Global businesses are thoroughly concerned about the security of their websites. Since cybercriminals have advanced with time, knowing how to deal with cyberattacks has become essential.
Websites get penalized for non-compliance with PCI/DSS guidelines, SSL certificates and liability for customer fraud etc. Since these charges can take a toll, particularly on ecommerce businesses, they have to be proactive in understanding cybercrimes inside out.
Make Strong Ecommerce Website Security
eCommerce businesses have to list their products, accept online payments, ask for sensitive customer information. That is why they need robust security strategies.
So, we decided to go over the seven best strategies for eCommerce site.
Let’s take a look:
· Install an SSL certificate
SSL or Secure Socket Layer certificate is a security protocol that can safeguard your website’s connection to stop intervention by cybercriminals.
SSL certs are designed in such a way that they encrypt the entire communication between two communicating entities. As a result, the data gets passed in an encrypted format over a secure network.
For an ecommerce website, SSL serves two purposes.
Firstly, it protects the sensitive data of its users by encrypting the connection. Secondly, it helps fulfil the PCI/DSS compliance criteria as according to PCI guidelines, every website that wishes to accept payments online must have an SSL certificate installed.
However, eCommerce websites generally have different subdomains attached to a single domain.
For example, www.example.com may have different first-level subdomains listed under it, such as shop.example.com or login.example.com.
A website would need a wildcard certificate instead of a regular single-domain SSL to protect them. A wildcard variant can protect an unlimited number of subdomains under the chosen primary domain. If you are looking for premium yet cost-effective wildcard certs, you can buy a cheap Essential SSL Wildcard or RapidSSL wildcard certificate.
· Generate unique passwords
Strong passwords are essential for every website. Hackers use brute force attacks on websites in which they try to enter various combinations of passwords based on the information they have gathered about it.
Only a strong password generated from the blend of numbers, alphabets, special symbols, and upper/lower case letters can stand out.
Moreover, if you cannot create a strong password, we recommend you go for a password manager that can generate a unique password each time you log in.
· Use two-factor authentication
Ecommerce platforms are used by hundreds of users every day. In such a high traffic volume, it is difficult to maintain security and keep track of everything.
Even after entering a strong password, a user must verify their identity from their mobile number or email address.
So even if a hacker figures out the password, they will need to enter a unique PIN sent on the registered mobile number and email address.
That is why two-factor authentication is so valuable.
· Data backups
Though we never wish that you ever come across the need to back up your lost data, it is best to be practical.
Cyberattacks can come at those times when you least expect them to.
Data backups are created for those situations only. Through extensive data backups, you can access the lost data from anywhere.
But to make your data location friendly, you must backup your data on cloud-based servers.
Cloud technology is considered safer than hard drives as they can never become obsolete or get stolen. In contrast, hard drives can be damaged over time or stolen by someone.
· Don’t store card information.
Though many eCommerce platforms provide the facility to store card information for future purchases.
But what if your site gets hacked?
Hackers have access to your data and your customer’s bank details. It is a double blow to businesses as they will not lose all their data but will also get penalized for poor security strategy by government authorities.
So, it would be best to disallow storing card information to avoid any damage. Moreover, comply with PCI/DSS guidelines so that search engines like Google do not penalize you for poor security measures.
· Update software
The timely software update is another important aspect of eCommerce website security that most businesses fail to adopt.
Software updates are vital to keeping your website protected from cyberattacks. Hackers develop new bots to compromise existing software every day.
Developers, too, find a patch for that and issue it in an update for all software users.
Unfortunately, people have adhered to a passive approach to software updates.
They think that software update does not make a difference to their existing layout. Such people need to understand that software updates are meant for security, not boost your website’s layout.
· Educate customers on website security
Customer education is of premiere importance. Hackers can easily crack if they do not know the difference between a legit and unsolicited email.
It would help to put your security policies on display for your users. They must know how committed you are to their data protection.
Also, you must assist them in creating strong passwords upfront. Ensure that they are using strong passwords to log in.
Also, organize special security sessions in public interests so that customers understand the importance of data security in today’s world.
Final Thoughts
With all said, you must have understood the importance of data security to improve ecommerce site.
The eCommerce industry is booming after the pandemic. More people have started relying on online websites for daily needs.
With such heavy reliance comes the responsibility of data protection. Search engines, government authorities and PCI, would ban any website that fails to live up to data security standards.
As a website owner, installing security protocols like SSL certificates and firewalls is imperative.
Businesses must keep extensive data backups, update their software regularly and disallow risky facilities like credit card saving options.
So, follow these seven tips given above to ensure that your ecommerce website is safe as a house.