What is Magecart and how can you Protect Your Business?
Guardio Research Team
Insights & Guidance
Reviewed by
Sharon Blatt Cohen
Sharon Blatt Cohen
Head of Marketing & Security Expert at Guardio
Sharon leads marketing and security initiatives at Guardio, bringing creative ideas to life. A passionate traveler, she combines her expertise in marketing with a love for discovering new places.
June 22, 2022
•
3
min read
Magecart targets online shoppers and e-commerce businesses. Find out how to protect your business with our guide on Magecart Attacks.
Table of Contents
Magecart targets online shoppers and e-commerce businesses. Find out how to protect your business with our guide on Magecart Attacks.
Key Takeaways
Magecart is a form of digital skimming that targets online shoppers and e-commerce businesses. Magecart Attacks happen when cybercriminals insert malicious code onto a website or into an ad that redirects the victim’s credit card information to a drop server controlled by the attacker.
This type of attack is difficult to detect because it doesn’t leave a footprint on the website or ad. This is because third-party service providers usually carry out Magecart attacks, and they can be challenging to track down and stop.
To protect your business from Magecart attacks, you need to understand your potential risk and take steps to avoid detect-and-alert security platforms.
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Potential risk factors for your business
Several factors can increase the risk of your business being targeted by Magecart attackers.
Using third-party service providers: If you use a third-party service provider, such as an ad network or a content delivery network (CDN), to host your website or ads, you may be at risk for a Magecart attack. These service providers often access your website’s code and can insert malicious code without your knowledge.
Weak website security: If your website has inadequate security, it may be easier for cybercriminals to insert malicious code onto your site. This can happen if you have outdated software or don’t have adequate security measures.
Outdated payment systems: If you’re using an obsolete payment system, such as an older version of Magento, you may be at risk for a Magecart attack. Older versions of these systems may have security vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit.
Lack of customer data protection: If you don’t have adequate protection to protect your customers’ data, such as encryption, you may risk a Magecart attack.
Storing credit card information on your website: If you store credit card information on your website, you may be at risk for a Magecart attack. Cybercriminals can access this information if they can insert malicious code onto your site.
How to protect your business
You can take several steps to protect your business from Magecart attacks.
Use a detect-and-alert platform: A detect-and-alert platform can help you protect your business from Magecart attacks by monitoring your website and ads for malicious code. If malicious code is detected, the platform will alert you so you can take action to remove it.
Implement security measures: You can also protect your business by implementing security measures, such as two-factor authentication (2FA) and verifying SSL certificates. These measures can help prevent cybercriminals from inserting malicious code onto your website or ad.
Keep your software up to date: Keeping your software up to date is also vital for protecting your business from Magecart attacks. Newer software versions often include security updates that can help mitigate attack risk.
Educate your employees: Educating your employees about Magecart attacks is essential for protecting your business. Employees can be a valuable resource for identifying and stopping these attacks.
Magecart attacks are becoming more common, so protecting your business is essential. By understanding the potential risk factors and taking measures to prevent and detect these attacks, you can help to keep your business safe.
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Guardio Security Team
Guardio’s Security Team researches and exposes cyber threats, keeping millions of users safe online. Their findings have been featured by Fox News, The Washington Post, Bleeping Computer, and The Hacker News, making the web safer — one threat at a time.
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About the Author
Guardio Research Team
Insights & Guidance
Guardio’s research team closely monitors phishing scams, identity theft tricks, and emerging online threats, sharing what we learn to help you stay safe.