SStratus Security Guides - Securing Magento 1.x against malware and brute force attacks

Brute force attacks against Magento stores are unfortunately common, as with any popular web framework. Fortunately, they are easily countered as they are often lazy attacks from automated scripts or botnets that try to use the default Magento paths to gain entry.

Our support team at Webscale can help implement any of the changes below to help protect your store.

To help protect your store against attacks, do the following:

  • Change the admin path from /admin to something less obvious. This is adjusted in the local.xml file near the bottom. Change the frontName variable and clear the Magento cache.
  • Password or IP restrict the downloader using the Webscale STRATUS [Access > Protect URL][2] panel access restrictions or a .htaccess file. The downloader can also be moved out of the Magento web root completely when not actively using Magento Connect.
  • Update Magmi, as older versions of Magmi are unsecure and can allow remote users to upload files for remote execution.
  • Keep any WordPress installations up to date within the Magento web root. WordPress plugins can often be found to introduce or allow malware.
  • Apply any missing patches for your store. Our support can help apply these for you. Most Magento 1.x patches are **critical **to security

Further securing your Magento admin

If changing the admin path is not sufficient, it is also possible to IP restrict it entirely. Contact stratus-support@webscalenetworks.com for details on how to restrict this.


Last modified January 1, 0001