Handoff Hosting Panel Access Safely (cPanel, Plesk, Cloud Panels)

Why shared root passwords are dangerous

One leaked password can expose sites, databases, and email. You also lose logs per user and can’t offboard cleanly. Create individual users with the least privilege needed.

Safe setup

• Per-user accounts & roles (no shared logins).
• MFA on all panel logins.
• Network guardrails: restrict by IP/VPN where possible.
• SSH keys over passwords for shell access. Guide: Share SSH Access the Right Way.

Step-by-step handoff

1. Create a user with the smallest role that works (no root unless required).
2. Deliver any initial secrets via a one-time, expiring link and send the access code via a different channel. Basics: The Safe Way to Share Passwords in 2025 (No Email).
3. Verify links before clicking invites. Quick checks: Verify Links Like a Pro.
4. Rotate any shared secrets after first login.

Offboarding & audits

• Remove users when the project ends; rotate passwords/keys they touched. Checklist: Employee Offboarding.
• Review access logs and disable unused accounts periodically.

Useful external references

• cPanel: Two-Factor Authentication 🔗
• Plesk: Users & roles 🔗
• Cloudflare: Zero-Trust overview 🔗

Related reading

Developer handoffs (.env & keys): Share API Keys and .env Files (Safely)

Secure SFTP handoffs: Secure SFTP/FTP Handoffs for Clients

Respond fast after a leak: The Simple Incident Playbook for Leaked Passwords

Bottom line

Create users, add MFA, use keys, restrict network access, and offboard promptly. That’s safe hosting access without sharing the crown jewels.

Secure One-Time Messages - Send confidential messages that self-destruct after being read once. Your privacy is our priority. →.