12 Ways to Make Your Magento Ecommerce Store More Secure

01 Aug 2019

Mike Patel

Approximately 240,000 e-commerce stores use Magento for their online operations. This accounts for almost up to 30% of all shops on the e-commerce platform market making it the world’s most famous e-commerce platform. It is common for hackers to attack the biggest and the best, and Magento is no exception here. To curb this issue, Magento keeps releasing new security patches to keep the sites of their consumers secure. Even so, it is your responsibility to make Magento Site Secure. There are several security settings, customizations and other additional practices you can implement to keep your Magento e-store secure.

1. Scan Your Magento Website

Make sure your Magento store is scanned by a professional security expert. The expert will carry out security tests to unravel any security loopholes, give you a quick, detailed report about its security status and advice you on how to fix the possible vulnerabilities. Magento websites provide a list of sections such as the patches installed and those that are pending. In case of a credit card hijack attempt, it tells you what may have caused it and provides solutions to fix various issues.

2. Have a secure Password in Place

A password is a primary key to your Magento website. Today, there are many algorithms and multiple ways to crack a password. Simple passwords like “admin123” are very easy to crack. To avoid such an incident, create strong passwords using numeric letters, uppercase letters, and special characters. Also, do not use your Magento password with any other application. Practice using different passwords for different websites or applications.

3. Use the most recent Magento version

Update your Magento to the latest version to give 100% security to your business and customers. Anyone telling you that the new version is not good is lying to you. Magento continually gets updated to keep of hackers. The latest Magento versions fix any security issues with the preceding ones. Therefore, it is essential that you stay up to date about the most recent Magento Version.

4. Disable directory indexing

Most web servers come with their directory indexing turned on by default. When indexing is turned on, anyone can access the files contained in your directory, thereby making your website vulnerable to attacks. Disabling the directory indexing enables you to hide the different pathways through which your separate domain files are stored. This is a great way to make your Magento site secure.

5. Effective Backup Plan

Although you already have sufficient Magento security plans for your website, it is equally essential that you have a proper backup plan. Put a daily and an off-site backup plan in place. This way, if a hacker is successful in hacking your site, you can restore the website with minimal or no data loss.

6. Modify the admin path

Another efficient way to make your Magento site secure is through configuring a custom path for the administrator panel. If your admin login page is easily traceable, it only means you are prone to cyber attacks. Most hackers use scripts that are specially designed to monitor the admin path of your login page. Hence, concealing the path to your Magento admin panel can help keep them off your website. Although this tactic does not provide complete immunity to brute force attacks, it helps to deflect the attacks relying on the scripts.

7. Two-factor authentication

In this day and age, a Magento password is not enough. You need to incorporate the double authentication to keep your e-store secure. These two extensions offer two-factor authentication to ensure your ward off password linked Magento is safe from security risks. They include;

Rublon– Rublon provides a layer of stealth, which allows trusted devices access to your Magento website.
Extendware – This extension enables you to implement a complex verification mechanism which includes limiting multiple logs in attempts.

8. Prevent MySQL injection

Magento Security provides unmatched support for outmaneuvering any MySQL injection attacks with its new versions and patches. However, it is not advisable to rely entirely on them. Preferably, add web application firewalls such as NAX to keep your site and customers safe.

9. Encrypt your connections using HTTPS or SSL

Data that is sent over insecure connections is very susceptible to interception by third parties. A correctly set Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificate ensures all sensitive data such as customer details, login credentials, and credit card detail is secure. What’s more, you will gain more trust amongst your consumers for providing them with a safe shopping experience.

In Magento, you can secure your HTTPS/SSL URL by checking the tab “use secure URLs” in the system configuration menu. Doing this makes your Magento website compliant with PCI data security standard and securing your online transactions. Obtain an affordable SSL certificate from an authorized SSL provider and properly install it on your Magento Store.

10. Use superior quality anti-virus software

On an enterprise level, using free antivirus software puts your business at risk of hackers. Instead, invest in superior quality antivirus that can protect all your sensitive data from pilferage and plug all security leaks. Also, do not forget to update your antivirus software regularly.

11. Whitelist known IP addresses

This is by far the best way to make your Magento secure. By whitelisting a particular select group of IP addresses, it means you are only giving access to the admin panel trying to access the site through that IP. Therefore, even if the hacker knows the admin URL path, they cannot access your site because his IP address will not be allowed access to the admin panel.

12. Do away with FTP

FTP protocol was created when the internet was still new, and security was not an issue at the time. Today, the use of FTP is highly discouraged since authorization is performed with plain text making it easily intercepted. Instead, use SFTP that uses a private key file for decryption or authenticating a user.

Magento is a robust platform to sell your products. And although it offers regular security patches, it is prudent for users to follow the best practices in the industry to make their websites as secure as possible. Try implementing the precautionary measures mentioned above to shield your site from security attacks.

Mike Patel

Mike Patel is the Founder and CEO of ioVista, a leading digital commerce agency specializing in eCommerce solutions. With a strong background in business and technology, Mike Patel has been at the forefront of driving digital transformations for businesses. He has successfully navigated the ever-changing landscape of eCommerce, helping companies leverage the power of online platforms to grow their brand, increase revenues, and optimize their digital presence. Under his leadership, ioVista has become a trusted partner with major technology companies: Adobe/Magento, Google, BigCommerce, Shopify, and Yahoo. He is dedicated to staying ahead of industry trends, adopting cutting-edge technologies, and continuously improving strategies to provide clients with a competitive edge. Mike’s commitment to excellence and client satisfaction is evident in every project ioVista undertakes.