How to Monitor and Track Suspicious Activities in PrestaShop

Introduction

PrestaShop is a widely used eCommerce platform that allows businesses to create and manage online stores efficiently. However, just like any other online platform, PrestaShop is prone to security threats such as hacking attempts, fraudulent transactions, and unauthorized access. To ensure the security of your online store, it is crucial to monitor and track suspicious activities regularly. In this article, we will discuss various strategies and tools you can use to detect and prevent security threats in PrestaShop.

To stay ahead of evolving cyber threats, it's essential to implement the latest security measures and best practices. Discover expert-recommended strategies to safeguard your PrestaShop store in 2025. 

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Why Monitoring Suspicious Activities is Important

Monitoring suspicious activities in PrestaShop helps in:

• Preventing Data Breaches: Identifying potential threats early can prevent unauthorized access to sensitive customer data.
• Ensuring Website Integrity: Protecting your website from malware, defacement, or unauthorized modifications.
• Reducing Fraudulent Transactions: Detecting suspicious transactions can help in preventing chargebacks and financial losses.
• Maintaining Customer Trust: A secure website increases customer confidence and encourages repeat purchases.

Common Security Threats in PrestaShop

To effectively monitor and track suspicious activities, it is essential to understand the common threats that may affect your PrestaShop store:

1. Brute Force Attacks

Hackers use automated tools to guess login credentials and gain unauthorized access to your admin panel.

2. SQL Injection

Attackers exploit vulnerabilities in the database to manipulate or steal sensitive information.

3. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

Malicious scripts are injected into web pages to steal customer data or redirect users to harmful sites.

4. Malware and Phishing Attacks

Cybercriminals use malware or phishing techniques to compromise store security and steal financial data.

5. Fake Customer Accounts and Orders

Fraudsters create fake accounts and place fraudulent orders to exploit payment processing systems.

6. Unauthorized File Modifications

Hackers can modify core files or inject malicious scripts into your store.

How to Monitor Suspicious Activities in PrestaShop

1. Enable Admin Activity Logging

PrestaShop allows you to track admin actions by enabling log tracking. This helps in identifying any unauthorized changes made to your store.

Steps to Enable Logging:

• Go to Advanced Parameters > Logs in the PrestaShop back office.
• Configure log levels to monitor high-priority activities.
• Regularly review logs to detect suspicious admin activities.

2. Monitor Login Attempts

Tracking login attempts can help in identifying brute-force attacks. If multiple failed login attempts are detected, it may indicate an unauthorized access attempt.

How to Monitor Logins:

• Install security modules such as UpKepr PrestaShop Security module to monitor failed logins.
• Restrict login attempts using security settings.
• Implement reCAPTCHA to prevent automated login attempts.

3. Use Security Modules

There are several security plugins available for PrestaShop that can help in monitoring and preventing suspicious activities.

Recommended Security Modules:

• Security Pro by PrestaShop – Provides comprehensive monitoring and security enhancements.
• Block Bots & Fraudulent Traffic – Helps in blocking malicious bots and preventing fake orders.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – Adds an extra layer of security for admin logins.

4. Track File Modifications

Unauthorized modifications to core files can indicate a security breach. Regularly tracking file changes can help detect malicious activities.

Steps to Track File Changes:

• Use a File Integrity Checker module to monitor file modifications.
• Regularly compare file versions to detect unauthorized changes.
• Restrict file permissions to prevent unauthorized access.

5. Analyze Website Traffic and User Behavior

Unusual traffic patterns, such as a sudden spike in visits from unknown sources, could indicate a security threat.

How to Monitor Traffic:

• Use Google Analytics and PrestaShop Stats to track user behavior.
• Monitor real-time traffic for sudden spikes in visits or unusual activity.
• Block IPs from known malicious sources.

6. Monitor Payment Transactions for Fraud

Fraudulent transactions can lead to chargebacks and financial losses. Keeping track of payment activity is essential.

How to Monitor Transactions:

• Use fraud detection tools such as Signifyd or Stripe Radar.
• Set up alerts for suspicious transactions, such as multiple orders from the same IP or mismatched billing addresses.
• Require additional verification for high-value transactions.

7. Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF)

A Web Application Firewall helps protect your store from malicious traffic and hacking attempts.

How to Use WAF:

• Install Cloudflare WAF or Sucuri Firewall to filter incoming traffic.
• Configure rules to block suspicious activities and known threats.
• Regularly update firewall settings to stay protected against new vulnerabilities.

8. Set Up Email Alerts for Suspicious Activities

Receiving real-time notifications about security threats can help in taking immediate action.

How to Set Up Alerts:

• Configure PrestaShop Security Modules to send email alerts for suspicious activities.
• Set up alerts for login attempts, failed payments, and unauthorized file changes.
• Use a SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) tool for advanced monitoring.

9. Regularly Update PrestaShop and Modules

Outdated software is one of the biggest security risks. Regular updates help in patching vulnerabilities and improving security.

Best Practices for Updates:

• Always use the latest version of PrestaShop.
• Update third-party modules and themes regularly.
• Apply security patches as soon as they are released.

10. Restrict Admin Access and User Permissions

Limiting access to sensitive areas of your store can reduce the risk of insider threats.

How to Restrict Access:

• Use role-based permissions to limit admin access.
• Avoid sharing login credentials among multiple users.
• Implement IP whitelisting to allow admin access only from trusted locations.

Conclusion

Monitoring and tracking suspicious activities in PrestaShop is essential to maintain a secure eCommerce store. By implementing security best practices, using monitoring tools, and staying vigilant against cyber threats, you can protect your store from potential attacks. Regular updates, admin activity tracking, traffic monitoring, and fraud detection mechanisms will help in ensuring a safe and reliable shopping experience for your customers.

By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you can enhance the security of your PrestaShop store and minimize the risk of security breaches. Stay proactive, invest in security tools, and continuously monitor your online store to keep it safe from cyber threats.