When you run an online store, you have the responsibility of handling confidential customer data, including personal information, payment data, and order history. As cyber threats continue to increase, data breaches will become more frequent. Thus, defending your OsCommerce store from being hacked is more than recommended, it is a requirement! A secure, safe online shop preserves trust with your customers, helps you stay in compliance with regulations, and helps you to develop the reputation and brand of your business.
In this blog we will deep dive into the importance of OsCommerce security, common types of vulnerability, and what you can do to secure your store.
Why Is Security Important in OsCommerce
OsCommerce is one of the world’s most used open-source eCommerce platforms, and many businesses utilize OsCommerce every day. When we talk about being open-source, it means you are trusting a fair number of people to not expose vulnerabilities on the system’s lifecycle, if not used properly. If you do not maintain good security with OsCommerce:
- Customer payment details can be taken.
- Your online store can be taken offline through hacks.
- Traffic can be diverted to a rogue website through malware injections.
- Your brand’s reputation and sales can be severely disrupted.
The importance of securing OsCommerce; is to be proactive, before vulnerabilities are exploited by attackers.
Common Security Risks in OsCommerce Stores
- Outdated OsCommerce Versions – Old versions are often vulnerable to known exploits.
- Weak Passwords & User Authentication – Easy-to-guess passwords make it simple for attackers to gain access.
- Unsecured Extensions or Add-ons – Third-party plugins may contain security loopholes.
- Unencrypted Data Transfer – Lack of SSL certificates can expose customer data.
- Improper File Permissions – Misconfigured permissions may give hackers access to sensitive files.
Top 10 Ways to Secure Your OsCommerce Store
1. Regular Product Updates
Be sure to always run the latest stable version of OsCommerce. When an update is released for OsCommerce, it is often to close a known vulnerability with a security update.
2. Enforce Strong Authentication
- Enforce strong passwords for admin accounts.
- Require 2FA (two-factor authentication) for admins, if possible.
- Change admin credentials on a regular basis.
3. Install SSL Certificates
Implement HTTPS on your entire store. When entering sensitive information, we always want to ensure security and a secure connection between a customer and your website.
4. Restrict File Permissions
Allow write permissions to your files only where required. Sensitive directories (i.e. /admin/ and /includes/) should never be open to the world for writing.
5. Regular Backups
Make sure you are automating backups of your store database as well as files. This is essential to your business continuity if a cyber attack occurs or if it is necessary to revert a change made to your store.
6. Use Trusted Extensions
Do not download plugins or themes from unverified sources. Always scan these for vulnerabilities before adding them to your web store.
7. Restrict Access to Your Admin Panel
- Change the name of the admin folder from its default folder name.
- Only allow specific IP addresses to access the admin panel.
- Consider including CAPTCHA on login pages.
8. Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF)
A WAF will block malicious traffic from entering your website and will block SQL injections, XSS and brute force attacks.
9. Monitor and Audit Activity
Setup monitoring and alerts for admin logins, failed logins and any unusual activity.
10. Stay Compliant with Regulations
If your store processes payments, ensure PCI DSS compliance. For stores serving global customers, comply with GDPR and other data protection regulations.
Advantages of a Secure OsCommerce Store
- Increased Consumer Confidence: When shoppers see that their data is secure, they are more likely to make a purchase.
- Reduced Financial Risk: When an OsCommerce store is secure, it reduces the risk of costly downtime.
- Legal Risks: A security breach can lead to infractions, which can open you up to fines and penalties.
- Enhanced Brand Image: A secure store elevates you above other online stores in your eCommerce market.
At Empirical Edge, we are experts in securing OsCommerce.
As your store grows, securing OsCommerce may seem overwhelming. At Empirical Edge , we manage OsCommerce development, customization, and security services.
We offer:
- Security audits and vulnerabilities patched
- SSL & firewall installation.
- Secure payment gateway integrations.
- Ongoing monitoring and troubleshooting.
With Empirical Edge, you don’t just get a secure store, you get peace of mind that your eCommerce business is secure.
Wrapping things Up
As we discussed, your OsCommerce store is the core of your online business, and you need to get it secure. Through the best practices discussed here, keeping your store regularly updated, implementing strong authentication, obtaining secure SSL, utilizing firewalls, and having a professional conduct audits, you can reduce risk, while gaining or retaining customer confidence.
Get secure today and your business will flourish tomorrow.
