Managing Your cPanel Account & WHMCS Client Portal
Overview
This guide is designed to help you manage your cPanel account while also providing direct access to your WHMCS client portal. In this article, you’ll learn how to secure your account with two-factor authentication, set up secure FTP/SFTP access, manage files, email accounts, and databases (MySQL & PostgreSQL), and access WHMCS links for paying your balance and managing other services.
Note: The URL cpanel.raywonderis.me is provided as an example. If you have your own personal domain URL for accessing cPanel, it is highly recommended to use that instead. Using your own domain can help ensure you are logging in to the correct site and can reduce the risk of phishing or man-in-the-middle attacks.
1. Accessing Your cPanel Account
Login Steps:
• Example URL: Navigate to cpanel.raywonderis.me (or your personal domain URL, if applicable).
• Credentials:
• Username Example: myhost
• Password: Use your secure password.
• 2FA Verification:
• After entering your username and password, you’ll be prompted for your 2FA code if you have two-factor authentication enabled.
• Enter the code generated by your authenticator app (e.g., Google Authenticator, Authy).
Additional Login Tips:
• Bookmark Your URL: Save your cPanel login page as a bookmark to avoid typing errors and to ensure you always access the correct URL.
• Check for HTTPS: Always ensure that the URL begins with https:// and that your browser shows a secure lock icon before entering your credentials.
• Log Out When Finished: Always log out of your account when you are done, especially when using a public or shared computer.
• Use a Strong, Unique Password: Ensure your password is complex and unique to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
• Keep Your Software Updated: Regularly update your authenticator app and browser to maintain a secure login environment.
2. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Why 2FA?
• Enhanced Security: Adds an extra layer of protection to your account.
• Data Protection: Guards against unauthorized access even if your password is compromised.
Setting Up 2FA:
1. Log into cPanel: Use your username and password.
2. Access Security Settings: Click on “Two-Factor Authentication” in the security section.
3. Follow the Setup Wizard:
• Scan the provided QR code with your authenticator app.
• Enter the generated code to confirm the setup.
4. Backup Codes:
• Save the backup codes provided in a secure location. These codes are useful if you lose access to your authenticator app.
3. Secure FTP/SFTP with SSH Keys
Default Settings & Security:
• Default FTP/SFTP Port: 450 (our secure default).
• Key-Based Authentication:
• Password-based FTP/SFTP is disabled.
• Only SSH key-based authentication is allowed to enhance security.
Setting Up SSH Keys:
1. Generate an SSH Key Pair:
• Use OpenSSH or a similar tool (e.g., run ssh-keygen on your local machine).
2. Upload Your Public Key:
• Log into your cPanel account.
• Navigate to “SSH Access” or “Manage SSH Keys” and upload your public key.
3. Authorize the Key:
• Once uploaded, authorize the key within cPanel to enable SFTP access.
4. Connecting via SFTP:
• Use an SFTP client (e.g., FileZilla, WinSCP, or Cyberduck) to connect using port 450 and your private key.
4. Using the File Manager
Managing Your Website Files:
• Accessing the File Manager:
• Log into your cPanel account and click on the “File Manager” icon under the “Files” section.
• Common Tasks:
• Uploading Files: Click the upload button to add files or folders.
• Editing Files: Right-click on a file and select “Edit” or “Code Editor.”
• Managing Permissions: Change file permissions via the “Change Permissions” option.
• Organizing Files: Create, move, or delete files and folders as needed.
5. Email Account Management
Creating and Managing Email Accounts:
• Access Email Accounts:
• In cPanel, click on “Email Accounts” under the “Email” section.
• Creating an Email Account:
• Click “Create,” then enter the email address, set a strong password, and assign a mailbox quota.
• Managing Accounts:
• Edit settings, update passwords, or delete accounts as required.
• Webmail Access:
• Use the webmail interface in cPanel or configure your preferred email client with the provided IMAP/POP and SMTP settings.
6. Database Management: MySQL & PostgreSQL
Creating and Managing Databases:
MySQL Databases:
1. Access MySQL® Databases:
• Click “MySQL® Databases” in cPanel.
2. Creating a Database:
• Enter your desired database name and click “Create Database.”
3. Managing Users:
• Add new users and assign them the appropriate privileges.
4. phpMyAdmin:
• Use phpMyAdmin from cPanel to manage and run queries on your MySQL databases.
PostgreSQL Databases:
1. Access PostgreSQL® Databases:
• Click “PostgreSQL Databases” in cPanel.
2. Creating a Database:
• Enter the database name and click “Create Database.”
3. Managing Users:
• Add users with the necessary permissions.
4. Backing Up Data:
• Use the backup wizard in cPanel to perform manual or scheduled backups.
• Regular backups help ensure you can restore your data if needed.
7. Managing Your WHMCS Client Account from cPanel
Accessing WHMCS Client Portal Links:
Within the cPanel interface, you have quick links to manage your WHMCS account and services. These include:
• Paying Your Balance:
• Click the “Pay Balance” link to view and settle your outstanding invoices.
• Managing Services:
• Use the “My Services” link to view and manage your hosting plans, domain registrations, and additional services.
• Billing History:
• Check your payment history, download invoices, and update your billing information.
Note: These WHMCS client portal links are integrated into the cPanel dashboard to provide seamless account management. Look for the “Client Account” or “WHMCS” section in your cPanel sidebar.
8. Data Recovery and Backup Best Practices
Regular Backups:
• Scheduling Backups:
• Ensure your website files and databases are backed up on a regular schedule.
• Secure Storage:
• Store backups securely, preferably offsite, to ensure data integrity.
• Testing Restorations:
• Periodically test backup restorations to confirm your data can be recovered if necessary.
Conclusion
This guide is designed to help you manage your cPanel account (using your personal domain or the example URL) and seamlessly access your WHMCS client portal for additional service management. By following these steps for setting up 2FA, managing secure FTP/SFTP access, handling your files, emails, and databases, and using the integrated WHMCS links for billing and services, you can ensure a robust and secure hosting experience.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact our support team at 302-313-9555 or visit our Contact Page.
