As online shopping continues to grow, so do the risks for online store owners. With Shopify powering over 4 million stores globally, cyber threats like data breaches, phishing attacks, and malicious bots are more frequent than ever.
But here’s the good news: Shopify already takes care of many core security elements. However, as a store owner, you still have a vital role to play in protecting your customer data, transactions, and your brand’s reputation.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll share the must-know Shopify security tips for 2025 — practical steps you can take today to make your store more secure, reliable, and trustworthy.
Why Shopify Store Security Matters
- Customer trust is built on secure transactions.
- Data breaches can lead to legal liability and loss of sales.
- Google penalizes insecure websites, hurting SEO and traffic.
- Fraudulent orders and stolen data can impact your bottom line.
Use Strong Admin Credentials
Your Shopify account is your store’s control panel. Using weak passwords or sharing credentials can be disastrous.
Tips:
- Use a strong, unique password with a mix of symbols, uppercase, numbers.
- Never use the same password for Shopify and other platforms.
- Enable two-step authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of protection.
- Avoid logging into Shopify from public Wi-Fi or unknown devices.
Enable Two-Step Authentication (2FA)
Shopify offers 2FA for all staff and admin accounts. This means even if someone steals your password, they can’t log in without your device.
How to set it up:
- Go to Settings > Users and Permissions
- Select your account and click Enable Two-Step Authentication
- Choose SMS or authenticator app (recommended: Google Authenticator)
Limit Staff Permissions
If you have staff members or VAs accessing your store, grant only the permissions they need.
Example:
- A content writer doesn’t need access to payment settings.
- A fulfillment agent shouldn’t edit themes.
Always use the principle of least privilege.
Use Secure and Trusted Apps Only
Shopify’s app store has thousands of plugins—but not all are created equal.
Checklist before installing:
- Check reviews and ratings
- Read their privacy policies
- Avoid apps that require unnecessary permissions
- Remove unused apps regularly
- Use Shopify-approved or Plus-certified apps when handling sensitive data
Always Use SSL and HTTPS
Shopify automatically provides an SSL certificate for your domain. Make sure:
- Your custom domain uses HTTPS (secure protocol)
- There are no mixed content warnings (like HTTP images on HTTPS pages)
- Avoid redirects that can expose traffic to man-in-the-middle attacks
Monitor Store Activity Logs
Shopify’s admin panel lets you track:
- Logins
- Staff activities
- Changes to orders or settings
Review logs regularly under Settings > Store Activity. If you see suspicious activity, change passwords and notify Shopify support immediately.
Educate Your Team on Phishing and Social Engineering
Phishing emails are a top entry point for attackers.
Common tactics:
- Fake Shopify login pages
- Emails claiming “urgent payment issues”
- Fraudulent refund requests from “customers”
Train your team to:
- Verify email domains (e.g., official emails come from @shopify.com)
- Never click unknown links or download attachments
- Confirm sensitive requests verbally when in doubt
Backup Your Store Data (Even If Shopify Does Too)
While Shopify keeps internal backups, you should have your own external backups, especially for:
- Product listings
- Theme code
- Customer data (in compliance with privacy laws)
Use apps like:
- Rewind Backups
- BackupMaster
- ThemeWatch for theme version control
Regularly Audit Installed Themes and Code
If you or your developers customize your theme:
- Check for malicious scripts or outdated plugins
- Remove unused scripts and old apps
- Run security scans on custom JavaScript
Avoid using pirated themes from unofficial sources. These are often embedded with malware.
Stay Compliant with Privacy Laws (GDPR, CCPA)
Security isn’t just technical—it’s also legal.
Ensure your store:
- Has an updated privacy policy and terms
- Allows customers to opt out of tracking or request data deletion
- Uses cookie consent banners (especially for EU visitors)
Apps like GDPR/CCPA Compliance Manager can simplify this process.
Bonus: Use Shopify’s Built-in Security Tools
Shopify includes several tools and features to enhance security:
- Bot Protection on Checkout
- Fraud Analysis on every order
- PCI-DSS compliance for secure payment processing
- Shopify Protect for chargeback prevention on eligible orders
Recommended Security Apps for Shopify (2025)
| App Name | Purpose |
| Rewind Backups | Automatic data backup |
| Locksmith | Page and content locking |
| Shop Protector | Bot blocking and spam protection |
| Cozy AntiTheft | Prevent right-click & copy |
| FraudBlock | Fraudulent order auto-cancellation |
What to Do if Your Store Is Compromised
- Immediately reset passwords for all accounts
- Remove suspicious apps or code
- Contact Shopify Support
- Notify customers (if sensitive data was affected)
- Perform a full security audit before relaunching
Final Thoughts: Security is Ongoing
Shopify handles most of the heavy lifting when it comes to hosting and payments—but you are the first line of defense.
Start implementing these security tips today to:
- Protect your customer data
- Keep your business safe
- Build long-term trust and credibility
Ready to secure your Shopify store? Start with 2FA and a security audit today—because prevention is always better than recovery.
