To enable automatic SiteLock SMART PATCH, open your SiteLock Dashboard and go to Settings → SMART/PATCH Settings. Select Scan and patch automatically, then choose Save. If SiteLock is provided through your web host, you may need to open the dashboard from that host’s control panel.
Choose how SMART PATCH should operate
Before saving, choose the mode that fits the site. The Netfirms-hosted SiteLock setup guide says the default is Scan automatically but do not patch: SMART PATCH scans, but a person must approve patches. Automatic patching applies them during the scan. SiteLock also describes an option to turn scanning off, intended for staging or active development environments.
| Mode | Scans | Applies patches automatically | When it fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scan and patch automatically | Yes | Yes | Hands-off patching, as described by SiteLock |
| Scan automatically but do not patch | Yes | No; a person approves patches | When you want to review changes before they are applied |
| Scanning off | No | No | Development or staging environments, as described by SiteLock |
SiteLock presents the settings and their uses on its SMART Patch product page; the default setting is reported in the Netfirms setup guide.
Enable automatic patching in the dashboard
- Sign in to your SiteLock Dashboard. If you purchased SiteLock through a hosting provider, open it from that provider’s control panel if necessary.
- Go to Settings → SMART/PATCH Settings.
- Select Scan and patch automatically.
- Select Save.
These steps follow the Netfirms-hosted SiteLock guide. Dashboard labels and access paths can vary by host.
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What SMART PATCH changes—and what it does not
SiteLock describes SMART Patch as checking CMS core files, default themes, and supported plugins for known vulnerability signatures, then applying targeted fixes. Its product page lists WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, Magento, WooCommerce, and PrestaShop, and mentions key WordPress extensions. Coverage depends on the components and features available in your account; confirm support for your particular site there.
SiteLock says its patches address vulnerable code rather than upgrading an entire plugin version, and that an applied patch can be reversed from the dashboard. Rollback is a recovery option, not a replacement for keeping your CMS, themes, and plugins updated. The setup guide recommends installing needed updates when new versions are released.
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If SMART/PATCH Settings is missing
- Check whether SMART PATCH is included in the SiteLock package you purchased; the setup instructions do not establish access for every account.
- If SiteLock came with your hosting plan, try opening the dashboard through your host’s control panel.
- If the setting is still unavailable or your account’s access is unclear, contact SiteLock support. Its FAQ directs customers to support for unresolved account questions.
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