Fix Common WooCommerce Security Issues

Do you have a brick-and-mortar store you intend to move online? Do you aspire to run an eCommerce store? In either case, you will need the services of an eCommerce platform. 

But with the influx of mediocre eCommerce platforms that are only interested in their gains and not clients’ gains, choosing the right eCommerce platform can be a tall order. 

But like every other web application, WooCommerce is not immune to cybersecurity vulnerabilities. A few months ago (July 13, 2021), a critical WooCommerce vulnerability was detected. 

WooCommerce elements are susceptible to several WooCommerce security issues, and this article addresses some of these elements and how to fix the problems.

WooCommerce Login Page

The login page acts as the entrance door to your site. The following are some of the best measures to secure your login page.

1. Block Intrusion Attempts

Hackers will try several login attempts when accessing your store, and they will try brute force attacks by combining several login credentials. 

It is advised that you limit the number of times a user tries accessing your store. You can employ the Astra Security extension to strengthen your login page. 

2. Use Email to Login

WooCommerce requires users to use their usernames and passwords by default. But it is much safer if the user uses their email addresses rather than usernames when logging into their accounts. 

The reason is that usernames are usually easy to guess. The email Login Auth is an excellent extension that will force you to use your email when logging in. 

WooCommerce Dashboard

Getting into the admin area of an eCommerce store is one of the primary hackers’ motives. The dashboard carries sensitive information, which is why it is the most sought area of any eCommerce store. 

Hackers get a real sense of victory when they access this area. And the cost of that can be devastating to the extent of damaging your reputation and bringing your eCommerce store to its knees in just seconds. Here are a few tips to safeguard yourself against such threats.

1. Protect wp-admin Directory

The wp-admin directory is the backbone of your eCommerce store, and if its file is damaged, your store becomes wholly damaged. A password is the only way to allow access to the folder, and the best option here is to revert to using two passwords. 

The first password ensures protected access to the admin page, whereas the second password secures your login page from intrusions. 

https://www.getastra.com/blog/cms/wordpress-security/how-to-fix-woocommerce-security-issues/amp/

2. Use SSL Encryption

Hackers want to hijack your conversations and steal their contents before they reach the intended recipients. 

The best strategy to stay safe from such intrusions is to purchase and install an SSL/TLS certificate for your eCommerce store. Essentially, the certificate enables HTTPS, which only transmits encrypted data and communication from your site to your clients’ browsers. 

The good thing is that the certificates are provided as a package on most hosting providers. But you also have the option of purchasing an SSL certificate from resellers for your eCommerce store. Some of the best options are certificates such as Comodo Essential SSL, GeoTrust Quick SSL premium and Rapid Standard SSL certificate. Such certificates will boost your encryption strengths and safeguard your sensitive data against data intrusions and data thefts. 

WooCommerce Database

The WooCommerce database is another important element because it is the repository that stores all your sensitive data. For this reason, it must be protected at all costs. The following are some of the measures to safeguard your WooCommerce database. 

1. Modify the Prefix of The Tables with Something Unique

The default prefix of your tables is wp-. As a best practice, you should change this prefix to something unique. Using the regular prefix makes you susceptible to attacks such as SQL injections. 

As an alternative to using the wp- prefix, I recommend you change it to something else such as sm-, ft-, or pr-. But ensure that you backup your data before making this switch to avoid losing data. 

2. Carry Out Regular Data Backups

You must ensure that you conduct regular data backups and store the backup file in a safe location. Cloud storage is the best location for your backup file. If you have any uncertainties, you can always retrieve the file and have all your website’s resources you had before your website was compromised. 

3. Adhere to Best Password Practices 

Strong passwords for your databases safeguard your data against unauthorized accesses, brute force attacks and dictionary attacks. Several features define solid and unique passwords. 

For example, it would be best to combine characters, use unique passwords, and ensure that they are long passwords. This way, it will be so hard for a hacker to guess such a password. 

Hosting Configuration

Although most hosting providers will claim to provide adequate security for your eCommerce store, it is always advised that you go a step further to secure configurations by employing the following measures.

1. Safeguard the wp.config.php file

The wp.config.php file carries extremely vital information. As such, it is the most vital file of your WooCommerce store. Keeping this file far away from hackers’ reach makes it highly impossible for an attacker to hit your WooCommetrce store. And doing so is not difficult. All you need to do is move the file to a higher level than the root directory of your eCommerce store. 

2. Prevent Unnecessary File Editing and Have Permission Restrictions

Giving users access rights to your WooCommerce admin panel allows them to edit files, themes, plugins and extensions on your eCommerce store. But preventing edits to these files makes it impossible for hackers to do anything that could compromise your files. 

Preventing file editing is not a hard task. All you need to do is to include this text at the end of your wp-config.php file: 

define(‘DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT’, true )

Themes and Extensions

Themes and extensions are great companions that improve the functionality of your eCommerce platform and are also vital elements in customizing your eCommerce store. 

But they also carry security vulnerabilities which is why you should know the best ways to secure them. Making regular updates to your themes and extensions and deleting their version numbers is important in enhancing their security. 

Conclusion 

The many hustles and bustles users experience when launching WooCommerce platforms make them easily forget about the security concerns involved. In the end, they end up with an insecure eCommerce store that is susceptible to attackers. 

Knowing where threats reside and the vital measures to protect your site from such threats is crucial. This article has explained some common WooCommerce security vulnerabilities and how to fix them.