When you run an online business, securing your account and the information within it is crucial.
At Etsy, we’re dedicated to keeping your account and the Etsy marketplace safe. We have teams and processes working year-round to prevent fraud and keep your account secure.
There are also important steps you can take to protect yourself and your business when it comes to account security. That’s why we created an account security checklist on the Seller Handbook, featuring best practices and tips for protecting your information online.
To help get you started, here are five points from the checklist that can help keep your account more secure starting today:
Enable two-factor authentication.
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of account protection. When you sign into your account with two-factor authentication enabled, you’ll need to enter your password and a verification code that's sent to your phone or tablet.
Protect your password.
One of the most common ways hackers takeover accounts is by exploiting passwords. Creative phrases that include letters, numbers, and special characters are the strongest passwords. They should be at least eight characters, but the longer the better. It’s also important to avoid reusing the same password for multiple accounts.
Communicate using Etsy channels.
We’ll never ask you to respond directly with personal or account information via Etsy Messages, email, or social media. If we need to inform you of missing or required information, we’ll always provide an Etsy.com link, so that you don’t have to share any information as a direct response.
We also recommend using Etsy Messages to safely stay in touch with buyers. This helps Etsy Support assist you should an issue with another member arise. If something doesn't seem right, we encourage asking questions, whether directly to your buyer or checking in with Etsy Support.
Avoid suspicious messages.
Scammers often use urgency or alarming language to get you to share your information quickly.
If you receive a message from Etsy, whether via email or Etsy Messages, we’ll always tell you why we’re asking for this information, and when you need to take action by. If you're ever unsure, you can always reach out directly to customer support through our Help Center.
Get email notifications about unusual activity.
It’s essential that you have access to the inbox for the email address on file for your account and any custom domains associated with your shop. This will not only confirm to us that you have a valid Etsy account when contacting support, it also means you’ll receive important emails from Etsy when needed about activity alerts (such as logins or account changes)—even if you’re taking a break from selling.
If you’re ever worried that your account may have been compromised, you can contact the Etsy Support team and find answers to frequently asked questions using the Help Center.
