Protect Your Checkout Flow

Checkout Security Challenges

Your checkout is where money changes hands - and where attackers focus:

• Card testing - Validating stolen credit cards
• Bot attacks - Automated fraudulent purchases
• Account takeover - Stealing customer accounts
• Promo abuse - Exploiting discount codes

Protecting checkout protects revenue.

Common Checkout Attacks

Card Testing Fraud

Criminals test stolen card numbers:

• Small purchases to verify validity
• Automated, high-volume
• Leads to chargebacks
• Affects your payment processing

Inventory Hoarding Bots

Automated checkout for resale:

• Buy out limited inventory
• Block real customers
• Damage brand reputation
• Often use VPNs/proxies

Credential Stuffing

Using stolen logins:

• Try password combinations
• Access customer accounts
• Make unauthorized purchases
• Steal saved payment methods

Promo Code Abuse

Exploiting discounts:

• Sharing private codes
• Multiple account abuse
• Coupon stacking exploits
• Reseller arbitrage

Protection Strategies

Block High-Risk Traffic

Prevent suspicious visitors from reaching checkout:

VPN/Proxy Blocking

• Block anonymized traffic
• Stop most bot infrastructure
• Reduce card testing

Geographic Blocking

• Limit to shipping regions
• Block high-fraud countries
• Reduces attack surface

Data Center Blocking

• Stop bot infrastructure
• Block cloud provider traffic
• Eliminate automated attacks

Monitor for Patterns

Watch for attack indicators:

• Multiple failed payments
• Rapid checkout attempts
• Unusual traffic spikes
• Non-human patterns

Implementation

Enable Checkout Protection

1. Open SecurEcommerce
2. Configure VPN/Proxy Blocking
3. Set up Geographic Blocking for non-shipping regions
4. Enable ISP Blocking for data centers
5. Save settings

High-Risk Period Settings

During sales or launches:

1. Tighten VPN blocking to “block” mode
2. Restrict geographic access further
3. Enable data center blocking
4. Monitor in real-time

Balancing Security and UX

Don’t Over-Block

• Legitimate VPN users exist
• Some corporate traffic comes from unusual IPs
• International customers may trigger geo-rules

Provide Alternatives

For blocked users:

• Clear explanation of why blocked
• Support contact information
• Alternative purchase methods
• Customer service escalation path

Test Your Rules

Before major sales:

• Verify checkout works
• Test from various locations
• Ensure VPN testing if relevant
• Confirm mobile experience

Fraud Prevention Best Practices

Technical Measures

1. Enable blocking - VPN, geographic, data center
2. SSL monitoring - Keep certificates valid
3. Monitor traffic - Watch for patterns

Business Measures

1. Review orders - Check unusual purchases
2. Limit quantities - Prevent hoarding
3. Verify addresses - Match billing/shipping
4. Use Shopify Fraud Analysis

Customer Communication

1. Clear policies - Return and refund info
2. Contact options - Easy support access
3. Order confirmation - Prompt notifications

Responding to Attacks

During Active Attack

1. Tighten blocking immediately
2. Enable all protections
3. Monitor checkout closely
4. Pause promotions if needed

After Attack

1. Review what happened
2. Block identified sources
3. Assess financial impact
4. Update prevention measures