Before you clock off and start sipping mango daiquiris, there’s one last thing to tick off your to-do list: securing your website for the holiday break.
Because while you’re taking time off, bots and bad actors don’t.
Here’s a quick list of essential tasks to help protect your WordPress site while you’re away – no tech degree required.
7 steps to secure your website over the holidays
1. Back up your site (and automate it!)
Before you do anything else, run a full backup. If anything goes wrong over the holidays, you’ll thank yourself later.
Better yet, set up weekly automated backups so you don’t have to think about it again.
My pick: UpdraftPlus Backup (free + easy to use).
2. Update WordPress, plugins, and themes
Outdated software is one of the most common ways hackers gain access.
Make sure your WordPress core, plugins, and themes are all up to date before you log off.
Note: Don’t forget to check if there are any old themes or plugins you’re not using. Delete them if you do!
3. Install a security plugin (and take full advantage of it)
If you haven’t already, install a plugin like Wordfence to monitor and protect your site.
Bonus tips inside Wordfence (or similar tools):
- Set up two-factor authentication (2FA) for admin users
- Limit the number of failed login attempts allowed before lockout
Both help reduce brute-force attacks and keep your site safer.
4. Change your password
Even if you’ve never shared it, now’s the perfect time to update your password – and make it a strong one.
Tip: Use a password manager to store secure, unique logins for all your accounts.
5. Check your domain + hosting renewal dates
Don’t let your site go down because you forgot to renew something!
Double-check that your domain name and hosting plans:
- Aren’t set to expire during the break
- Are set to auto-renew (or have calendar reminders set)
6. Make sure your SSL certificate is valid
That little padlock in the address bar? It proves your site is secure.
Make sure your SSL certificate is installed, active, and not due to expire soon. If your host doesn’t provide free SSL (many do), consider switching to one that does.
7. Hide or change your login URL
Most WordPress login pages use /wp-admin or /wp-login.php which makes them a common target.
A simple plugin like WPS Hide Login lets you change that URL and make your login page harder to find.
Take five now so you can truly switch off later
It’s easy to assume your site will be fine over the holidays… but a little prep now could save you a biiiig headache later.
You don’t need to be a developer or know all the inner workings of WordPress – this checklist covers the big stuff and will give you peace of mind over the break.
Lock it down then log off. You’ve earned it. 💻🔒🎅