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How to Recover a Shopify Website after a Hack
Last modified: April 18, 2024
Cybercrime is a massive problem across the world. Shopify is no stranger to it. An app was found to have a vulnerability in 2019 that leaked the details of 10,000 stores across the internet. The concern was fixed, and Shopify has spent millions in searching for and resolving other issues. However, the biggest concern with Shopify security is human error.
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What is Human Error and Hacking?
Human error is when the actions of the person make the hacking possible. This does not include software issues that a developer has done. These sorts of activities include giving data away to criminals through phishing emails, or they could have stolen log in details from another site that is also used on Shopify.
These human errors can account for almost two-thirds of all the hacking cases available.
How to Spot a Shopify Website that has been Hacked
Several signs may show when your website has been hacked. Here are some of those signs:
- Google may show that your website has been hacked.
- New pages suddenly appear on your website.
- You get an ‘Account Suspended’ message on your Shopify store.
- The website is blacklisted by Google.
- Your website becomes slow.
- Google Ads are disapproved for software on your website.
How to Fix a Hacked Shopify Website
To fix this problem, there are several things that you can do. Here is a list of activities to help you.
- See which user has made changes to your website through the yourstore.myshopify.com/admin/activity page.
- Check the recent login history and the permissions to see if there are staff accounts that have been changed.
- Check for strange activity by looking at accounts for location, date, ISP, IP address and the location of the login.
- Reach out to the Shopify support team.
- Re-create all the accounts, emails and re-assign new passwords.
- Enable Two-factor Authorization on your account with SMS.
- Do not use a password manager on your website.
- Enable a Two-step authentication process on your website. This prevents those who have your website from still using it.
- Remove email as a backup.
- Use the Google Auth app.
- Ensure there is a backup of your store and restores it when there is a hacking problem.
- Change passwords across your accounts. Ensure that you don’t have the same password for two accounts.
- Ensure you have a good Shopify security app on your Shopify website.
Enhancing Shopify Website Security
Understanding Vulnerabilities
Shopify, while robust in its safety and security measures, is not immune to threats. Hackers often exploit vulnerabilities in third-party apps and outdated software.
Regular updates and cautious use of apps are crucial for maintaining security.
Immediate Response to Hacks
In the event of a hack, immediate action is key. Changing passwords, reviewing user accounts, and contacting Shopify support should be your first steps.
Regular monitoring for unauthorized changes is also essential for early detection.
Preventive Measures
Implementing strong, unique passwords, using two-factor authentication, and educating staff on security best practices are fundamental steps to protect your Shopify store from hacks and other potential threats. for additional security measures, you can add a CAPTCHA to protect your store from spam.
Recovering from a Shopify Hack
Assessing the Damage
Post-hack, it’s vital to assess the extent of the damage. Check for unauthorized content, altered pages, and potential backdoors left by hackers. Comparing current files with backups can help identify changes.
Restoring and Cleaning
Restoring your site from a clean backup is a critical step in recovery. Ensure all software is up-to-date and remove any unnecessary plugins or apps. Change all passwords again after cleaning to secure your site.
Post-Recovery Actions
After recovery, verify your site’s ownership in search consoles and request a review from Google to remove any flags. Continuously monitor your site and maintain stringent security practices to prevent future attacks and reducing fraudulent activities.
Conclusion: How to Recover a Shopify Website after a Hack
About 50% of all stores will suffer from a website hack at some point. Online stores are prime targets because they often contain lots of information that cybercriminals can use to steal money from others. Not only that, criminals can take money directly from your store. If you think you’ve been hacked, start to implement some actions above to ensure that you are protecting your customers.
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Can a hacked Shopify site affect my search engine rankings?
A hacked Shopify site can negatively impact your search engine rankings, especially if it leads to downtime or if search engines detect malware.
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How do I restore lost data after a Shopify site hack?
To restore lost data, use a recent backup of your Shopify store. If you don’t have a backup, you may need to manually recreate the lost content or seek assistance from Shopify support.
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How long does it take to recover a Shopify site after a hack?
The recovery time varies depending on the extent of the hack and the speed of your response. It can take anywhere from a few hours to several days to fully secure and restore your site.
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