Introduction to Plesk Obsidian 18.0.68
The world of web hosting is constantly evolving, and a significant step forward has been made with the launch of Plesk Obsidian 18.0.68 in March 2025. This latest version of the popular management tool brings with it a wealth of improvements and new features that make the lives of webmasters, developers and server administrators much easier.
Support for CloudLinux 9 and extended PHP versions
One of the most noticeable new features is the support for CloudLinux 9 on Linux systems. This extends the compatibility of Plesk and allows users to benefit from the latest features and security enhancements of this operating system version. In addition, PHP 7.1 and 7.2 have been made available for Ubuntu 22, giving developers more flexibility in their choice of development environment. With these enhancements, web developers can ensure that their applications run on the latest and most powerful platforms.
Revised watchdog extension
The Watchdog extension has undergone a comprehensive overhaul. It now works on modern operating systems such as AlmaLinux 9, Debian 11, Debian 12, Ubuntu 20, Ubuntu 22 and Ubuntu 24. The user interface has been modernized and made more user-friendly. At the same time, the outdated "Security" tab has been removed, as alternative monitoring tools such as the Imunify extension are now recommended for security scans. These changes ensure more efficient monitoring and management of server security.
Increased security thanks to new domain management functions
An important new feature is the introduction of a function that prevents the creation of domains that point to another server. This increases security, especially against phishing attacks. This function can be found under "Tools & Settings" > "Prohibited Domain Names" and can be deactivated in the panel.ini file if required. This measure strengthens the integrity of the hosted domains and minimizes potential security risks.
Customizable mail helper for better email management
Plesk administrators and partners can now customize the mail helper that assists users in connecting their email clients to the "Mail Accounts" page. By editing the Markdown file, they can customize the helper's text, formatting and links to suit their customers' needs. A practical new feature is the ability to copy and share the Mail Helper. By clicking on "Copy the setup wizard link" in the Plesk interface, users can configure their email clients without having a Plesk account or logging in. This greatly simplifies the setup process and improves the user experience.
PHP 8.4 and AVIF support
PHP 8.4 now ships with Plesk Obsidian on all supported operating systems except CentOS 7 and CloudLinux 7. Users should note that when migrating to PHP 8.4 from an earlier version, they will need to manually remove the E_STRICT constant from the error_reporting PHP directive. For Linux users, there is a welcome new feature: the AVIF image format, one of the most commonly used image formats on the web, is now supported. It offers high compression rates and efficient performance. However, AVIF is not available in Ubuntu 18.04, CentOS 7 and CloudLinux 7.
Improvements to e-mail backup and ModSecurity
Another improvement concerns the backup of the email service. It is now possible to secure the email service with a separate SAN (Subject Alternative Name) on domains of the "No Hosting" type using the SSL It extension. This increases flexibility and security when configuring email services. For Linux users, there is further positive news: Atomic rule sets for ModSecurity can now be selected on all operating systems, including the most modern ones such as Debian 11 and higher and Ubuntu 20.04 and higher. This significantly improves the security and customizability of web applications.
Custom dashboard and AI integration in Sitejet Builder
To make it easier to customize the home dashboard in the service provider view, a sample extension called Custom Dashboard has been developed. With this extension, users can learn how to customize the dashboard even if they have no programming skills. The extension can be installed from the GitHub repository and offers practical exercises for designing the home dashboard.
One exciting new feature is the integration of AI into the Sitejet Builder. Users can now receive AI-powered recommendations for fonts and color schemes, making website design much easier and faster. This feature uses artificial intelligence to support design decisions and ensure that websites are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Minor improvements and bug fixes
In addition to these main functions, there are numerous smaller improvements and bug fixes. For example, the Plesk Repair function in the user interface has been extended and can now repair MariaDB/MySQL server authorizations. The Disk Space section in the Repair Kit extension has been redesigned to provide a better overview of disk space. The Track Email Delivery function has been improved. If there are one or more delayed emails in the queue, an orange circle is now displayed next to the name of the "Mail" tab. This function can be deactivated in the panel.ini file if required.
DNSSEC and anti-virus integration
The Plesk DNSSEC extension has received new CLI commands that can be used to sign and unsign DNS zones and display the current settings. This makes it much easier to manage DNSSEC settings. It is important to note that upgrading to Plesk Obsidian 18.0.68 will automatically remove Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Servers from all servers where it is installed. As an alternative, it is recommended to switch to Sophos Anti-Virus for Server, which is fully integrated with Plesk for Linux and Windows and is included in the Power Pack and Hosting Pack.
Imunify360 extension and WEBMAIL updates
The CloudLinux team has extended the Imunify360 extension with the improved ImunifyAV/AV+. The Imunify360 extension has been renamed Imunify. Existing users of the free and paid ImunifyAV extension can upgrade to the new ImunifyAV/AV+ for free. It should be noted that the Horde webmail is obsolete and will be completely removed in April 2025. Users should find out about recommended alternatives and adjust their email configurations accordingly.
Updates to third-party software
Plesk Obsidian 18.0.68 also includes numerous updates to third-party software. These include updates for PHP, LSAPI, nginx, Phusion Passenger, OWASP ModSecurity CRS, ASP.NET Core and SpamAssassin. These updates ensure that Plesk users benefit from the latest security and performance improvements.
Improved security and performance for WordPress
For companies that want to Improve WordPress security Plesk Obsidian offers advanced features and integrations. The improved user interface and new security features make it easier than ever to protect and manage WordPress installations. With features such as automatic updates, malware scanning and advanced firewall settings, web administrators can ensure their WordPress sites are protected from the latest threats.
Optimization of e-mail configurations
In addition, users can benefit from the new functions to optimize their Optimize e-mail configurations and avoid problems such as bounced emails. The enhanced email management tools in Plesk Obsidian help improve deliverability and detect potential problems early. Features such as advanced spam filters, DKIM and SPF authentication as well as detailed delivery reports help to ensure that email communication runs smoothly and securely.
Virtual server management
For those who are interested in Interest in virtual serversPlesk Obsidian provides an ideal platform for managing and optimizing their virtual environments. The advanced resource management and performance monitoring features make it easier to run and scale virtual servers efficiently. With auto-scaling tools, comprehensive monitoring capabilities and detailed reporting, server administrators can optimally control the performance of their virtual machines and adapt to changing requirements.
Conclusion: Plesk Obsidian 18.0.68 as the leading web hosting platform
To summarize, Plesk Obsidian 18.0.68 represents a significant step forward in the world of web hosting management. With its combination of improved usability, enhanced security features, optimized performance and innovative developer tools, it sets new standards in the industry. Whether for individual webmasters, development teams or large hosting providers, Plesk Obsidian provides the tools and features needed for efficient and secure web hosting in the modern digital age.
Continuous development and adaptation to the changing requirements of web development make Plesk Obsidian a future-proof solution for the challenges of modern web hosting. With its extensive improvements and new features, Plesk Obsidian ensures that web administrators and developers are well equipped to handle the complex demands of today's websites and applications. For organizations looking for a powerful and flexible web hosting platform, Plesk Obsidian 18.0.68 is an excellent choice that prioritizes both security and performance.
