As a fellow WordPress site owner, I understand the challenges we face in managing our websites effectively.
One common tendency I’ve noticed—and perhaps you’ve seen this too—is the inclination to grant admin access to different website contributors.
It seems like a straightforward solution, right?
It avoids the hassle of assigning specific roles and permissions. But this approach, while seemingly convenient, harbors significant risks that you need to consider.
Increased Risk of Security Breaches
Firstly, providing admin access to multiple people increases the risk of security breaches.
Each admin account is a potential entry point for hackers. The more accounts with full access, the higher the probability of a security compromise.
It’s like giving out keys to your house; the more people who have them, the higher the chance of unwanted entry.
Not Everyone Needs Full Access to Perform their Role Effectively
An author most likely doesn’t need the ability to change website settings or install plugins.
By granting admin access indiscriminately, you risk unintentional changes or even accidental damage to your site.
Imagine a well-meaning contributor accidentally disabling a crucial plugin, disrupting the site’s functionality.
Consider Applying the Principle of Least Privilege
The principle of least privilege, a standard practice in cybersecurity, advocates for providing individuals access only to the information and resources that are necessary for their job function.
This not only minimizes security risks but also simplifies management. If a contributor’s role changes, so can their access level, tailored to their new responsibilities.
Taking a few moments to assign appropriate roles and permissions pays off in the long run.
WordPress offers a range of user roles, from Subscriber to Administrator, each with varying levels of access.
And if you ever need to create temporary accounts to give access to the admin area of your site for a limited amount of time, the Temporary Logins feature from Hide My WP Ghost will come in handy.
This feature is included in the PRO version of the plugin.
A Wise Investment
By utilizing WordPress roles effectively, you can maintain a secure and orderly website environment.
The few extra moments spent in assigning the right roles and permissions can save you from potential headaches and security mishaps down the road.
I know it might seem like extra work initially, but the peace of mind and security it brings are invaluable.
