As a Shopify store owner, it’s essential to ensure any tools or apps you use to manage and operate your business are safe and secure. That’s critical if the apps handle sensitive customer information, such as payment details and personal contact information. But are Shopify apps safe?
Shopify apps are safe. Shopify enforces strict measures to ensure the apps on their platform are secure and trustworthy. For example, Shopify has a safety team that monitors apps and uses proprietary algorithms to identify potentially unsafe apps and remove them from the platform.
This post describes the steps Shopify has taken to ensure the safety of its apps and what you can do to protect your business and your customers. Keep reading to learn more.
App safety measures Shopify takes
Shopify doesn’t compromise when it comes to app safety, and they have implemented several measures to ensure that apps on their platform are secure. These include:
Shopify’s API update protects customer data
One of the most significant steps Shopify has taken to improve app safety is their recent API update, which blocks app developers from accessing personal customer information unless Shopify’s staff approves them.
As a result, only trusted and reputable developers can access sensitive customer information, helping reduce the risk of data breaches and other security incidents.
Shopify employs a rigorous security audit
Shopify employs a rigorous security audit process for all apps on its platform. Here are a few of the security features that are included in this audit:
- Background checks on developers and their companies
- Individual app reviews and approval processes for new apps
- Ongoing monitoring of apps to identify and eliminate security risks
Shopify’s app safety team monitors apps
Shopify has a safety team that monitors apps on their platform and uses sophisticated algorithms to identify unsafe apps. Each week, the team reviews hundreds of apps and removes those that exhibit unsafe behavior, such as:
- Collect payment details or personal contact information without obtaining the customer’s consent.
- Using fake reviews or other deceptive strategies to mislead customers.
- Violating Shopify’s safety guidelines.
In addition, the app safety team regularly communicates with developers to help them understand the best practices for keeping their apps safe and secure.
How to protect your Shopify business and customers
While Shopify takes steps to ensure the safety of its apps, online business owners also need to take precautions. Here are a few steps you can take to protect your business and your customers:
Research apps before installing them
Before installing any app on your Shopify store, be sure to research it thoroughly:
- Look for reviews from other users
- Check the developer’s website and social media profiles
- Ensure the app has a good reputation
Only install apps from reputable developers
As I mentioned, Shopify has a strict process for approving app developers who can access customer data. To reduce the risk of installing a malicious app, it’s best to stick with apps from developers who Shopify has approved.
Here are a few ways to tell if an app developer is reputable:
- The website looks professional and has an excellent overall reputation.
- The developer has a proven track record of creating secure and trustworthy apps.
- They are active in the app development community and have a good reputation.
Keep your Shopify apps up to date
Regularly updating your Shopify store and any apps installed is essential to ensure that you have the latest security patches and features. That can help prevent vulnerabilities and keep your store safe.
Besides, updating apps can help you take advantage of new features and other improvements that may be available.
Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication
Use complex, unique passwords for your Shopify store and any apps you have installed. It would help if you also considered using two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
That way, even if your passwords are compromised, hackers will be much harder to access your accounts and customer data since they need more than just a password to get in.
Conclusion
Shopify apps are generally safe to use. The company has implemented several measures to ensure the safety of its apps and protect customer data. However, you must protect your store and customers as an online business owner.
Here are a few tips for keeping your business and customers safe:
- Research apps before installing them
- Only install apps from reputable developers
- Keep your Shopify apps up to date
- Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication
