Keep your WordPress website secure on vacation

You’re about to close your laptop and head off on vacation. The last thing you want is an emergency call because your website has gone down or been hacked. Before you leave, work through this checklist so you can take a break with fewer worries.

Start with a backup, then check updates, access and protection. Leave enough time to test any changes before you go.

Step 1. Create a backup as your safety net

If something goes wrong, a recent, working backup gives you a recovery option. Make sure you know how to restore it.

• Create a full backup. Back up both your website files and its database before making changes. Check that the backup completes successfully. Our guide explains how to back up your WordPress website.
• Verify it and keep a separate copy. Check that the backup is complete and, where possible, test a restore in a separate environment. Keep a copy in secure storage outside your hosting account, with access restricted to the people who need it.

Step 2. Update WordPress, themes and plugins

Outdated software can leave known vulnerabilities exposed. Review available updates before your break, rather than leaving them until the moment you go offline.

• Check all installed software. Update WordPress core, themes and plugins, including inactive items you still need. Remove unused plugins and themes, while retaining a suitable fallback theme.
• Check compatibility. Test important updates on a staging site where possible. After updating the live site, check its main pages, forms and checkout, and allow time to resolve any problems before leaving.

Step 3. Review user access and passwords

Before you go, make sure only the right people can access your website and that their accounts are properly protected.

• Use strong, unique passwords. This is especially important for administrator accounts. A password manager can help, and two-factor authentication adds another layer of protection where available.
• Remove unnecessary access. Review accounts belonging to former employees or collaborators. Remove access that is no longer needed, reassigning any content you want to retain, and give remaining users only the permissions their work requires.
• Limit login attempts. Configure protection against repeated failed logins through your hosting provider or a suitable plugin. Our comparison of WordPress security plugins can help you review the options.

Step 4. Enable protection and monitoring

With the basics covered, check the tools that can help detect or block problems while you’re away.

• Configure a web application firewall. A WAF can filter suspicious requests. A cloud-based service filters traffic before it reaches your hosting server, while a firewall installed in WordPress runs on the server itself. Check what your provider or plugin includes and test that legitimate visitors can still use the site.
• Set up monitoring alerts. Enable uptime monitoring and check that notifications reach the right person. Agree who will respond to an alert, how they can access the site and where to find recovery instructions.

What if you don’t have time or prefer to delegate?

If you would rather have someone manage these checks, arrange a website maintenance service before your vacation. Agree who is responsible for updates, backups, monitoring and incident response, including how to contact them if something goes wrong.

A clear handover and a tested recovery plan make it easier to step away, knowing that someone can take action if your website needs attention.