Something I've been thinking about is how web development agencies approach projects after deployment.
A client pays you to design and develop their website. You deliver it, everything works, and the project is closed.
But what happens afterwards?
That website is now representing your client's business. It might be processing customer enquiries, collecting personal information, handling transactions or simply serving as the first impression potential customers have of the company.
A security incident doesn't just affect the client. It can also damage the reputation of the agency that built and delivered the website.
I think there's an opportunity here for developers and agencies to rethink how they package their services.
Instead of treating security as a one-off pre-launch checklist, why not offer it as part of an ongoing website maintenance package?
For example:
Periodic security configuration and header checks.
Vulnerability and dependency monitoring.
Checks for accidentally exposed secrets.
Security posture reviews.
Reports highlighting issues that need attention.
This creates an additional recurring service that clients can pay for while giving them continued assurance that their websites aren't simply being abandoned after launch.
We're building Aasim Guard, a cybersecurity platform designed to help developers and businesses identify security issues in their web applications.
Our goal is to make security checks more accessible and practical, particularly for developers and agencies managing multiple client websites.
I'm curious about a few things:
Do you currently include security assessments in your website development packages?
Would your clients be willing to pay a monthly fee for ongoing security checks and reporting?
Would you rather manage this internally or use a dedicated security platform?
I'm particularly interested in hearing from freelancers and agencies that manage websites for multiple clients.
How are you handling the security side of your projects after handing them over?
Top comments (2)
Excellent perspective on shifting web development from one-off delivery contracts to continuous, value-added security maintenance. Clients often assume that 'deployed' means 'permanently safe', without realizing how quickly dependencies age, headers drift, or credentials leak. Packaging periodic security audits, header compliance checks, and dependency triage as a recurring retainer aligns business incentives with real-world protection.
What has been the most effective way in your experience to communicate this value proposition to non-technical stakeholders without sounding alarmist?
I think the key is to frame security as business maintenance rather than a response to an imminent threat.Most clients understand that a website is an investment, and like any other business asset it needs ongoing attention to remain reliable.I find it more productive to discuss practical outcomes: protecting customer trust, reducing avoidable downtime, maintaining a professional reputation, and identifying issues before they become expensive problems.Rather than saying, "Your website could get hacked," I'd rather say, "Let's make sure the website you're investing in today continues to serve your business securely tomorrow."The goal isn't to sell fear. It's to help clients understand that deployment is the beginning of a website's operational life, not the end of their responsibility to maintain it.