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“I’m starting an online store with Shopify, but is it secure enough?”

“What if there’s unauthorized access or a data breach? Just thinking about it is scary!”

“What measures can I take to protect my customers’ valuable personal information?”

When running an online store, security measures are an unavoidable and paramount concern. To build customer trust, protect your valuable brand image, and most importantly, safeguard both your customers’ and your own data, comprehensive security is essential. This is especially critical in e-commerce, where money and personal information are directly exchanged, making its importance immeasurable.

Rest assured! This article, based on the latest information as of May 17, 2025, provides a thorough, professional explanation of the robust security features offered by Shopify, a globally trusted e-commerce platform, as well as specific measures store owners themselves should implement.

By reading this article, you’ll deepen your understanding of Shopify store security and be able to take concrete steps to operate your business with confidence and earn customer trust.

“Security” is the bond of trust that connects you with your customers and your store. Let’s solidify that foundation now.

Why not start building your store with peace of mind by experiencing Shopify’s secure platform for free with a 14-day trial?

Click here for your Shopify 14-day free trial↓

Why E-commerce Security Measures Are Essential: Reconfirming Their Importance

Operating an online store means taking on the responsibility of handling highly sensitive personal information, including customers’ names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and sometimes even credit card details.

If security measures are neglected and incidents like unauthorized access or data breaches occur, the damage can be immense:

  • Financial Loss: Damages from fraudulent use, compensation to customers, system recovery costs, etc.
  • Loss of Trust: Once customer trust is lost, it’s incredibly difficult to regain. Your brand image will also suffer significant damage.
  • Legal Action and Penalties: Violations of laws like the Personal Information Protection Act can lead to administrative guidance, fines, and even the risk of lawsuits.
  • Business Continuity Crisis: In the worst-case scenario, it could even lead to store closure or an inability to continue business operations.

Conversely, implementing robust security measures and providing an environment where customers feel safe shopping leads to increased sales, higher repeat purchase rates, and the building of long-term brand loyalty.

Shopify’s Core Security Features: Unwavering Peace of Mind from the Platform Itself

Before individual store owners implement specific measures, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental security features that the Shopify platform itself provides. These form the secure foundation for your store operations.

Highest Level of Reliability: PCI DSS Level 1 Compliance

Shopify is compliant with PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) Level 1, the international security standard for the credit card industry. This is the most stringent level, meaning that Shopify has established systems and processes for securely handling credit card information. In short, when you use Shopify Payments, your card information is processed in a highly secure environment.

Standard for All Stores! Communication Encryption with SSL Certificates

Have you noticed that your Shopify store’s URL starts with https://? This signifies that communication between your store and the customer’s browser is encrypted using SSL/TLS technology. Shopify automatically provides and sets up an SSL certificate for all stores for free, protecting the transmission of login information, personal data, payment details, and more.

24/7 Server Monitoring and Unauthorized Access Prevention

Shopify’s expert team monitors the entire platform’s servers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, detecting and blocking suspicious activity and unauthorized access attempts.

Regular Security Updates and Vulnerability Response

Shopify constantly keeps the platform’s security up-to-date by performing regular updates and promptly responding to potential vulnerabilities.

Advanced Protection Against DDoS Attacks

Shopify is equipped with advanced defense systems against DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks, which attempt to disrupt services by flooding them with massive amounts of malicious traffic.

Thanks to this robust foundation, store owners can focus on business growth with peace of mind.

With Shopify, basic security is ironclad! You can start your store with confidence.↓

【A Must-Read for Store Owners!】7 Security Measures You Should Implement for Your Shopify Store

Building upon the robust security foundation provided by Shopify, store owners should also actively implement their own measures to ensure even safer store operations.

1. Set Strong Passwords and Strictly Prohibit Reusing Them!

  • The Absolute Basic: For both administrator and staff accounts, set complex, hard-to-guess passwords (combining uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, preferably 12 characters or more).
  • Utilize Password Managers: Managing different strong passwords for multiple sites can be challenging. Using a password manager like 1Password or LastPass allows for secure and efficient management.
  • Consider Regular Changes: To prepare for potential leakage risks, consider changing passwords regularly (e.g., every three months).

2. Enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is an “Absolute Must”!

  • The Trump Card for Preventing Unauthorized Logins: By requiring not only a password but also a temporary verification code sent via a smartphone app (like Google Authenticator, Authy) or SMS, you can significantly prevent unauthorized logins by third parties, even if your password is compromised.
  • How to Set Up in Shopify: You can easily enable two-factor authentication for your own account and staff accounts from Shopify admin > “Settings” > “Users and permissions.” Always set this up.

3. Thoroughly Manage Staff Account Permissions

  • Principle of Least Privilege: Grant each staff account only the minimum access rights necessary for their assigned duties. For example, a blog content creator may not need access to order information.
  • Promptly Delete Accounts of Departing Staff: If a staff member leaves, immediately disable or delete their account.
  • Regularly Review Permissions: Periodically review access rights to ensure they remain appropriate as staff roles change.

4. Carefully Select and Install Only Trusted Apps

  • Thoroughly Read Shopify App Store Reviews and Ratings: When installing apps, always check user reviews and ratings, the developer’s credibility, and the last update date.
  • Remove Unused Apps: Regularly review and delete apps that you no longer use or that haven’t been updated for a long time, as they could pose security risks.
  • Verify Access Permissions: Always check which store information an app will access (customer information, order information, etc.) before installation. Be cautious of apps that request unnecessarily broad permissions.

5. Regular Store Data Backups (Preparation for the Unexpected)

  • Shopify Also Backs Up, But…: While Shopify performs platform-wide backups, it’s crucial for store owners to also implement their own backups to prepare for individual store-level issues like data deletion due to operational errors or data tampering by malicious apps.
  • What to Back Up: It’s reassuring to regularly back up product information (CSV export), customer information (CSV export), theme settings (by duplicating or downloading themes), and order information.
  • Utilize Backup Apps: Shopify apps like “Rewind Backups” enable automatic store data backups and easy restoration.

6. Utilize Fraud Order Detection Features and Monitor Carefully

  • Shopify’s Fraud Analysis: Shopify includes a basic fraud order detection feature that analyzes and displays the risk level of orders (high, medium, low). Pay special attention to orders flagged as high risk, and conduct verification such as contacting the customer if necessary.
  • More Advanced Security Apps: If you deal with high-value products or experience a high volume of fraudulent orders, it’s worth considering more advanced fraud prevention apps like “NoFraud” or “Signifyd.”

7. Maintain Security of Software and Devices Used for Store Management

  • Always Keep Up-to-Date: Always update the operating system, web browser, and security software (like antivirus programs) on the computer or smartphone you use for store management to the latest versions. Older software versions may contain vulnerabilities.
  • Access from a Secure Network Environment: It’s wise to avoid accessing your Shopify admin dashboard or entering sensitive information on public Wi-Fi networks (like those in cafes or airports), as communication can be intercepted. Use a secure home or office network, or a VPN.

Protecting Customer Information: The Importance of Personal Information Protection Laws and Privacy Policies

In Japan, operating an e-commerce site legally requires compliance with the Personal Information Protection Act.

Create and Clearly Display a Privacy Policy

You must create a “Privacy Policy” that clearly states what personal information you collect from customers, how it will be used, managed, and protected, and publish it in an easily accessible location on your store. Shopify allows you to easily generate a privacy policy template from the admin dashboard, but you must modify and add content to accurately reflect your company’s actual practices.

Proper Handling of Customer Data

Collected personal information must be handled appropriately within the scope of its intended use and strictly managed to prevent unauthorized access, leakage, or loss. Personal information that is no longer needed should be disposed of properly.

Responding to Customer Information Disclosure Requests

You must have a system in place to appropriately respond to requests from customers themselves for disclosure, correction, or cessation of use of their personal information.

What to Do If a Security Incident Occurs? Calm Response Procedures

No matter how many measures you take, it’s impossible to eliminate the possibility of a security incident (like data leakage or unauthorized access) entirely. It’s crucial to be prepared and mentally ready to respond calmly in the event of an incident.

Preparation

  • Confirm internal communication procedures and channels for consulting external experts (lawyers, security consultants) in advance for incident response.
  • Having a general outline of response steps (understanding damage, investigating cause, implementing recurrence prevention, reporting to relevant parties, notifying customers, etc.) can help prevent panic.

Initial Response During an Incident

  • Accurate Assessment of Damage: Quickly and precisely understand what happened and the extent of the impact.
  • Contact Shopify Support: If Shopify’s intervention is needed, promptly contact support and follow their instructions.
  • Consult Experts: If necessary, consult with security experts or lawyers.
  • Report to Relevant Authorities and Notify Customers: If personal information leakage occurs, you are legally obligated to report to the Personal Information Protection Commission and notify potentially affected customers.
  • Thorough Cause Investigation and Implementation of Recurrence Prevention Measures: Thoroughly investigate the cause of the incident and implement specific, concrete measures to prevent similar situations from happening again.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A) About Shopify Store Security

Q1: How does Shopify protect my credit card information?

A1: Shopify is PCI DSS Level 1 compliant, which is the most stringent international standard for securely handling credit card information. Credit card information processed through Shopify Payments is encrypted and rigorously protected within Shopify’s secure systems. Store owners cannot see customers’ full credit card numbers.

Q2: Is there a difference in security between free and paid themes?

A2: Themes provided in the Shopify Theme Store (whether free or paid) meet Shopify’s review standards, so the theme itself is unlikely to be a direct security vulnerability. However, depending on the theme’s code quality or external service integrations (e.g., if integrated by the theme developer), there’s a rare possibility that vulnerabilities could be found. It’s recommended to choose themes from trusted developers and always update to the latest version.

Q3: Do Shopify staff ever see my store’s data (like customer information or sales)?

A3: Shopify staff do not access your store’s confidential data unless given explicit permission by the store owner. In response to a support request, temporary access may be requested for problem resolution, but the purpose and scope will be clearly explained.

Q4: How can I protect my Shopify account from phishing emails?

A4: Be wary of phishing emails posing as Shopify (emails that try to trick you into clicking a link to a fake login page to steal your ID and password). Do not click links in suspicious emails. Always access the official Shopify website via your bookmarks or a search engine. Additionally, enabling two-factor authentication is highly effective.

Summary: Continuously Implement Security Measures to Protect Your Customers and Your Store!

Shopify provides an extremely secure and robust platform for e-commerce operations. However, it’s essential that we, as store owners, maintain a high level of security awareness and consistently implement daily measures.

By leveraging the security features provided by Shopify and following the measures store owners should implement, as outlined in this article, you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches, build customer trust, and confidently grow your business.

Security is not a one-time task. It requires continuously catching up on the latest information, reviewing, and improving your approach based on your store’s situation.

For your Shopify store to remain a safe and reliable place for both your customers and yourself:

Why not take the first step in building your store in Shopify’s secure environment? Experience its robustness with a 14-day free trial.

Start your secure e-commerce business with a Shopify 14-day free trial!