall (WAF) tab
4. Click the Clear Cache sub-tab
5. Click the Clear Cache button

The cache may take a couple minutes to be fully cleared.

Clearing the Cache on Non-WordPress Sites

If your site is not running WordPress, please  contact support, and we will send you a special link that you can access at any time to reset your website’s cache.