Third-Party App Security for Shopify Stores

The Risk of Third-Party Apps

Shopify apps extend your store’s functionality, but every app you install gains some level of access to your store data. A poorly secured app can become a vector for data breaches, customer data exposure, or account compromise.

Not all apps are created equal. Some handle your data with enterprise-grade security; others are built by solo developers with minimal security practices.

What Data Apps Can Access

When you install a Shopify app, it may request access to:

Customer Data

• Names and contact information
• Order history
• Email addresses
• Shipping addresses

Financial Data

• Order values and revenue
• Payment status
• Refund information

Store Data

• Product catalog
• Inventory levels
• Discount codes
• Analytics

Administrative Access

• Theme modification
• Checkout customization
• Staff account creation

Review each app’s permission requests carefully before installation.

Evaluating App Security

Before installing any app:

Check the Developer

• How long have they been on the Shopify App Store?
• What other apps do they publish?
• Do they have a professional website and support?

Review Ratings and Reviews

• Look for security-related complaints
• Check how the developer responds to issues
• Be wary of apps with very few reviews

Examine Permissions

• Does the app need all the access it requests?
• Be suspicious of apps asking for more than necessary
• Question administrative access requests

Look for Security Indicators

• Does the developer have a privacy policy?
• Is there a security page or SOC 2 compliance?
• How do they handle data breaches?

Check Data Handling

• Where is customer data stored?
• Is data encrypted?
• What’s their data retention policy?

Permission Minimization

Follow the principle of least privilege:

Only Install What You Need

Every app increases your attack surface. Uninstall apps you’re no longer using.

Prefer Limited Permissions

When multiple apps offer similar features, choose the one requesting fewer permissions.

Review Periodically

Apps may update their permission requirements. Regularly review what access your installed apps have.

Use Official Integrations

Shopify’s built-in features or first-party integrations are generally more secure than third-party alternatives.

Monitoring App Behavior

Watch for Red Flags

• Unusual increases in error rates
• Unexpected emails to customers
• Strange modifications to your store
• Complaints about spam or phishing

Review App Activity

Check your Shopify admin for:

• Recent changes to settings
• New staff accounts
• Modified theme files
• Unusual order patterns

Check Email Authentication

Apps that send email on your behalf need proper SPF authorization. Unauthorized sending can damage your domain reputation.

What to Do If an App Is Compromised

Immediate Steps

1. Uninstall the compromised app immediately
2. Change your Shopify admin password
3. Review staff account access
4. Check for unauthorized theme or setting changes

Customer Communication

If customer data may have been exposed:

• Assess what data was accessible
• Prepare honest customer communication
• Report to relevant authorities if required
• Monitor for signs of data misuse

Recovery

1. Review and remove any unauthorized changes
2. Strengthen security on remaining apps
3. Consider a security audit of your store
4. Document lessons learned

How Recon Helps

Recon monitors your Shopify store’s security posture by:

• Checking that apps sending email have proper SPF authorization
• Monitoring for subdomain vulnerabilities from app integrations
• Alerting you to DNS changes that might indicate compromise
• Verifying email authentication across all sending services

FAQ

Q: Are Shopify App Store apps safe?

A: Apps in the official store undergo review, but that doesn’t guarantee security. Reviews check for functionality and basic security, not comprehensive security audits. Always evaluate apps individually.

Q: How do I know what data an app has collected?

A: Check the app’s settings for data export options. You can also contact the developer directly to request information about data they’ve collected.

Q: Should I avoid all third-party apps?

A: No—many apps are well-built and essential for store operations. The key is careful evaluation, minimal permissions, and regular review of installed apps.