Do hosting providers have access to our files?

[trish89_]

I recently began hosting a website with a well-known provider, for which I paid a one-year hosting fee. I had an issue one day and phoned cust.-care. What surprised me was that, while counselling me on a solution, the guy began naming my files, which are even invisible to ftp!!!

Even though I tried to hide my surprise, I am nonetheless taken aback. I had also requested him to "check if my script is within the file" while we were conversing.

Is it typical for our files to be viewed by hosting providers? Are there alternatives?

Thanks.