The holiday season is a time to relax, recharge, and step away from your daily routine — but while you’re away, your website can become an easy target for hackers and security threats. Many cyberattacks happen when website owners are inactive or not monitoring their systems. That’s why it’s crucial to secure your site before you pack your bags.
In this guide, we’ll go through practical steps to help you keep your website safe and running smoothly while you’re on vacation.
1. Update Everything Before You Leave
Update Your CMS, Themes, and Plugins
Outdated software is one of the most common entry points for hackers. Before your holiday starts, make sure your website platform (like WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal), all plugins, and themes are updated to their latest versions.
Remove Unused Plugins and Themes
Old and unused plugins or themes can contain vulnerabilities. Delete them completely from your server to minimize risks.
2. Set Up Automatic Backups
Use a Reliable Backup Plugin or Service
Schedule automatic backups of your website files and database. Services like UpdraftPlus, BlogVault, or ManageWP can handle backups automatically even while you’re away.
Store Backups in a Secure Location
Ensure your backups are saved in a secure remote location such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or cloud storage. Avoid keeping them on the same server as your live website.
3. Strengthen Your Login Security
Use Strong and Unique Passwords
Avoid simple passwords like “admin123” or “password2024.” Use a strong password generator and change your admin credentials before leaving for your trip.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
2FA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring verification from your phone or email when logging in. Most major CMS platforms and security plugins support this feature.
4. Install a Website Security Plugin or Firewall
Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF)
A WAF helps block malicious traffic before it reaches your site. Tools like Cloudflare, Sucuri, or Wordfence can provide round-the-clock protection and monitoring.
Activate Malware Scanning
Enable regular malware scans to detect suspicious files early. Many security plugins can automatically quarantine or remove infected files.
5. Limit Access and Permissions
Restrict Admin Access
Only keep essential users active during your holiday. Remove or downgrade unnecessary admin accounts to lower the risk of unauthorized changes.
Use Secure File Permissions
Set proper file permissions on your server to prevent unauthorized modifications. For example, folders should be set to 755 and files to 644.
6. Set Up Alerts and Monitoring
Enable Email Notifications
Most hosting providers and security tools can alert you if there’s unusual activity — such as failed login attempts, file changes, or increased traffic spikes.
Use an Uptime Monitoring Service
Tools like UptimeRobot or Pingdom can notify you immediately if your site goes down, so you can take quick action even while you’re on vacation.
7. Use Maintenance Mode If Necessary
If your business doesn’t rely on real-time website updates, consider enabling maintenance mode while you’re away. This can reduce risks and show visitors that your site is temporarily paused for updates or maintenance.
Need Help Securing Your Website Before You Travel?
If this guide feels too technical or you’re unsure about applying these steps yourself, I can help. I offer professional website security and maintenance services to make sure your site stays safe, fast, and fully protected while you enjoy your vacation stress-free.
Contact me today — and take your holiday knowing your website is in good hands.
