Want to protect your eCommerce store and customer data? Start with access control. By limiting who can access sensitive systems and data, you can reduce security risks, prevent breaches, and comply with Australian laws like the Privacy Act 1988.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Main Risks: Weak passwords and stolen credentials can lead to data breaches, fraud, and legal penalties.
- Key Tools: Shopify Plus offers features like two-factor authentication (2FA), IP restrictions, and permission-based roles to secure your store.
- Best Practices: Regularly audit permissions, train staff on security, and monitor login activity to catch suspicious behaviour early.
Take action now: Set up access controls, enforce password policies, and keep your store secure with ongoing reviews and updates.
Key Security Risks in eCommerce
Main Security Threats
eCommerce businesses are under constant threat from unauthorised system access. Hackers often exploit weak account controls or compromised credentials to infiltrate backend systems.
Data breaches can expose sensitive customer information, such as payment details and personal data. In Australia, this could trigger mandatory notifications under the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme.
Stolen login details can also lead to account takeovers, resulting in fraud and a loss of customer trust.
Cost of Security Failures
Security breaches come with significant costs. Businesses face expenses for breach response, system recovery, and ensuring legal compliance. Downtime and additional staffing needs further cut into profits and damage customer confidence.
Repeated non-compliance with the Privacy Act 1988 can result in severe financial penalties.
Using access control tools, like those available with Shopify Plus, can help protect against both external and internal threats. The importance of these controls is explored in the next sections.
Managing Risk: eCommerce Security Strategies
Access Control Features That Protect Your Store
Shopify Plus offers strong tools to help safeguard your store from potential threats.
2FA and IP Controls
With two-factor authentication (2FA), Shopify Plus adds an extra layer of security by requiring both a password and a time-sensitive code for account access.
IP controls let you limit access to approved IP addresses. This is particularly useful for remote teams or businesses with multiple office locations.
Key features for administrators include:
- Enforcing 2FA across all staff accounts
- Setting up IP whitelists
- Tracking login attempts from unapproved locations
- Receiving alerts for any suspicious access activity
These measures work together to address potential risks while ensuring that authorised users can access your store without hassle.
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Setting Up Access Control Rules
Setting up strong access control policies is a key step in safeguarding your store. Here’s how to manage access effectively to protect your business while keeping operations seamless. These measures work alongside other security controls to ensure only the right people have the right access.
Define Staff Roles
Start by defining roles based on job functions, not individual names. Assign only the access necessary for each role. For instance, customer service staff may need access to orders and customer details, while marketing teams might require tools for managing products and promotions.
When creating roles, keep these points in mind:
- Limit permissions to what’s absolutely necessary.
- Set up separate roles for each department.
- Clearly document the criteria for each role’s permissions.
- Use temporary roles for contractors or short-term staff.
Check Permissions Monthly
Regular audits are essential to keep access appropriate and secure as your team grows or changes. Conduct monthly reviews to:
- Confirm user accounts match current staff.
- Adjust permissions when responsibilities shift.
- Remove access for former employees.
- Look for unusual login patterns or activity.
Keep a record of each audit for accountability and future reference.
Password Rules and Security Standards
Use the following table to implement and maintain password and security standards:
| Security Measure | Requirement | Review Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Password Length | Minimum 12 characters | Monthly |
| Password Complexity | Include numbers, symbols, and mixed case | Monthly |
| Password History | Prevent reuse of the last 5 passwords | Quarterly |
| Account Lockout | Lock out after 5 failed attempts for 30 mins | Weekly |
| Session Timeout | Auto logout after 2 hours of inactivity | Monthly |
| Password Changes | Require password updates every 90 days | Quarterly |
| Security Alerts | Enable alerts for failed login attempts | Weekly |
| Device List | Maintain a list of approved devices | Monthly |
| Policy Changes | Document all updates to security policies | As needed |
These measures ensure your system stays secure and up to date, reducing vulnerabilities and enhancing overall safety.
Track User Actions
Keeping an eye on your store’s login records is a smart way to spot any unusual activity that might indicate a security issue. Regular checks can help you catch problems early.
Check Login Records
Here’s how to review login records effectively:
- Look at login times and flag any attempts outside standard hours (9:00 AM–5:00 PM AEST).
- Note down IP addresses and login locations to identify anything out of the ordinary.
- Keep an eye on failed login attempts, which could signal brute-force attacks.
Set up a consistent schedule for these reviews. This helps you understand normal patterns and quickly spot anything unusual. Tracking user actions regularly strengthens your overall security approach, especially when paired with staff training and periodic access checks.
Long-term Security Tips
Building on access control rules, these measures help keep your online store secure over time.
Staff Security Training
Hold monthly security briefings to keep your team aware of potential risks. Focus on:
- New phishing tactics targeting eCommerce teams
- Proper customer data handling
- Secure password practices
- Identifying suspicious login attempts
Include security protocols in your onboarding process for new employees. Use practical exercises, like recognising fake login pages and responding to security threats. Update your store’s security handbook every three months.
Regular Access Reviews
Keep your access management system organised by:
- Quarterly Role Reviews: Ensure permission levels align with current job roles.
- Immediate Updates: Revoke access promptly when staff change roles or leave the company.
Security Updates Schedule
- Weekly Tasks: Run security scans every Monday and review any flagged activity immediately.
- Monthly Updates: On the first Tuesday of every month:
- Check for new Shopify Plus security tools
- Update staff access protocols
- Review logs and test emergency procedures
- Quarterly Reviews: After completing monthly updates, conduct a detailed quarterly review:
- Test all security features
- Refresh emergency contact lists
- Update security training materials
- Verify compliance with current eCommerce security standards
Log all updates and changes carefully to track vulnerabilities before they escalate. Set up automated alerts for critical security events to respond quickly and maintain robust protection for your store.
Conclusion: Secure Your Store with Shopify Plus
Shopify Plus provides tools to safeguard your eCommerce business by adding extra layers of protection to sensitive data and key operations.
Work with experienced professionals like Alinga, who bring over 20 years of expertise, to fine-tune your access controls and ensure they meet industry standards.
Focus on these key steps:
- Set detailed staff permissions to control access.
- Enable two-factor authentication and use IP-based access restrictions.
- Create clear access review protocols to regularly evaluate permissions.
- Keep thorough security logs and monitor them for unusual activity.
These measures fit smoothly into your broader eCommerce security plan.
Remember, security isn’t a one-time task – it’s an ongoing process. Stick to a regular schedule for reviews, staff training, and updates to minimise risks like unauthorised access or data breaches. This consistent effort strengthens the security framework you’ve put in place.
Combine these controls with:
- Monthly security checks
- Quarterly audits of permissions
- Automated alerts for unusual activity
- Routine updates to security protocols
