How to Make Your Shopify Store More Secure

Using a reliable platform like Shopify can make merchants feel a bit at ease about security. This is not surprising, as a renowned solution provides a robust technical background for online businesses. It may seem that all that’s left is to craft the perfect product lineup and design an incredible visual look.

However, treating security as an afterthought is like leaving your store’s doors unlocked overnight. A single vulnerability can lead to data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage. Even the most secure platforms require proactive measures to stay ahead. That’s what we focus on in this article. Let’s break down the extra layers of Shopify security into an actionable guide. Find tips and tactics your team can apply for better results.

TL;DR: Your Shopify store is never “overprotected”

• Shopify has strong built-in tools for fraud prevention. They range from default encryption to custom rules and automatic controls.
• There’s no such thing as too much security for an ecommerce store. Using extra layers of defense and third-party apps wouldn’t be excessive.
• Insufficient security poses significant risks. Payment fraud, credential theft, and account takeover are only some of the many.
• How to protect Shopify store? Strategies like strong password management policies, access controls, and authentication mechanisms. But there is more.

Best practices for Shopify store security

Cybersecurity protects your most valuable assets: your business and customers’ trust. So, what do you do to take good care of them? Blindly following another technical checklist may be insufficient. Security in ecommerce is about having a comprehensive strategy.

The following Shopify security best practices can be a reference point for your team. At this point, define what’s necessary for your store and implement the measures based on their priority.

#1 Develop a password management policy

Train your team to understand that a password is not just a string of characters. It’s a critical security checkpoint. Encourage using complex and unique passwords. Develop a company-wide policy that provides clear guidelines on how to do it. Plan for regular password compromise scans. Remind your team to update their passwords regularly.

Pro tip: Implement mandatory password rotation every 60-90 days. Consider using a password management tool. Choose one that uses end-to-end encryption to generate and store passwords.

#2 Set complex authentication mechanisms

Two-factor authentication creates a multi-layered defense mechanism. It strengthens traditional access with a chosen password. The second verification method has many options: a time-based one-time password, SMS code, or hardware token. All significantly complicate the path for potential intruders.

Pro tip: Enable two-factor authentication for all store admin accounts. Consider biometric authentication, hardware security keys, or geolocation-based access restrictions.

#3 Use granular access control

Every additional admin account is a potential risk. So, how to secure a Shopify store? Build a controlled environment. Use the “least privilege” approach. Assign team members precisely the permissions they need – no more, no less. Conduct regular access audits. Immediately revoke unnecessary permissions.

Pro tip: Create detailed role-based access control profiles. Analyze each permission request thoroughly. Implement time-limited access for temporary team members.

#4 Create admin security algorithms

Administrative access is a sensitive area of the Shopify cyber security system. Access management is not the only mechanism for managing critical roles. Set additional algorithms for geographic and time-based access restrictions. Also, monitor login attempts and track activity logging.

Pro tip: Implement IP whitelisting for admin panel access. Limit login attempts from unfamiliar locations or devices. Create a real-time alert system to notify you of any suspicious administrative activities.

#5 Choose reliable payment gateways

Payment processors come with different levels of encryption, fraud detection, and compliance standards. Your choice influences your store’s vulnerability to financial fraud and data breaches. Conduct thorough background checks on potential payment providers. Make sure to use those offering solid encryption and fraud detection mechanisms.

Pro tip: Stick to Shopify-recommended payment providers. Avoid third-party gateways with negative feedback and limited security credentials.

#6 Enforce SSL encryption

Using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption is non-negotiable. It protects data transmission between your store and customers, preventing intercepted communications. Remember that SSL also requires maintenance. Continuous monitoring and periodic Shopify security assessments are crucial. Implement HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS). Ensure all resources (images, scripts, stylesheets) are also loaded via HTTPS.

Pro tip: Ensure your store’s URL begins with “https://” and displays a padlock icon in the browser address bar. For enhanced trust, use Extended Validation (EV) SSL certificates.

#7 Update your software

Outdated Shopify themes, apps, and plugins create potential entry points for them. Maintain a detailed inventory of all installed Shopify apps. Make sure to read technical documentation to understand what exactly you’re updating. Read changelog notes, check compatibility, and assess the potential impact on the functionality.

Pro tip: Set up automatic updates where possible. Review your installed apps quarterly to remove unnecessary or outdated plugins. Subscribe to security bulletins from Shopify and major app developers.

#8 Have a data backup strategy

Backups are your insurance policy against data loss, system failures, or cyber incidents. Simple data duplication isn’t enough. A good backup strategy enables business continuity with rapid recovery after emergencies. Such mechanisms can include automatic daily backups with versioning. These backups should be stored in secure and geographically distributed cloud locations.

Pro tip: Use Shopify’s built-in backup features and reliable third-party solutions. Maintain at least three copies of critical data on different resources. Regularly test backup restoration processes.

#9 Introduce code management standards

Treat code as a potential security risk. This will create a systematic approach to preventing vulnerabilities. Establish rigorous code review processes, implement version control systems, and maintain strict development standards. This will reduce the risk of introducing vulnerabilities.

Pro tip: Use GitHub or a platform with similar security features for version control. Make at least two Shopify developers approve significant changes to your codebase.

#10 Enable fraud management

Modern fraud detection systems use sophisticated algorithms. They analyze transaction patterns and identify potential risks. You get a dynamic shield that continuously evaluates and mitigates potential financial threats. Shopify has built-in features for fraud detection. You can strengthen them further with more advanced ML-based third-party apps.

Pro tip: Configure Shopify security settings to automatically flag high-risk orders. Set up custom rules that align with your specific business model.

#11 Promote security awareness

Human error is a weak link in cybersecurity. Train your team well to recognize and prevent potential threats. Explain how to handle suspicious emails or requests. Design an engaging, ongoing education program. Create easily accessible reference materials and conduct interactive workshops.

Pro tip: Implement clear protocols for all security-related work aspects. Plan for quarterly awareness training. Use real-world case studies and simulated phishing exercises.

Potential Shopify store risks

Understanding cyber threats – old and new alike – is critical for ecommerce businesses. It helps comprehend the effect of security mechanisms you (are about to) adopt. This, in turn, helps develop a proactive approach to Shopify protection.

How to improve Shopify security? Start with learning what risks are relevant to your case. We gathered some of the most frequent threats and vulnerabilities ecommerce businesses encounter.

Payment fraud

Payment fraud comes in many forms. Fraudsters use advanced technologies and social engineering techniques to bypass traditional security measures. They exploit both system vulnerabilities and the human factor. The results range from stolen credit card information to elaborate identity theft schemes.

Credential theft

This potential security issue with Shopify goes beyond just stealing login information. It often involves creating realistic profiles used for extended fraudulent activities. Weak passwords are among the factors making this possible. So is the repeated use of login credentials across multiple platforms. Lack of multi-factor authentication is also on the list.

Account takeover

Malicious actors aim to gain unauthorized access to user or administrative accounts. They can effectively hijack digital identities. Once inside an account, hackers can manipulate store settings, process fraudulent transactions, steal sensitive customer information, and use the compromised account as a launching pad for broader attacks.

Data breach

Cybercriminals exploit seemingly minor vulnerabilities that might go unnoticed by untrained eyes. The results of these incidents, however, are devastating. Unauthorized access to sensitive customer information comes with potential sensitive data exposure. Personal details, financial data, and login credentials are primary targets.

Unreliable integrations

Third-party apps present both extra opportunities and risks. Not all Shopify apps maintain the same rigorous security standards. A single poorly coded app can create a backdoor into your entire system. Thus, connecting only trusted products and managing permissions carefully is critical.

Phishing attacks

These are malicious attempts to acquire sensitive information. Phishing involves creating convincing replicas of legitimate communication channels. Scammers trick users into revealing login credentials, financial details, or other critical information. In addition to email scams, we’ve got domain spoofing and social media impersonation.

API attacks

Modern Shopify stores use numerous integrations and third-party applications. This creates multiple potential entry points for these attacks. Malicious actors can use vulnerabilities to extract sensitive data and manipulate system functionalities. They can create unauthorized access points that bypass traditional Shopify security measures.

Credential stuffing

Credential stuffing is a highly automated and effective attack strategy. It exploits the common human tendency to reuse passwords across multiple platforms. Cybercriminals obtain large databases of stolen login credentials from previous data breaches. Using automated tools, they test these credentials across numerous websites and services.

Malware

Malicious software can enter your Shopify store through seemingly harmless channels. It can be a poorly vetted app, a compromised theme, or an unsecured network connection. Once installed, malware can steal customer data. It can inject fraudulent content or redirect traffic. It can even completely compromise your store’s functionality.

DDoS attacks

This is a particularly aggressive form of cyber assault. It overwhelms an online platform by flooding it with massive amounts of traffic. This way, a DDoS attack disables the store. It can result in a complete operational shutdown. Stores experience significant revenue loss and potentially irreparable damage to brand reputation.

Is Shopify secure?

Yes, Shopify is secure. It has robust built-in security features. It also enables merchants to add extra levels of protection on their own. The platform undergoes continuous security assessments. It maintains strict compliance with international standards. Yet, security in ecommerce is a constant journey of vigilance and adaptation. Ultimate Shopify security is a collaborative effort between the platform and its users.

Shopify’s built-in fraud prevention solutions

Shopify offers a multi-dimensional approach to fraud prevention. The platform aims to protect stores from potential risks and help them keep their focus on sales. Merchants get tools and features to identify and prevent fraudulent activities by default.

The mechanisms designed to mitigate the financial and reputational risks include the following;

• Default SSL encryption. HTTPS protection is enabled for all stores regardless of your Shopify plan.

• 3D Secure Checkout. This is an extra layer of security. It authenticates payments to avoid fraudulent chargebacks.

• Fraud analysis. There’s a built-in algorithm for automatic risk assessment. Data-driven decisions for each order are based on key insights and order risk levels.

• Shopify Flow. Merchants can set custom rules for orders. For example, you can determine workflows that flag high-risk orders for you.

• IP tracking. This tool analyzes login attempts and locations. It helps prevent account takeovers and flags high-risk buyers through proxy detection.

Shopify fulfills the promise: merchants get to keep the focus on sales. This is true for all plans. Shopify Plus security doesn’t differ from what regular accounts get. All default security mechanisms are automatically updated. As cyber threats evolve, so do the platform’s defensive mechanisms.

Wrapping up

The stories of businesses devastated by cyberattacks are not cautionary tales. They are stark reminders of the very real consequences of digital negligence. Shopify doesn’t let you neglect security by taking good care of its merchants. Meanwhile, each extra security measure adds to better risk diversification and business performance.

Does all this Shopify store security seem overwhelming? It’s completely fine. If you lack related expertise, consider delegating security enhancement to a skilled team. If you are ready to discuss the details, contact DigitalSuits. We’ll be glad to talk and suggest solutions to drive your business forward.