Magento

3 Magento 2 Security Features That’ll Help Secure Your eCommerce Ecosystem

Posted by Pixafy Team

Security is vital at all levels of the ecommerce industry. Whether it is protecting active transactions to prevent fraud or safeguarding stored consumer data in line with regulatory laws and best practices, merchants have plenty to think about. Modern ecommerce platforms can simplify the security situation through built-in tools that streamline key processes and make it easier to gain visibility into and control activities across the platform.

The evolving ecommerce security climate is evident in Magento 2, as Magento has created the platform with a variety of robust security features that offer a wide range of benefits for online retailers. Three of the most noteworthy security features in Magento 2 are:

1. Better password management tools

Creating rules around passwords is critical for businesses concerned with protecting customer data. Passwords are the most common line of defense in the cybersecurity world, and they are often the easiest to beat as user error and poor practices are common. Organizations can work around these limitations by setting site-wide password standards, but that is only the first step. Backend processes related to looking up passwords, whether to verify logins or allow users to change or reset passwords, are also a vital consideration.

This is where Magento 2 is really stepping up its game by using SHA-256 hashing algorithms within its password management system. A hash algorithm will dictate how the underlying system uses a fixed data value to look up an arbitrary data value, such as a password, and a robust solution makes it easier to avoid having the final data point be compromised in any way.

“The security advantages of Magento 2 are making the migration increasingly necessary.”

2. Adaptable file permissions

Establishing user authorizations with precision is critical when trying to protect any sort of web asset. Essentially, if inexperienced or malicious users get into code or backend systems, they can either inadvertently or intentionally put data at risk. To counter this, Magento has historically set file system permissions automatically, creating explicit roles within the platform. While this could limit user access to sensitive file systems, it also made it difficult for teams to fully control their environment, and a lack of flexibility and convenience can pose major problems as it leaves users wanting to take shortcuts to ensure security.

In Magento 2, the platform will recommend file system permissions, but allow organizations to use a umask to restrict access based on their specific needs. This creates a more sophisticated blend of control, convenience and security, making it easier to protect sensitive systems.

3. Regular updates

With a new platform, Magento is working toward a system where it no longer supports instances of Magento 1, making the legacy platform risky for organizations. Magento 2, on the other hand, gets a constant array of updates. In one recent batch of patches, Magento released solutions to problems ranging from remote code execution and information leaks to vulnerabilities in cross-site scripting. Maintaining constant security updates is critical, and moving to the latest platform ensures organizations get the updates they need to keep data safe.

Moving to a new ecommerce platform may seem intimidating on the surface, but the security advantages of Magento 2 are making the migration increasingly necessary. Let’s set up an initial call.

Read our previous post: 3 Signs That It’s Time To Migrate To Magento 2