Data breaches are a threat to business owners, including online merchants. As soon as shoppers identify a potential threat on a website, they might look for an alternative store, fearing their loss of crucial data, breakdown of the site, loss of revenue, etc.
Online merchants have to be smart about their approach to cybersecurity. Picking an eCommerce solution that provides solid security is one of the most important steps. And as things stand right now, Shopify is the go-to option for most merchants.
On this page
What is Shopify Security
Why is Shopify Security Important
Shopify Security Checklist
Top 5 Shopify Security Tools
What is Shopify Security
Shopify not only offers a plethora of neat features, customization options, and integrations, but it also ensures that Shopify merchants are comfortable with the security of their websites.
In addition, the PCI CSS is imperative. Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards exist to prevent fraudulent activities.
It is not the question of whether Shopify is compliant with PCI. Every single Shopify store has a security measure installed. It is there by default.
Nevertheless, just because Shopify has solid features intact, they still continue to work closely with merchants and seek feedback on potential security problems and how to fix them.
Why is Shopify Security Important
Ultimately, the importance of security goes back to consumer trust and revenue loss, just like we mentioned in the introduction, but it can go beyond that.
For one, a secure network prevents attacks on the website. Dealing with DDoS and other similar problems means spending resources on trying to get the website back up or eliminating the hindrances that slow down the website can take a significant toll.
Data exposure is also something to consider. If you fail to secure the store and experience a breach that leaks customer data, there is no telling how long it will take to sort that mess out, not to mention what it will do to the brand’s reputation.
A secure information policy also exists to protect your employee credentials. You should not expect to find employees who are willing to work for someone who fails to offer basic security measures.
Shopify Security Checklist
Having said that, while PCI compliance offers a lot of great things security-wise, it is hardly the be-all and end-all of the Shopify store security strategy. There are other necessary steps online merchants have to take to be comfortable with the security of their Shopify store.
#1 – Data Backups
Data backups are not a direct way to stop cybersecurity threats from attacking you. Consider them as precautions in case something happens to your data. Corrupted or deleted files are not always easy to restore. Depending on the severity of an attack, you might not be able to restore lost data at all.
Shopify has some backup measures itself, but you need to be mindful of the fact that it is still up to you to enable it and make sure that everything is in check. And if you are unhappy with the default tools, seek a third-party option.
Besides backing up files automatically and regularly, online merchants also need to encrypt the data with a strong password to prevent unauthorized access. Also, consider enabling DMARC for Office 365 if you are using Microsoft Office.
#2 – SSL Certificate
The Secure Sockets Layer is there to encrypt communications that occur between the website and people visiting the website.
Encrypted data works as a means to deflect third-party interruptions. Whenever someone visits a website that has SSL enabled, they will feel more secure knowing that there is a security layer in place. In a way, SSL certificates can be compared to virtual private networks—another solid online security and privacy measure.
As a side note, Google made it public that websites missing the SSL certificate are going to be penalized. Avoiding potential penalties is another incentive to incorporate Secure Socket Layer certificates.
#3 – Two-Factor Authentication
Shopify Premium users have access to the two-factor authentication for employees, but even if you do not have the premium version, you should still encourage two-step authentication. And that applies not just to you and your employees but to customers as well.
It can be annoying to take two steps to complete transactions, but the system is in place to provide security. Becoming a target of a successful hacker attack is more likely when you are using only a password.
On the other hand, introducing a second step, such as a text message to your smartphone or an email, complicates things for an attacker. They do not have access to your phone and cannot get their hands on a code.
Pro tip: Be smart about passwords. Do not use simple combinations. Instead, use complicated passwords, so they are harder to crack. And if memorizing passwords becomes too hard, take advantage of 1password or another password manager.
#4 – Alert System
Set up an alert system so that you receive notifications whenever unauthorized users are attempting to log in.
The variety of potential attackers in your store complicates things because you have to deal with different sources of threats. An alert system will make it easier to keep track and manage attacks as you or someone else who is in charge of security will be notified and can react faster.
#5 – Personal Device Security
Do not expect that your personal devices are not affecting the security of a Shopify store. Malware can transfer from your smartphone or computer and cause problems. At the very least, you should use antivirus software so that it can detect and warn you about potential threats on your device.
Top 5 Shopify Security Tools
If you are looking to secure your Shopify even more, then why not make the most out of third-party tools? We will quickly cover 5 top Shopify security tools below.
Cozy AntiTheft
One example of fraud is trying to fool people into thinking that you are presenting them with a legit website. And what better way to do that than by downloading logos, images, and other elements from the original website and using them as your own?
Cozy AntiTheft offers a system that disables copying and pasting of the text on your website, as well as prevents downloading images.
If someone wishes to copy your website, they will have a much harder time doing so with Cozy AntiTheft present.
Rewind Backups
The tool backs up orders, blogs, policies, and other website content. There are no limitations to storage, meaning that you can back up as much data as you want.
With Rewind Backups, you will feel safer knowing that you can avoid problems related to corrupted or lost files.
Shop Protector
Fake accounts and spam are a hindrance to your Shopify store. Bot comments on blog posts, form submissions, fake checkouts, and newsletter subscriptions can get out of hand if you fail to deal with the bots.
Shop Protector prevents spam without forcing legit users to complete CAPTCHAs and other annoying steps to confirm that you are a real person.
McAfee SECURE
McAfee SECURE functions as a badge of trust to let site visitors know that they are safe. The tool can be treated as a malware detector. It scans the site and deals with potential threats after identifying them.
If your website has more than 500 unique monthly visitors, you can use McAfee for free. The next time someone plans to complete the transaction and pay money at the checkout, they will feel safer seeing the McAfee badge on your site.
FraudJudge
FraudJudge allows the store to detect high-risk orders and ask for customer identification before the transaction can be completed.
Users can set custom rules to flag suspicious orders or addresses that shoppers use. Flagged orders will be paused and can only be confirmed by the store owner manually.
Closing Thoughts
All in all, Shopify is one of the most secure eCommerce solutions, but as its user, you should not get complacent. Be sure to make the most out of extra precautions, especially third-party tools that keep your website safe.
After you implement the security measures mentioned in this article, you will feel more confident about dealing with cyberattacks and other hacking attempts.
