Why Security Is a Shared Responsibility Between Agency and Client

By Bluegrass Digital

In today’s digital landscape, security can no longer be considered an afterthought — especially for businesses operating complex platforms, storing sensitive data, or managing user transactions. While agencies like ours play a critical role in designing and building secure websites and applications, it’s important to recognise that true digital security is a shared responsibility between the agency and the client.

From infrastructure decisions to day-to-day content management, both parties must play an active role in maintaining a secure digital environment. Here’s why…

Security Begins at the Foundation — But Doesn’t End There

As a development and digital transformation partner, Bluegrass Digital takes full ownership of implementing security best practices in every build we deliver. This includes:

• Secure coding principles and regular code reviews
• HTTPS and SSL/TLS implementation
• Infrastructure recommendations using cloud-native platforms like Microsoft Azure
• User authentication and access control strategies
• Compliance support (e.g. GDPR, POPIA)

However, once the site or platform is handed over, ongoing security relies on a collaborative approach. A secure launch is only the starting point.

Where the Client’s Role Becomes Critical

1. Content & CMS Governance

We often build on platforms like Umbraco CMS, chosen for its flexibility and security features. But security also depends on how the CMS is used:

• Who has access to the back office?
• Are users given the correct permission levels?
• Are plugins and packages kept up to date?

Clients are responsible for internal governance and content workflows. Poorly managed permissions or outdated content packages can expose vulnerabilities, even in a well-secured platform.

2. Infrastructure & Hosting Configuration

While we advise on infrastructure setups — especially for Azure-hosted environments — the client’s IT or DevOps team may manage elements like:

• VPN access and firewall policies
• Backup and recovery protocols
• Patching and software updates
• Monitoring and alert systems

When infrastructure is managed in-house or by a third party, close collaboration is essential to ensure our recommendations are properly implemented and maintained.

3. Third-Party Integrations

Many enterprise platforms integrate with CRMs, payment gateways, marketing automation tools, or analytics platforms. Each integration introduces a new point of entry.

Both agency and client must ensure:

• APIs are securely configured
• Tokens and keys are stored securely
• Only trusted, up-to-date integrations are used

Shared Responsibility: A Real-World Approach

In our work with enterprise clients like MultiChoice, Allan Gray, and Kenya Airways, we take a 360-degree view of platform performance — and that includes security. During technical audits, we assess both the codebase and infrastructure, while also consulting on internal practices and CMS usage.

In our engagement with MultiChoice Group (for DStv.com), our recommendations went beyond code and cloud optimisation — they included guidance on publishing workflows and user roles, helping their internal teams build a stronger security culture.

Building a Strong Security Partnership

Here’s what shared responsibility looks like in practice:

• Bluegrass Digital’s role:
  • Deliver secure code and architecture
  • Guide CMS and cloud security configurations
  • Conduct audits and make proactive recommendations
• Client’s role:
  • Manage internal access and training
  • Follow security protocols for CMS and infrastructure
  • Keep systems and plugins updated
  • Raise issues or red flags early

Security is not a one-time event. It’s a long-term collaboration.

Final Thoughts

In an era where threats evolve daily and reputational damage from a breach can be severe, security cannot be seen as “the agency’s job.” It must be built into the relationship from the beginning.

At Bluegrass Digital, we’re not just your digital partner — we’re your strategic ally in creating a secure, scalable platform. But for it to truly work, we need to work together.

Let’s make your next digital project secure by design — and secure by practice.