Website security isn’t just about preventing breaches; it’s about maintaining control of mission-critical digital assets.

Recently, we encountered a situation that highlighted just how devastating poor website access management can be for organisations where public trust is paramount.

More than missing credentials

Over a 3-month period, two organisations approached us with seemingly straightforward situations: they had no access to their website.

But as we dug deeper, we discovered this wasn’t just about forgotten passwords; it was a governance crisis in the making.

  • Their website displayed outdated information that they were unable to update.
  • Contact forms weren’t reaching their teams.
  • Social media integrations were misdirecting visitors to unrelated organisations.

For organisations that rely on public trust and meeting compliance standards, these weren’t just inconveniences; they were serious risks to their operational integrity.

The true scale of the problem

As our team worked to restore access, we discovered a pattern that’s unfortunately common among organisations with high security requirements: a disconnect between their operational security standards and their website access management practices.

While they maintained strict protocols for their internal systems, their websites told a different story:

  • No documented procedures for managing digital assets.
  • Access credentials were shared without proper protocols.
  • Missing audit trails for system changes.
  • Absence of multi-factor authentication.

These gaps represented more than technical oversights. They were governance failures that could trigger compliance reviews and erode public trust.

Restoring proper website access control & management

Resolving the immediate crisis required careful coordination.

After access was restored, implementing proper governance to prevent future incidents became key to ensuring the integrity of each website.

Working with their compliance teams, we developed a framework that aligned their website access management with their broader security requirements.

This was much more than resetting passwords; it was about establishing proper digital governance.

Essential steps for regulated organisations

This incident offers valuable insights for any organisation where security and compliance matter:

Maintain control of your digital assets

  • Website hosting accounts
  • Domain registration details
  • Content management system access
  • Technical documentation

Implement proper website access control & management

  • Document all access credentials
  • Store credentials securely
  • Establish clear handover procedures
  • Review access regularly

Aligned digital access control

Today, their website credentials are now managed, documented, and aligned with their security requirements.

However, during our access management review, we uncovered concerning security gaps that extended beyond credential control. Gaps that posed serious compliance risks for their operations.

At Kicking Pixels, we specialise in secure hosting solutions for organisations that can’t afford to compromise on security.

Our ISO 27001-certified processes ensure your website meets the same high standards as the rest of your operations.