In today’s digital age, data breaches are a constant concern. Your customers deserve a secure online shopping experience, and Magento 2 offers built-in security features to help. However, the landscape of cyber threats is constantly evolving, with hackers becoming more sophisticated in their tactics. To stay ahead of these threats and maintain the trust of your customers, you must complement Magento’s built-in security measures with additional best practices.

So, what are Magento 2 security best practices? This guide will walk you through practical steps to bolster your eCommerce security and keep your business safe. Let’s dive in.

1. Always Update To The Latest Version

It’s crucial to emphasize that Magento 2 operates differently. Instead of tinkering with the core code, it adopts a modular approach, relying on independent services to deliver new functionality. This approach minimizes the risk of introducing unintended issues.

Furthermore, staying updated with the latest Magento 2 version is highly advisable. Each new release brings innovative features and includes vital security fixes, addressing any known vulnerabilities. To ensure your online store remains resilient against potential threats, keeping up with patch versions is an intelligent practice.

2. Get on the Two-Factor Authentication Wagon

On the internet, attackers often target the backend of your online store to wreak havoc. With Magento’s two-factor authentication (2FA), accessing your admin panel becomes far more secure.

Two-factor authentication requires users, especially administrators, to present two types of credentials to prove their identity. Password is usually the first form of authentication used. However, the second factor adds an extra layer of protection. A second factor can be a code sent via email or SMS, generated by an authenticator app, or provided by a hardware token.

Even if an unauthorized individual somehow manages to acquire your Magento 2 password, they’ll need that crucial second factor to log in. This robust approach safeguards your store from threats like keyloggers, unauthorized login attempts, data sniffing tools, and other security risks.

By implementing two-factor authentication, you significantly enhance the security of your online business, ensuring that only authorized personnel gain access to your store’s backend.

3. Encrypt Your Connections (SSL/HTTPS)

Encrypting your connections is a powerful shield against online threats for your eCommerce store. SSL certificates and small data files act as the link between your Magento store and a security key.

When installed on your web server, SSL certificates work like magic, activating the padlock symbol and enabling the secure Magento HTTPS protocol. This creates a protective connection from your server to the user’s web browser.

By using encrypted connections, you’re securing your store and sending a clear message to your customers that their safety matters to you. When they spot the padlock icon and “HTTPS” in your URL, it instills trust and confidence.

Moreover, employing encrypted connections helps you stay compliant with PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard), as it mandates SSL certificates for checkout pages. So, it’s a win-win for security and customer trust.

4. Avoid Weak Passwords

Passwords matter. Strong ones are complex and unique and include a mix of characters. Avoid using easily predictable information such as birthdays or names to enhance your security. A solid password is your defense against hackers probing for weak links in Magento security.

5. Make Use of Magento reCAPTCHA

Say goodbye to those old CAPTCHAs that made users decode distorted text or puzzles. reCAPTCHA, developed by Google, is the modern solution. It uses advanced techniques to distinguish humans from bots.

ReCAPTCHA provides enhanced security, accessibility, and a smoother user experience compared to traditional CAPTCHAs.

6. Change Your Admin Dashboard URL to Something Unique

The default admin URL in Magento is “/admin,” making it an easy target for brute-force attacks. Changing it to something unique adds an extra layer of security, reducing the risk of security breaches.

To do this, access the admin panel and navigate to Stores > Configuration > Advanced > Admin > Admin Base URL. From there, select a custom admin URL or path.

7. Make Sure Your Site is Backed Up Regularly

While Magento offers robust security, it’s wise to remember that no system is entirely immune to risks. Regular backups are your safety net.

Backing up Magento 2 ensures you can recover files, databases, and media if needed. Use an FTP client to download your site data and keep them safe in your account. Additionally, you can use phpMyAdmin to export your database for added security and peace of mind.

8. Leverage Firewall to Prevent MySQL Injection

A firewall is the ultimate defense mechanism to ensure protection against MySQL injection in Magento. Its main job is to thwart malicious requests that aim to manipulate the database using SQL commands.

MySQL injection is a hacking technique where attackers tamper with SQL queries, potentially gaining unauthorized access, stealing data, or causing harm. A firewall prevents this by:

• Blocking requests with suspicious patterns or characters.
• Scanning for known signs of MySQL injection, like SQL keywords or error messages.
• Maintaining an IP, URL, or domain allowlist/blacklist.
• Logging and reporting MySQL injection attempts, enabling prompt action.
•  Monitoring and documenting MySQL injection attempts, ensuring immediate response.

A firewall protects against data breaches, fraud, and damage to your store’s reputation.

9. Beef Up Security With Magento Security Extensions

Magento security extensions are like specialized patches that e-store owners use to boost their defenses. These extensions enhance security in various ways, such as:

• Spam Killer: Blocking spambots to prevent form submissions.
• MegaFirewall Security: Defending against online threats like XSS, brute force, and SQL injection.
• Two-Factor Authentication: Adding an extra layer of security to admin logins.

You can explore these extensions, installation guides, and more details on Magento 2 security patches from online stores and GitHub repositories. They’re invaluable tools for safeguarding your online store.

10. Run The Magento Scan Tool

Magento store owners can enhance their security practices with the Magento scan tool. Regular scans help monitor for threats, malware, and security issues. Store owners can maintain an up-to-date and secure site by acting on scan results.

The Magento 2 security scan tool offers a handy checklist with tips to protect your site against online threats. It’s a valuable resource for safeguarding your online store.

Ensuring security in today’s digital landscape is more than choosing a reliable platform with cutting-edge technology. It’s about going the extra mile to cover all vulnerabilities.

Imagine the impact on your business if you lost or corrupted critical data without a backup. Backups provide continuity, minimizing downtime.

The tips discussed are best practices every Magento store owner should adopt as standard operating procedures. Implementing these practices is crucial for the success of your store in the face of modern cyber threats.

To bolster your security further, let’s discuss your security status and discover how we can enhance it.