Here are the most popular tried and tested hosting options for WordPress blogs and sites:
wordpress.com
shared hosting
unmanaged virtual private server (VPS)
unmanaged dedicated server
managed VPS or dedicated server
One hosting type often leads to another as our traffic, site, and needs grow. Here's some comparison of the key hosting types with an emphasis on security:
Hosting Type: wordpress.com (Automattic)
Monthly Cost: free (but pricey upgrades)
Summary: Dead simple yourblog.wordpress.com setup with limited functionality and some ads. There are a few upgrade options.
Security Onus: Automattic takes responsibility for server and blogs.
Security Detail: Automattic micro-manages all aspects of security:
It may sound terribly dull, but securing such a massive network requires a strict control policy, a policy that doesn't so much err on the side of caution as epitomize it:
The server is unreachable...