In today’s digital age, your website is often the first point of contact between your business and potential customers. Ensuring it’s developed and maintained properly is crucial. When working with a web developer, you’ll need to share certain access permissions to allow them to do their job effectively. However, sharing access can pose security risks if not handled correctly. This guide will walk you through the dos and don’ts of sharing access with your web developer to keep your data secure while enabling efficient collaboration.
Common Systems Your Web Developer May Need Access To
Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand the various systems your web developer may need access to during the course of development. These include:
- Content Management Systems (CMS) like WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal to manage and update website content.
- Hosting Platforms such as GoDaddy, Bluehost, or AWS, to handle server and domain management.
- Cloud Platforms like Cloudflare, Azure, or Google Cloud, for security settings, DNS management, and performance optimization.
- Email and Marketing Tools such as Mailchimp or Google Workspace for email setups and integrations.
- Analytics Tools like Google Analytics allow your developer to track and monitor website performance.
Each system has different access levels, and it’s important to manage these effectively to protect your business and sensitive data. Let’s delve into how to share access to common systems.
- Log into Your WordPress Admin Dashboard
Go to your website’s admin panel (yourwebsite.com/wp-admin) and log in with your credentials. - Navigate to the Users Section
In the left-hand sidebar, go to Users > Add New. - Add a New User
Fill in the required details such as username, email, first name, and last name. - Assign a Role
In the Role dropdown menu, select the appropriate role for the developer:
- Administrator: Full access to the site.
- Editor: Can manage and publish content but has no access to website settings.
- Contributor: Can write and manage their own posts but cannot publish them.
- Custom Role (if applicable): Use a role-based access plugin to assign custom permissions if needed.
- Send the Invitation
Once the details are filled out, click Add New User. The developer will receive an email invitation with their login credentials. - Test the Access
Ensure that the new user can log in and perform the tasks assigned based on the role you’ve given them.
Give Developers Access Safely on WordPress!
Set up secure access for your WordPress developer. Follow our step-by-step guide or contact us for assistance with WordPress development and management.
Schedule a free consult- Create an IAM Policy
Define permissions using the IAM console. Create a policy or use predefined AWS-managed policies. - Create an IAM Role
Assign the role to users or services for temporary permissions. Review the role settings and create it. - Assign the Role
Attach the role to users or services like EC2. Verify permissions after assignment. - Test the Role
Log in as the user or entity to ensure the permissions are applied correctly.
- Determine Scope for Role Assignment
Decide the access level—subscription, resource group, or individual resources. - Select the Appropriate Role
Choose from predefined roles (Owner, Contributor, Reader) or create custom roles. - Assign a Role
Assign the role to a user, group, or service principal using the Azure Portal. - Review and Confirm
Save the role assignment and verify permissions.
- Log into Your GoDaddy Account
Access your account settings and delegate access to a user. - Invite a User
Choose the level of access (Products & Domains or Domains Only). - Recipient Accepts Invitation
The user will receive an email to accept access. - Manage or Remove Access
Go back to the Delegate Access page to manage or revoke permissions.
- Log into Your Cloudflare Account
Navigate to Member settings and invite a new member. - Select the Appropriate Role
Choose from Administrator, Billing, DNS, or create custom roles (Enterprise plans only). - Assign Zone-Specific Permissions
If needed, restrict access to specific zones rather than the entire account. - Send the Invitation
The invited user will accept access and start managing assigned permissions.
Dos and Don’ts While Sharing Access
The Dos
Use Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
- What to Do: Assign access permissions based on specific roles and responsibilities.
- Why: Role-Based Access Control allows you to give your developer only the permissions they need to perform their tasks, reducing the risk of unauthorized actions.
- How: Most platforms like CMSs (e.g., WordPress), GoDaddy, Cloudflare, Azure, or AWS allow you to create user accounts with specific roles. Assign your developer a role that grants them necessary access without giving them full administrative control.
Keep Your Business Safe While Sharing Access!
Ensure safe collaboration by using secure access-sharing practices. Need more help? Get in touch with our team for expert web development and security solutions.
Schedule a free consult- What to Do: Use encrypted password managers or secure sharing platforms.
- Why: Sharing passwords via email or messaging apps can be intercepted, compromising your security.
- How: Tools like LastPass, Dashlane, or 1Password offer secure ways to share login credentials without revealing the actual password.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
- What to Do: Activate 2FA on all accounts involved in the development process.
- Why: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security, making unauthorized access more difficult.
- How: Most services offer 2FA via SMS, email, or authenticator apps. Ensure both you and your developer set this up.
Set Up a Staging Environment
- What to Do: Provide access to a staging or development environment instead of the live site.
- Why: This prevents potential disruptions to your live site during development and testing.
- How: Your hosting provider may offer staging environments. If not, consider setting up a separate subdomain or server for development purposes.
Document Everything
- What to Do: Keep a record of all access credentials shared and actions performed.
- Why: Documentation helps in tracking changes, troubleshooting issues, and maintaining accountability.
- How: Use project management tools like Trello, Asana, or even a shared document to log activities and access details.
The Don’ts
Don’t Share Master Passwords or Root Access
- What Not to Do: Avoid giving out master passwords, root access, or full administrative privileges.
- Why: Full access allows for unrestricted changes, increasing the risk of accidental or intentional damage.
- Alternative: Provide limited access that suffices for the developer’s tasks. If root access is absolutely necessary, ensure it’s for a limited time and change the credentials afterward.
Don’t Overlook Permissions After Project Completion
- What Not to Do: Forgetting to revoke access once the project is over.
- Why: Former employees or contractors retaining access can pose security risks.
- Solution: Immediately change passwords and revoke unnecessary permissions once the project is completed.
Don’t Ignore Security Protocols
- What Not to Do: Skipping security measures for the sake of convenience.
- Why: Neglecting security protocols can lead to data breaches, legal issues, and loss of customer trust.
- Best Practice: Always adhere to security best practices, even if it requires extra steps.
Don’t Neglect to Sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)
- What Not to Do: Failing to formalize confidentiality expectations.
- Why: An NDA legally binds the developer to keep your information confidential.
- Action: Have a legal professional draft an NDA that both parties sign before sharing sensitive information.
Don’t Assume the Developer Knows Your Security Policies
- What Not to Do: Leaving security expectations unspoken.
- Why: Miscommunication can lead to unintentional security lapses.
- Recommendation: Clearly communicate your security policies and expectations from the outset.
Additional Tips
- Regularly Update Passwords: Make it a habit to change passwords periodically and use complex combinations.
- Monitor Access Logs: Keep an eye on who is accessing your systems and when.
- Educate Your Team: Ensure that everyone involved understands the importance of security protocols.
- Backup Your Data: Always have recent backups in case something goes wrong during development.
Conclusion
Sharing access with your web developer is necessary to bring your digital projects to life. However, it’s crucial to balance accessibility with security. By following these dos and don’ts, you can foster a productive working relationship with your developer while safeguarding your business assets.
Remember, security is not a one-time setup but an ongoing process. Stay vigilant, keep communication open, and regularly review your access protocols to ensure your data remains secure.
