eCommerce sites have always been hot targets for cyberattacks. These stores are treasure troves of financial and personal data for hackers. For businesses of all sizes, a security breach would mean the loss of sensitive data and trust from customers. This would cause huge financial losses to the business. This post is about the steps you as an eCommerce business owner can take to protect your business from hackers.
The Importance of eCommerce Security
eCommerce website security is crucial, as it protects:
- Sensitive data and the privacy of customers on a website.
- Safeguards the finances of online businesses.
- Prevents fraud and financial scams.
- Defends the reputation of an online store as safe to do transactions.
When security measures are not implemented on an online store, the merchant and customers alike are at high risk for scams, data breaches, payment fraud, and other bigger threats.
Your customers need to feel that their privacy and data are protected and that none of their information will be used without their knowledge. Below are some ways to protect your online business from cybercriminals.
Use Data Encryption
All the information that buyers put into the website has to be encrypted. This includes email addresses, credit card information, phone numbers, and other personal details that hackers might use for identity theft. These types of information are used by online criminals for phishing.
Get Secure Server Layer Certificates (SSL)
Among the benefits of using SSL certificates in your website is encrypting data that is shared online. SSL certificates ensure that the information you share reaches the intended person. It is a crucial step as data sent passes through multiple computers before the intended server receives it.
If SSL certificate encryption is unavailable, electronic devices between the sender and server can be able to access sensitive information. Hackers can read your exposed credit card numbers, usernames, passwords, and other sensitive data.
Use Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS)
HTTPS is among the best ways you can secure an eCommerce store from fraud. It is an online protocol for a secure and safe internet connection. Websites that use HTTPS usually have a green lock in the address bar. The green lock means that the site is authentic, secure and that it is what it claims to be.
Sites that use HTTPS rank higher in Google search ranks. However, before you enable HTTPS in your site, you need to acquire an SSL certificate.
Use Anti-Malware Software
Your computer systems, web systems, and electronic devices need software or a program capable of detecting and blocking malware. Such kind of protective software is called anti-malware software. Effective anti-malware should scan your website round the clock. It should also let you automate and schedule scans daily, weekly etc. You can also use USB device control software to control USB devices to protect Windows OS.
Endnote
Online businesses should employ several security measures and protocols to ensure their stores remain afloat. Apart from the steps above, always ensure that you’ve implemented a proactive eCommerce security solution across your online businesses.