Is Your Store's Tech Access Secure?

A couple of weeks ago, a client of the Google Ads mentor we work closely with had their Google Ads account hacked. The entry point? Access left open from a previous agency manager still connected to their account. In a very short timeframe, the hackers set up over 20 new campaigns with massive budgets. Luckily, Google and the current ads team caught it quickly, resecured access, and rectified the situation.

In tech and eCommerce, security breaches are really a matter of when, not if. Imagine if a hacker gained access to your Shopify store—they could delete products, steal customer information, or alter financial details to their favour.

Why Tech Security Matters for eCommerce Businesses

Security isn't just a technical detail; it directly impacts your bottom line. Data released in the Annual Cyber Threat Report (2024–2025) by the Australian Signals Directorate highlights the real cost of cyber incidents:

• $56,600: The average cost per cyber incident for a small business.
• $97,200: The average cost per cyber incident for a medium business.
• 84,700+ Reports: Total cybercrime reports received, averaging 1 report every 6 minutes.

The core question every store owner needs to ask is: Can your business afford that financial hit and the reputational damage that comes with it? Taking simple, proactive steps today is the best way to protect everything you have built.

6 Steps to Help Prevent Security Issues

While no system is 100% foolproof, taking these six proactive actions will significantly reduce your risk:

1. Run an Access Audit: Log into your Shopify store and go to Settings > Users to review both individual users and collaborators. Select and remove anyone who no longer needs access. Repeat this exact process across your Meta Business Manager, Google and Meta Ads accounts, and any connected software.
2. Configure Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA across every single business account. While adding an extra login step can feel like a minor hurdle, it provides essential protection against unauthorised logins.
3. Restrict Permission Levels: Avoid giving full "God Mode" access to everyone. Grant team members and contractors only the specific level of access required to complete their work.
4. Never Share Passwords: Keep passwords strictly private and ensure everyone accessing your accounts has their own unique login credentials.
5. Update Passwords Regularly: Set a routine to update passwords on all primary business accounts every 30 days.
6. Schedule Quarterly Audits: Put a recurring reminder on your calendar at least once every 90 days to re-audit permissions and remove inactive users across all platforms.

Protect Your eCommerce Ecosystem

Take the simple action: beef up your security settings, enable two-factor authentication, keep user permissions tight, and consider investing in cyber insurance for added peace of mind.

If you ever need help auditing your store setup or keeping your backend running smoothly, explore our flexible Shopify website services or reach out to our team.

Now go out there and double-check who has access to your tech!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I remove past agency or collaborator access from my Shopify store?

Log into your Shopify admin dashboard, navigate to Settings > Users and permissions, and review the lists under both Users and Collaborators. Select anyone who no longer works with your business, click their name, and select Remove to revoke access immediately.

Why is leaving inactive user access open a security risk?

Former employees, agency managers, or third-party contractors can accidentally leak login details or have their own accounts compromised. If their access to your store or advertising accounts remains active, hackers can use those open backdoors to gain control of your business assets.

What should I do if my Google Ads or Meta Ads account is hacked?

Log in immediately to remove any unauthorised users, change your account passwords, and enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). Next, contact platform support directly to report the breach, pause unauthorised campaigns, and request a review of any fraudulent ad spend.

How often should an eCommerce business run an access audit?

We recommend conducting an access audit at least once every quarter (every 90 days). You should also run an immediate audit whenever a staff member leaves your team, or when an agreement with a marketing agency or contractor ends.