Shopify vs. Magento — What is Better for Cybersecurity

Compare Shopify vs Magento for cybersecurity insights. Explore security features and expert tips to guard your online store.

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Jeff Harms

Reviewed by Jeff Harms

Director, Advisory Services at OCD tech

Updated September, 18

Usability & Integration: Shopify vs Magento

Discover how Shopify and Magento compare on usability and integration for business productivity.

Shopify Usability and Integration for Business

Shopify delivers an intuitive interface that empowers employees while adhering to top-tier cybersecurity standards through features like MFA prompts, secure logins, and role-based access. The administration and setup process is straightforward, enabling IT teams to efficiently manage security configurations such as conditional access policies and encryption defaults without undue complexity. Its seamless integration with platforms like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Slack/Teams, CRM systems, SSO solutions, APIs, and automation tools ensures that no security gaps are introduced during data exchange or automation workflows. Additionally, practical aspects such as streamlined migration, robust data portability, and secure mobile and desktop access further solidify Shopify’s position as a secure and user-friendly e-commerce solution.

Magento Usability and Integration for Business

Magento is engineered to offer an intuitive user experience that doesn’t compromise on cybersecurity, with features like MFA prompts, secure logins, and role-based access ensuring that employees navigate the system safely while adhering to security best practices. Its administration and setup are designed for ease of use, where advanced security configurations such as conditional access policies and encryption defaults are straightforward to implement and manage. Additionally, Magento’s ability to integrate securely with tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Slack/Teams, CRMs, SSO, and various APIs establishes a cohesive ecosystem that minimizes security gaps. Finally, with robust support for migration, data portability, and secure mobile and desktop access, Magento effectively balances usability with stringent cybersecurity measures for modern enterprises.

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Security and Compliance: Shopify vs Magento

See how Shopify and Magento compare on security and compliance, including data protection, regulations, and business trust.

Shopify

Data Security & Encryption

Shopify employs end-to-end encryption to protect sensitive data across its platform, ensuring that customer information and payment details remain secure. The use of modern cryptographic protocols across data at rest and in transit helps prevent unauthorized access. This comprehensive approach to encryption is crucial for maintaining trust and integrity in every transaction.

Magento

Data Security & Encryption

Magento employs robust data protection and encryption measures to secure sensitive customer and transactional information. This process includes encrypting data both at rest and in transit using industry standards, ensuring that essential details remain confidential even if intercepted. The approach is critical to maintaining trust and upholding legal obligations in the digital marketplace.

Shopify

Authentication & Access Control

Access to Shopify's systems is governed by robust authentication and strict access control measures, including multi-factor authentication and role-based access policies. These mechanisms ensure that only authorized personnel can access internal and administrative functions, reducing the risk of data breaches. Such controls are vital in preventing unauthorized access and safeguarding sensitive store and customer information.

Magento

Authentication & Access Control

Magento enforces stringent authentication and access control protocols to prevent unauthorized access to administrative and user data. Multi-factor authentication and role-based permissions ensure that only validated personnel can access sensitive areas, reducing the risk of internal and external breaches. These measures are pivotal in defending against common cyber-attacks.

Shopify

Compliance & Certifications

Shopify adheres to a wide range of regulatory compliance standards such as PCI DSS, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining industry best practices. Regular audits and certifications ensure that the platform meets or exceeds the stringent requirements of global data protection regulations. This adherence not only builds customer confidence but also underscores Shopify’s dedication to maintaining a secure and compliant environment.

Magento

Compliance & Certifications

Magento is designed with regulatory compliance and certifications in mind, adhering to standards such as PCI DSS and GDPR. This focus on compliance ensures that merchants meet their legal responsibilities and protect customer rights, thereby reducing the risk of fines and legal complications. Certification processes are regularly updated to align with evolving regulations.

Shopify

Incident Response & Reliability

In the event of security incidents, Shopify has established a structured response plan that focuses on prompt detection, assessment, and mitigation of risks. The platform’s comprehensive risk management framework includes continuous monitoring, vulnerability scanning, and regular security assessments to quickly address emerging threats. These proactive measures are integral to minimizing potential damage and ensuring the overall resilience of the system.

Magento

Incident Response & Reliability

Magento implements a proactive incident response and risk management strategy to quickly address security threats. A well-defined plan allows for the rapid identification, containment, and remediation of breaches while continually assessing emerging risks. This strategy is essential for minimizing damage and ensuring the platform's resilience against cyber threats.

Cost and Value: Shopify vs Magento

Compare the cost and value of Shopify and Magento to see which offers better pricing, affordability, and long-term benefits.

 

Cost & Value for Shopify

 

Shopify’s licensing and subscription costs are straightforward, with plans typically ranging from $29/month for the basic tier to around $79/month for the mid-level plan and even $299/month for advanced capabilities. However, business owners should also factor in hidden costs such as initial setup, employee training on platform security, and potential expenditures on extra security add-ons or integrations to ensure robust cybersecurity. These hidden investments, while sometimes overlooked, are key to maintaining Shopify security and protecting sensitive customer data.

Investing in Shopify’s built-in cybersecurity measures can lead to significant cost savings over time by mitigating risks associated with data breaches, compliance fines, and costly downtime. For example, IBM reports that breach costs can easily exceed $4M, making proactive security investments a strategic decision that enhances overall return on investment. By choosing a platform with strong security features and integrating additional cybersecurity practices, business owners can confidently balance the upfront subscription fees with long-term financial protection and peace of mind.

Imagine evaluating Magento from both a cost and security perspective; licensing and subscription expenses can vary significantly. The open-source version is free, while the enterprise edition generally starts at $22,000 per year and may increase based on additional features and support, representing a key investment for robust cybersecurity. Hidden costs such as setup, training, and essential security add-ons can add another 10–20% to initial budgets, yet these investments are mitigated by the potential savings from averting data breaches—especially when breach costs have been known to exceed $4M according to IBM—and avoiding compliance fines and downtime. Overall, the strong built-in cybersecurity features of Magento contribute to a compelling return on investment, ensuring sensitive data protection and offering business owners long-term operational savings and enhanced customer trust.

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Final Recommendation: Shopify vs Magento for Cybersecurity

 

Final Recommendation

 

Both Shopify and Magento offer robust cybersecurity and reliable performance, yet they differ significantly in usability and integration. Shopify’s cloud-based platform provides ease of use and streamlined security management, making it ideal for small to medium-sized businesses without extensive IT resources. In contrast, Magento delivers superior customization and flexibility for larger enterprises that demand intricate security measures and tailored integrations. Evaluating "Shopify vs Magento for cybersecurity" highlights that while Shopify offers simplicity and faster deployment, Magento requires a more hands-on approach to harness its full potential. Each platform’s strengths—Shopify’s managed environment versus Magento’s comprehensive control—cater to specific business models and technical capabilities. Ultimately, the decision should align with your organization’s size, budget, and IT maturity, ensuring a balanced solution between security, compliance, and overall value.

 

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Read How to Enable MFA on these tools

Enabling MFA is one of the most effective ways to strengthen account security. We’ll walk through how to turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA), making it clear which steps are required and how the user experience compares across the two tools.

How to enable 2FA/MFA on a Shopify account?

Learn how to enable 2FA/MFA on your Shopify account to boost security, protect your store, and keep your data safe with this easy step-by-step guide.

Learn More

How to enable 2FA/MFA on a Magento account?

Learn how to enable 2FA/MFA on your Magento account with this step-by-step guide to boost security, protect your store, and keep your data safe.

Learn More

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Audit. Security. Assurance.

IT Audit | Cybersecurity | IT Assurance | IT Security Consultants – OCD Tech is a technology consulting firm serving the IT security and consulting needs of businesses in Boston (MA), Braintree (MA) and across New England. We primarily serve Fortune 500 companies including auto dealers, financial institutions, higher education, government contractors, and not-for-profit organizations with SOC 2 reporting, CMMC readiness, IT Security Audits, Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Assessments. We also provide dark web monitoring, DFARS compliance, and IT general controls review.

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