Last updated - November 20, 2023
Magento has undeniably become one of the most significant and influential platforms in the eCommerce industry. Magento was launched in 2008 and quickly gained traction because of its extensive array of features that offered comprehensive solutions for almost any online selling scenario.
With a vast library of plug-ins, extensions, and themes, online merchants can enhance their stores’ functionality and appearance, anytime they like, ensuring a seamless shopping experience for customers.
It offers unparalleled flexibility and scalability that enable businesses of all sizes to create tailor-made online stores that meet their unique requirements. In simple words, Magento revolutionized the way businesses conducted online transactions.
Furthermore, Magento has the ability to support multiple stores from a single backend simplifies management for merchants with multiple brands or regional stores. But, what remains at the top of everything is Magento Security which makes it more potent. As the eCommerce section sees tremendous growth, so do cyber threats and frauds.
Since the financial transaction is one of the mandatory features of an eCommerce app/website, merchants cannot take any risk in reinforcing the security of their apps. In this post, we discuss essential security tips that will help online business owners make their sites safer.
Types of Security Threats Faced by Magento-Powered eCommerce Sites
The hard truth is that no matter how strong a platform claims to be, it cannot become hundred percent secure. It is next to impossible to make a website completely immune to security threats.
But thankfully, there are ways to thwart them if users become aware of the types of attacks that can be attempted on their apps. The same applies to Magento too. So before we move on to the tips, let’s learn about the types of security threats faced by Magento-powered sites/apps.
- Brute Force Attacks: Cybercriminals often attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Magento admin panel by systematically trying different combinations of usernames and passwords. Sometimes, unfortunately, they get a hit.
- SQL Injection (SQLi): Hackers try to exploit vulnerabilities present in web application code. They use the vulnerabilities to inject malicious SQL queries, which give them access and the ability to manipulate the website’s database.
- Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF): This cyber attack method involves tricking authenticated users into unknowingly performing actions on the Magento site that they did not intend to, which can lead to unauthorized actions or transactions.
- Outdated Software: Failing to update Magento, including themes, plugins, or extensions can lead to security vulnerabilities. That’s because hackers are constantly looking for such exposure to exploit known weaknesses in outdated software.
- Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): In this method, attackers put malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. When the infected page is visited by a user, the script executes, potentially compromising the session or stealing sensitive information.
- Insecure Extensions and Themes: Given that, a lot of third-party extensions and themes are used nowadays, attackers look for ones that are not developed securely. Such extensions can contain vulnerabilities and can potentially grant attackers access to the site.
- Session Hijacking: This occurs when the session management is weak. Hackers can hijack an authenticated user’s session and gain unauthorized access.
Tips for Protecting Your Magento eCommerce Store
There can be several ways in which a hacker can attack your Magento site to steal information and data. But there are also ways to prevent and protect your site from threats.
Given below are some valuable tips that will help keep your site protected from malicious cyber attacks.
Regularly Updating Your Magento Site
Keeping your Magento installation, themes, and extensions up to date is crucial for ensuring better security. Magento regularly releases security patches and updates to address known vulnerabilities.
Since hackers mostly go for outdated software, staying upgraded with the latest version of Magento helps protect your store from known threats.
Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication
Practice the use of strong, unique passwords for all user accounts, including administrators. A strong password should be long and should contain a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
Additionally, you can also enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security. This requires users to provide a second form of verification like an OTP sent to their mobile number, after entering their password.
Secure Hosting Environment
A secure hosting environment can be very effective against cyber attacks. Select a reputable hosting provider and try to pick one that specializes in Magento hosting. Look for features like firewall protection, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and distributed denial of service (DDoS) protection.
Also, be regular with server updates as they are crucial to patch known vulnerabilities and protect against emerging threats.
Use HTTPS/SSL
You need to safeguard your Magento store with HTTPS/SSL for the encryption of data transmitted between the server and the end-user browser. SSL certificates create a secure connection and protect sensitive information like login credentials and payment details.
Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF)
A Web Application Firewall (WAF) acts as a barrier between hackers and your Magento store. It monitors and filters incoming traffic, and blocks suspicious activities like SQL injections, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other common exploits.
Regular Backups
This is a must. Regularly backing up your Magento database and files is a smart and necessary move. In case of any security breach or data loss, frequent backups will allow you to take necessary measures without the fear of data loss. You can restore your store to its previous state and minimize potential damage.
Secure Payment Gateways
This one should be emphasized. Use trusted and PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) compliant payment gateways to process transactions securely. Use tokenization instead of storing credit card information on your servers.
Monitor and Audit Logs
Monitor access logs and audit logs on a regular basis as this will help in the detection of any suspicious activities or unauthorized access attempts. Thorough log analysis can also provide valuable insights into potential security threats.
Security Scans and Penetration Testing
Conduct regular security scans and penetration testing to find and fix security issues. You can also use specific third-party security tools and services that can help identify weaknesses that may not be apparent through regular checks.
Implement Security Extensions
Try to use reputable security extensions and modules that are specifically available for Magento. These extensions can add extra layers of security and enhance the platform’s built-in security features.
But if you want your own custom-made extensions for your Magento store, then the best option is to hire Magento eCommerce development services from a reputable Magento development company.
Summing Up
Magento’s significance in the eCommerce industry stems from its comprehensive features, security, multi-store support, and thriving community. From small start-ups to large enterprises, the platform caters to the needs of various businesses, empowering them to grow and adapt effortlessly.
But as the digital marketplace has evolved, so have the cyber threats. That’s why it’s crucial to implement detailed Magento security measures which can significantly enhance the safety of your Magento eCommerce store, protect customer data, and reduce the risk of potential security breaches.
