How To Create Multiple Logins To cPanel?
cPanel is one of the most popular web hosting control panels, which is a tool that allows for the management of files, databases, emails, etc. It is also built with user-friendliness in mind, so cPanel is accessible for beginners and advanced website managers alike. However, sharing your primary cPanel user account with multiple members of your own team, or perhaps outside parties (developers, clients, etc.), is risky. Even creating additional users to cPanel is an efficient and safe way to control access while getting the work done.
In this blog, we will walk you through the steps of creating multiple logins to cPanel, along with the benefits, best practices for security, and how to manage and troubleshoot multiple logins. Let’s get started!
Why Create Multiple Logins to cPanel?
There are several reasons for creating multiple logins to cPanel. Let’s go through them!
Better Security
Sharing one cPanel account for multiple users is not a secure practice for a number of reasons. It is possible that when sharing an account, one unscrupulous member of the team will share your credentials with a third party. In a scenario like this, your entire cPanel – and web hosting account – is potentially at risk. When creating multiple users a cPanel will isolate the login of individuals and controlling who can perform specific tasks is much easier.
Task Delegation
By creating multiple logins to cPanel, certain tasks can be delegated without granting the entire hosting environment. As an example, a developer could be a user on the cPanel account who had limitations and authorizations to perform specific software updates in WordPress without impacting any settings or configurations.
User Access Control
cPanel’s user manager function allows you to define access, so the user only has access to the areas of cPanel and account needed. This is an example of the principle of least privilege and should help minimize the risk of accidental or malicious changes.
Prerequisites Before Creating Multiple Logins
Before you create more than one login, you will need:
Access to the primary cPanel (account) with appropriate permissions.
Basic understanding of cPanel’s user manager.
A plan to define what the role and permissions would be for each user.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Multiple Logins
Step 1: Log in to cPanel
To start, log in to your primary cPanel (account) with your primary access. If you are not sure where to log in to your primary cPanel, the URL is most likely: https://yourdomain.com/cpanel or https://yourdomain.com:2083
Step 2: Access User Manager
In cPanel, once you are logged in, the User Manager button is located under the preferences section. The User Manager is the functionality you will use to create “additional user(s)” with access to different areas of the cPanel and with different permissions (as defined in permission setting).
Step 3: Add New User
Click on Add User to open the form for user naming. Follow the prompts to fill in the Name, Email, and Password. Simply, ensure that the password is strong, utilizing numbers, letters and symbols to enhance security.
Step 4: Set User Permissions
This is where you grant, or restrict, the user’s access:
• Email Account: Allow or deny access to email.
• FTP account: Allow access to website files.
• Web Disk: Grant privileges to manage web files and web directories.
Make sure to only select the services that apply to the role they will perform.
Step 5: Create and Test
After filling out the information and permissions, you will simply click “Create” or “Save” and receive confirmation that the user was created.
To validate the new login:
• Sign out of your main cPanel account.
• Login as the newly created user.
• Verify that the user has access to only the services you provided permissions for and nothing else.
Managing and Editing User Accounts
Managing users is just as vital as creating them. You may find yourself performing the following common tasks:
View Existing Users
Within the User Manager, you’ll see a list of all existing users and you can see the privileges that each one has for access to the environment. You can quickly identify whether you find any discrepancies.
Edit User Information
When you want to edit a user’s settings, just click the Edit Button next to their name. You can adjust permissions and edit their email and password as appropriate.
Delete Users You Do Not Need
When someone is no longer needed, it is good to delete the user entirely so that they no longer have access. Click Delete, and then confirm the deletion to remove their login.
Best Practices for Managing User Access
Use Strong Passwords
Ensure every login has a strong and unique password to prevent unauthorized use.
Use Two Factor Authentication (2FA)
Adding 2FA to your cPanel logins takes an additional verification step and adds security to your accounts.
Audit User Access Regularly
Continuously reviewing your users to see if they are still in use with their privileges is good practice to avoid active accounts in the cPanel that have outdated permissions.
Follow the Principle of Least Privilege
The principle of least privilege is just as it sounds, giving users only the least privileges necessary to complete their jobs. This minimizes the chances of accidental or intentional damage.
Resolving Common Problems
Login Problems
If a newly created user cannot log in, verify the following:
Correct username and password.
Whether the appropriate services are activated.
Blockages on the IP level or may be firewall issues.
Permission Denied Errors
If a user receives permission errors, check to see the privileges assigned in the User Manager.
Email Configuration Errors
Some new users might experience email configuration errors. Please ensure that the Email Account option is activated and configured correctly in the User Manager.
Conclusion
Creating multiple cPanel logins is now important for a secure and effective management of your website. By delegating access and following best practices, you can maintain a strong security stance while enabling your team members to complete their work.
Regularly reviewing and managing your users is also essential to ensure your hosting environment remains secure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create multiple cPanel logins for a single domain?
Yes, you best can create multiple logins for a single domain in the User Manager, which enables several users to access numerous services.
How many users can I create in cPanel?
There is no specific number, but some hosting providers may enforce limits through the hosting plan.
Can I restrict what cPanel users access to specific folders?
Yes, you can restrict users to specific folders using FTP account settings.
What do I do if a user forgets their password?
Navigate to the User Manager and edit the person’s profile to reset the password.
Can I monitor login activity logged by a user?
You can check activity logs in cPanel to help you keep track of user activity and catch suspicious activity.
