Shopify Store Set Up

How to Prevent Hacking on Shopify

Last modified: December 23, 2025

About 50% of all small businesses will be targeted by cybercriminals within any year. Online stores are very big targets because they often have user details on them which are great for criminals to collect and sell or use in other criminals activities.

However, there are ways that you can protect your website from being hacked.

Key Takeaways

Implement two-factor authentication for all staff accounts to enhance security.

Keep all website apps and software up-to-date to close security gaps.

Regularly back up your Shopify store to safeguard against data loss.

Does Shopify have a Massive Hacking Problem?

Shopify is one of the most secure platforms when it comes to hosting a website online. This is partly because it isn’t open-sourced like WordPress or Joomla. Therefore, there are fewer places where code can be altered by anyone. The vulnerabilities are normally found within areas where apps and themes interact with the code.

That doesn’t mean that Shopify hasn’t experienced hacking problems. One person in 2021 lost $55,000 from a hacking incident. But, the biggest vulnerability is with the human user of websites. There are several ways that human error can cause a potential for hacking including:
Using the same username and password between different accounts on different services. If another server (like LinkedIn, Facebook, Google and more) is hacked and you use the same account details, then you are making your website vulnerable.
Accessing emails that are not from recognized people and downloading files from these emails or accessing phishing websites and entering in information.
Writing down credentials for your Shopify account and then losing them in public.
Sharing credentials for your Shopify account with anyone.
Not deleting the credentials or accounts for former staff members/customers.

You can also have technical problems that can make your website more likely to be hacked. This can include:

Not updating software when it is available. Most updates are there to fix security gaps.
Not using a Security app on your Shopify store. If in doubt, here is a good one you can use.

How to Prevent Hacking on Shopify

To prevent hacking on your Shopify website, there are a couple of things you can do. The first is to ensure that you are using the best security app on your Shopify website. You should also look at your login processes. Staff should be required to have two-factor authentication on your website. This can help you protect your website.

Finally, you can protect your website by keeping your website’s apps completely up-to-date. This is easily done on any Shopify store.

Finally, ensure that you don’t have too many security gaps. Look at the list above and see whether or not you can protect your website from those actions. And always ensure that you have a backup of your Shopify store just in case something does happen to your website.

Recommended: 13 Best Apps to Backup Your Shopify Store - 2026

#	Name	Image
1		Rewind Backups
2		Backup
3		ExIm ‑ Export / Import data
4		Excelify
5		Xporter Data Export Tool
6		EZ Exporter ‑ Data Exports
7		Automatic Backups
8		ThemeWatch ‑ theme backup tool
9		Theme Backup
10		Plug in Backup
11		Export Import Data
12		Theme Save
13		Data Backups & Recovery
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FAQs

How often should I change my Shopify admin password?

It’s recommended to change your Shopify admin password every 3-6 months. This helps reduce the risk of unauthorized access if your password becomes compromised.
Can I restrict access to my Shopify admin by IP address?

Yes, Shopify allows you to set up IP address restrictions for accessing your admin panel. This adds an extra layer of security by only allowing approved IP addresses.
What should I do if I suspect my Shopify store has been hacked?

If you suspect your Shopify store has been compromised, immediately change your admin password and enable 2FA. Contact Shopify support for further assistance in securing your account.

Enhancing Shopify Safety and Security

Shopify’s robust platform offers various safety and security measures to safeguard your online store, but understanding and implementing additional protections can significantly enhance your store’s defense against cyber threats.

One effective strategy is adding CAPTCHA to your store’s forms. This simple action can prevent automated software from executing malicious activities, thereby protecting your Shopify store from spam and potentially harmful bots.

Moreover, the security of your store can be further fortified by enabling 2-step authentication for all user accounts. This method adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of identification, which drastically reduces the risk of unauthorized access. This is particularly crucial for protecting your Shopify store from hackers, who often exploit weak or stolen credentials.

In the unfortunate event that your store is compromised, recovering your store after a hack by having a recent backup of your store’s data can be a lifesaver. Swift action and a clear recovery plan can help minimize damage and restore your store’s operations.

Additionally, implementing strategies for reducing fraud, such as using advanced fraud detection tools and closely monitoring transactions, can prevent financial losses and protect both your business and your customers.

By taking these proactive steps, you can significantly enhance the security of your Shopify store, ensuring a safer shopping environment for your customers and a more secure business operation for yourself.

Conclusion: How to Prevent Hacking on Shopify

Prevention is better than a cure when it comes to hacking and your website. So be sure that you follow the advice above to ensure that your website is protected from hackers. But don’t be fooled, there is always the opportunity for hackers that you don’t see.

Written by:

Lindsey Perry

I have 5+ years of experience with Shopify and 15+ years of experiences on other eCommerce platforms. My theme reviews are designed to help store owners find the best theme for them.