E-Commerce Website Security: Top 14 Must-Have Cybersecurity Features

Published on: 14 April 2021 Last Updated on: 18 December 2024

With the rise of digitization, there has been a rise in cybercrime.

In fact, when a cyberattack happens, it harms a company directly and indirectly. Also, it affects its reputation in its potential customers’ eyes. In fact, you cannot count but estimate the loss that happens. Hence, it is important to ensure e-commerce website security.

In this article, you will learn about the top fourteen ways to ensure e-commerce website security. However, before that, it is also important to understand the importance of ensuring security in e-commerce websites. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article.

Importance Of E-Commerce Website Security

In 2024, most businesses are working in the online framework. Their revenues heavily depend on their websites.

If they do not emphasize their website’s security, their customer base and reputation will become vulnerable.

As an eCommerce website owner, you need to comply with certain payment guidelines. These include PCI/DSS (Payment Card Industry – Data Security Standard) to ensure smooth payment transactions.

Moreover, you need to install security protocols to secure your data integrity. They will not only protect your customer data from hackers but also keep the search engines satisfied.

Thus, security is essential for your eCommerce website.

Top 14 Ways To Ensure E-Commerce Website Security

The following are some of the major cybersecurity features you must ensure on your website:

1. Implement 2-factor Authentication

Does not matter how frustrating it may sound. As long as you are keeping your customer’s data secure, every security method is fine.

Employing 2-factor authentication may make your customers a bit agitated. They first enter the login credentials and then enter the OTP received on their number to decrease security breaches and hacks drastically.

So, employ the process and safeguard your customer accounts.

2. Get HTTPs And SSL Certification

To obtain HTTPS authentication businesses need an SSL certificate to be installed on a website. Before installation, you need to buy an SSL certificate. This is because it encrypts the data communication between the server and the client.

Then, it passes the data over a secure network through cryptographic functions (symmetric & asymmetric). This keeps cybercriminals from intercepting the communication.

Out of all the SSL certificates, the EV SSL certificates require a user to undergo a unique validation process to verify his credibility through his name, ID, address, and more.

Thus, get an EV SSL to secure your Ecommerce website and obtain the highest validation level.

3. Comply With PCI-DSS Guidelines For A Secure Payment Gateway System

PCI-DSS or Payment Card Industry – Data Security Standard is a body that governs a website’s right to maintain an online payment transaction system.

If you are a website that sees over six million transactions every year, you must be level 1 compliant. However, if your transactions range from 20,000 per year, you are safe as a level 4 client of PCI-DSS.

The compliance helps you to secure your payment gateway system. Also, it allows you to use a third-party app to accept payments and make refunds on your behalf.

4. Use A VPN As A Night Watchman

When you use public networks such as Wi-Fis to access the site, it is better to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to watch your back and restrict other connections to manipulate the ongoing connection between the server and the client.

Without a VPN, hackers can easily manipulate the payment transaction and hack credit and debit card details.

VPN will secure your customers’ payment transactions even on Wi-Fi and keep their sensitive data as safe as houses.

5. Restrict Malicious Bots Using reCAPTCHA

The reCAPTCHA method is extremely effective in keeping hackers at bay. Basically, ReCAPTCHA generates random questions that a bot cannot answer.

There are plenty of malicious bots lurking around the internet in hopes of finding an ideal prey for cybercriminals.

When they get access to your account, malicious bots can steal information, leak it, or even bring your site down.

ReCAPTCHA adds an extensive layer of security that is impenetrable for a code or a bot.

It restricts bad guys’ entrance by protecting login pages, signup pages, contact form pages, form submission pages, payment gateway pages, etc.

6. Start Using A Reliable Content Management System (CMS)

Choosing the right CMS is important for businesses to determine whether an eCommerce website will stay safe.

Mediocre CMSs are a big risk to have. They might help you save a few bucks, but you will always be vulnerable to theft.

But, CMSs like WordPress and Joomla have renounced entities having customer bases in millions.

Moreover, they are regular in updating security patches and always stay a step ahead of the bad guys.

The only thing you need to do is keep them updated.

7. Do Not Use Unsolicited Extensions And Plugins

Plugins and extensions are necessary to enhance your website’s reach. They allow you access to multiple tools and features on the internet.

However, not all plugins are safe to install. These days, due to rising cybercrimes, you must be aware of what you’re installing or adding.

Cybercriminals can engrave malicious codes in the plugins, and when a user installs it, they get access to his site.

Before installing any plugin, make sure that its source is known. Check for its reviews and ratings across the internet.

Also, check its performance reports and badges for further inquiry and self-satisfaction.

8. Perform Audits For Site Security

Site security auditing does not interest a lot of merchants, but it is essential for their survival.

Site security auditing includes checking whether the anti-virus is working appropriately and whether security protocols are repelling attacks or not.

As a merchant, you must initiate site auditing from time to time. It will help you prevent attacks and fix bugs and technical glitches.

If detected early, some security issues can be repelled; otherwise, they may harm the website if they stay for longer periods.

So, keep auditing your website at regular intervals of time.

9. Install A Firewall In Your Web Application

If you own a web application, the firewall can benefit you immensely.

Web Application Firewall or WAF protects the website or web app by analyzing the traffic between the application and the internet.

A firewall protects the user data of the application from XSS (cross-site scripting), SQL injection, cross-site request forgery, etc.

A firewall is the need of the hour to suffice the mounting cyberattacks and help sustain the business.

10. Perform Data-Backup Regularly

In today’s tech world, data is more important than cash in your wallet. Here, you can earn cash again. However, once you lose data, you cannot retrieve them in the same proportion.

For businesses, data is their lifeline. They thrive on data and channel their operations accordingly.

Since it is immensely important, protecting it is quite a task for businesses as cybercriminals are always on the lookout for data.

The best way to protect your data is by creating a copy of it and saving it on the cloud.

Cloud allows you to access your data anywhere at any time, making it extremely reliable.

11. Regular Software Updates

Regular software updates are crucial for e-commerce website security since they come with patches that deal with vulnerabilities. Additionally, since developers always research and improve cybersecurity, new updates let you access the latest features.

In fact, they protect your website from new threats like ransomware. Also, it offers protection against data breach attempts. Moreover, software updates also let your website meet the compliance requirements of the e-commerce industry.

Furthermore, it also helps in improving the overall performance of your e-commerce website.

12. Strong Password Policies

Firstly, if there is a strong password policy, cyber criminals will not gain unauthorized access to the website.

As a result, you can also prevent financial losses that may happen to your business. Moreover, you can also save your business from reputational damage.

Generally, cybercriminals and hackers use weak passwords to penetrate networks. Thereby, they stop your business’s critical processes. Hence, with a strong password policy, you can ensure e-commerce website security.

13. Use A Secure Hosting Environment

A secure hosting environment protects your e-commerce website from various security threats. These include hacking, data breaches, malware, etc.

Apart from that, it also helps to maintain your site’s integrity. Also, it helps you to protect sensitive information like passwords and credit card numbers. Additionally, it also offers protection against DDoS attacks

Moreover, site downtime negatively affects your search engine ranking. Here, a secure hosting environment can help you a lot.

14. Focus On User Education And Training

If you invest in user education and training, you can help them respond to cybersecurity threats. Basically, your users will learn to identify and respond to threats such as phishing, social engineering, and malicious attachments.

Thereby, you can reduce the likelihood of cyberattacks that can compromise your e-commerce website security. As a result, you will gain more trust from your users and customers.

Final Thoughts

eCommerce is booming every day. New ways of marketing, selling, and attracting are in place to make life convenient for customers.

On the hind side, hackers also build new ways to capture as much data as possible. Basically, they employ bots and bugs to do the dirty work. Bots can enter your website and steal customer data, whereas bugs can get attached to plugins and gain access once you install them.

Keeping track of what you are installing, where you are visiting, and who you are allowing access to is of paramount importance. However, everything can get simple if you follow these fourteen steps. This way, you can frame a robust website security system.

Do you have more recommendations on how to ensure e-commerce website security? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below.

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Soumava Goswami

A passionate writer and an avid reader, Soumava is academically inclined and loves writing on topics requiring deep research. Having 3+ years of experience, Soumava also loves writing blogs in other domains, including digital marketing, business, technology, travel, and sports.

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How to Improve Workplace Security

We often talk about workplace safety and even use scaffolding planks and other such tools to make jobs easier and safer. However, we hardly talk about workplace security, which is as important as safety, if no more. In fact, the two concepts are interlinked. You can’ feel safe if you’re not secure. It’s important to keep the place safe from intruders and protect employees from injuries. Read on to find out how you can significantly improve the security of a workplace. Make Sure to Lock All Doors and Windows : Having a secure system for locking your place after leaving is one way you can ensure workplace safety. Make sure you have windows and doors that lock securely. The best option is to use a complete security system that’s computerized and can control all entrances without any trouble. This helps ensure the job is done properly. Restrict Access to Important Zones : You will have confidential information that you’d like to keep secure. The best option is to keep such information in a password-protected zone so that only people who have an access to it can enter or exit the room. You may also use other tricks, such as biometric verification, to control entry and exit. Install a Security System : Have a security system installed in your workplace to ensure more security. Burglars are less likely to break into a property that’s secured. You can install CCTV cameras and motion detectors to ensure security. These devices can help you keep an eye on what’s happening at work and also record video that can serve as a proof in case of a theft or other such accidents. Just invest in a high-quality CCTV system that can record videos at night and also allow you to enjoy live feeds on your mobile devices. Protect Against Fire : A fire alarm is a great way to keep your workplace safe. If there was even a threat of a fire being started the alarm would go off to alert everyone to quickly evacuate the place. They can also instruct sprinklers to go off so that the damage is reduced. Moreover, the latest smoke detectors can also send you a notification on your email or phone in case there’s a fire so that you can take an action quickly. Draw an Emergy Plan : Have an effective emergency plan so that people can escape in case of an emergency. Also, prepare a list of procedures to follow in case of an emergency so that the extent of damage can be reduced. A list of emergency contacts should be kept with all the workers for their safety. drill for evacuating the place in case of any emergencies is also necessary. Having this drill every now and then will help the workers be quick and organized with the evacuation process. Have Security : Believe it or not, this trick is still quite effective in keeping burglars away. Hire security staff to safeguard the entrance. Also, create security checks at all entrance points to ensure nobody enters the property without being inspected. Train Your Employees This is a great way to improve the safety of your workplace. Training your employees to take all security measures properly will help make the place more secure. They should know how to lock or unlock doors and keep information safe and secure. Reduce Visitor Interaction : Visitors should be limited to only a few specific areas of the workplace. They should not be allowed on places like storerooms, utility closets, or boiler rooms. Also, make sure to keep a record of all visitors and to have guest passes so that you’re well aware of guests in the workplace. Protect Your Data Data security is very important. Since most of our data is stored on computers, criminals can access it without having to physically break into the premises. Make sure to strengthen your IT department and to use fool proof methods to safeguard your computers. Password protect all your files and use passwords that are hard to guess. Also, make use of an antivirus to ensure no malware or spyware can cause your system to get infected. Also, train your employees on how to safeguard data. It’s also common for employees to get involved in theft for different reasons. This can be prevented by making sure they can’t download or take data back home. Get in Touch with Professionals This is the best way to ensure safety and security. A professional security firm will ensure you’re well protected against all kinds of dangers. Speak to different organizations and pick one that appears the most reliable to you. Follow these simple tips to ensure workplace security. It’s important because nobody wants to work at a place that’s unsecure. Read Also: Why Is It Essential To Have A Social Security Number? Top 10 Computer Security Mistakes Relocating Your Business To Downtown Toronto? Read This First

Access Control Systems And Fire Protection For Protecting Your London Company

You should have a checklist of safety precautions for your office space and employees, including an escape plan, emergency contact information, and floor plans. Employees should practice their exit routes and regularly hold meetings on safety as this is the most important thing every employer should worry about. You should have an alarm system installed, and you should have a safety plan in place. You should also maintain a clean office space as any extra items left around are as good as kindling. Safety is essential for all companies, and the above tips will help keep your office safe. Workplace Safety Checklist Working with a workplace safety checklist is essential to ensure that all aspects of your business are protected in the event of a fire. These checklists cover everything from evacuation routes to emergency response procedures. These are the first steps to preventing a devastating fire and should be practiced at regular intervals. Practicing your workplace fire plan will reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities. Below are some of the most important steps to take to protect your business. First, identify any potential hazards. You can either develop a standard checklist or customize it to address the specific hazards your company faces. Whatever checklist you create, make sure it covers the same basic safety needs. Your employees need to know what chemicals they should avoid and what training they need. The checklist should also address mechanical safeguards and report unsafe conditions immediately. Finally, remember that the responsibility for workplace safety falls on the shoulders of supervisors and managers. In addition to implementing a prevention program, you need to make sure that your employees know how to identify and avoid hazards. Note: Fire safety requires that employees understand that it needs three things to burn: heat, flammable objects, and oxygen. Employees must also be trained in the proper use of alarms and suppression systems, report fires, and use extinguishers. It is important to have a safety plan in place so that you don't have to deal with the aftermath of a fire. Properly Installed Alarms Having a properly installed alarm system for your company is essential for protecting your assets and employees. The first step in this process is to ensure that your alarms are being monitored. It is imperative that all employees are aware of safety procedures, and a properly monitored alarm can save lives during a fire. Damaged or faulty electrical cords, outlets, and recycling materials can all contribute to the occurrence of a fire. Also, make sure that all exits are clearly marked, and that employees have unobstructed access to safety equipment. Safety training and provisions for disabled employees are also important. Once the alarm is activated, a professionally installed alarm will notify the local firehouse. This will allow first responders to get to your business sooner, minimizing the damage. In addition, a professionally installed alarm system will allow you to focus on running your company and evaluating the damage, while a firehouse responds. Using them with access control systems can be faster, safer, and more efficient if your alarm system is installed and maintained properly. The process of installing an alarm is critical to its function. Always hire a professional for installation, as this process is crucial to the functioning of the system. Note: Make sure that the alarm installation team is knowledgeable, experienced, and licensed. A reputable alarm company will send a representative to inspect your business and discuss your needs, as well as your budget. A properly installed alarm system will also provide reliable security for you and your entire company. Preparation The best way to prevent workplace fires is to take the proper precautions. While fires are generally unexpected and unplanned, most can be prevented with a few extra steps. A comprehensive safety plan outlines the steps that employees must take in the event of a fire, including how to sound an alarm, notify the firehouse, and evacuate the building's occupants. In addition, all employees and managers should be aware of these procedures. It is never a good time to forget about them! Proper preparation for safety begins with identifying the sources of fire in the workplace by clicking here. Keep flammable materials away from heat-generating equipment, cigarette butts, and running appliances. Note: Keeping work areas clean and uncluttered is key to preventing the spread of fire. Additionally, training an employee to inspect fire sprinkler gauges and control valves is critical. Make sure employees understand how to operate and maintain safety systems and how to deal with unexpected emergencies. Evacuation Plan Your company should have an evacuation plan for fire protection. A plan like the ones found here: www.ready.gov/home-fire-escape-plan, should outline the steps that your employees should take during an emergency, including a chain of command and a communications plan. The plan should include practice times so everyone can familiarize themselves with the plan. A practice drill will also allow your employees to see how it will work. If your company is large, there are likely different requirements depending on where you do business. When practicing the evacuation plan, employees should familiarize themselves with the steps to take, including the location of fire extinguishers, emergency exits, and any other information that is helpful in an emergency. Employees should also know to follow the instructions of the fire warden to stay safe. It is also important to remember not to use elevators if the fire is in a building. Also, do not leave anything inside an elevator shaft. Even though they may be convenient, they can become blocked by smoke or fire. A good fire evacuation plan should include all employees, contractors, temporary workers, and customers. Note: While it may not be appropriate to include remote workers, they need to be informed about what is going on. It is essential to create a plan for fire protection in your company that covers all scenarios. This way, all employees can remain safe and productive in an emergency. If you don't have a fire evacuation plan, you could get in trouble with the authorities. Additionals: Why Use Safety Valves? Introduction to Safety Valves Strategies For Preventing Workplace Injuries Proactively How To React When An Employee Sustains Workplace Injury What To Do About Discrimination In The Workplace: First Steps To Take

PKI in Cybersecurity: What Is It, Importance, Applications, And More

Cybersecurity is one of the most sought-after academic disciplines in colleges and universities. In today’s world, since there are a lot of cyber-attacks, the importance of implementing proper cybersecurity measures has become mandatory. In this tech-driven day and age, the trend of using Public Key Infrastructure, or PKI, is on the rise. A tech person would easily understand what PKI means, but an average Joe would not know a thing about it. In this article, we are going to delve deep into knowing the basics of Public Key Infrastructure. There are many tools like Keyfactor that provide Cyber Security certifications. So, without wasting any further time, let us take a brief look at what PKI actually is. What Does The Term PKI Mean? In simple words, PKI is the term that focuses on everything that establishes and runs public key encryption. Public Key Infrastructure is one of the most common types of Internet encryption that deals with Cybersecurity. It is actually installed on all web browsers to ensure that the traffic of the website is coming from a secure place. Organizations also use PKI to secure their internal communications. The whole concept of PKI revolves around cryptography; it ensures that proper security is provided to websites. Keep in mind that these keys are not a part of the process of encryption; they just help to authenticate the true identity of the parties or devices. They are just certificate givers. What Are PKI Certificates? PKI certificates are nothing but online documents that work like digital passports. They are basically given to websites or entities that want to join the PKI-secured conversation. PKI certificates are not just random authentications, as they can contain a significant amount of data. One of the top important pieces of information that a certificate includes is the website’s or entity’s public key; the certificate is only the medium through which the key is shared. Then comes the part of authentication. Here, the certificate comes with an attestation from a reliable source that the entity or website is who they declare to be. Let us look at some of the key elements of PKI certificates to get a better understanding. 1. Registration Authority – The registration authority is the single most important element in the Public Key Certificate. It confirms the identities of those asking for digital certificates. 2. Certificate Authority – The certificate authority signs the entities with its public key and issues digital certificates. 3. Certificate Policy – This certificate policy outlines all the PKI procedures; it helps outsiders judge the authenticity of the website. 4. Certificate Database – The Database stores the metadata and certificates until the license expires. Now that you know the basis of PKI and PKI certificates, let us take a look at the uses of PKI. Different Types Of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)? Basically, PKI (public key infrastructure) includes a system consisting of technologies, policies, and procedures. With the help of PKI, you can create, manage, and use public keys and digital certificates. Generally, PKI falls under the basics of cybersecurity. Actually, it helps systems to secure communication and data transfer. Additionally, it also helps the system to establish user identity, services, and devices. The following are the ways through which PKIs help you ensure cybersecurity in your organization: 1. Digital Certificates Basically, these are electronic data structures that bind a user or any entity to their public keys. In fact, you can use digital certificates if you want to establish a secure connection between private systems and public web pages. Some examples of such systems are internal Wi-Fis, VPNs, wiki pages, etc. 2. Encryption You need a cryptographic key if you want to authenticate devices or people. This helps in securing the network system when someone is trying to communicate with the network. 3. Digital Signatures It will be easier to verify whether certain electronic documents are authentic or not with the help of digital signatures. Hence, when you are dealing with contracts, legal paperwork, and other records, digital signatures can help you a lot. 4. Data Protection With a variety of features for protection, PKI helps to protect data and ensure accountability. This will help in verifying transactions. 5. Controlled Access You can verify and establish the identity of various entities in the network. Hence, this ensures limited access to resources and network systems. What Are The Uses Of Public Key Infrastructure? I am sure you have heard the term SSL before; it is the most common PKI implementation. But PKI is not just limited to SSL. There are a ton of other uses of PKI as well. Securing Local Networks. Email Encryption. Securing IOT Devices. Securing Internal Communications. Signing Documents. Giving Recovery Key for Encrypted Hard Drives. I hope by now you have understood the uses of PKI, so let us take a look at some of the risks that you may face if you do not execute PKI properly. What Are The Dangers Of Poor PKI Implementation? The thing is, having PKI does not ensure total security, but IT and Security Professionals take PKI very seriously because they are well aware of the risks. Some of the common risks that you may face due to poor PKI implementation are: More encryption increases operational costs Most business organizationslack the proper infrastructure to Implement PKI Unsecured websites undermine trust. Final Thoughts: There you have it. Above was pretty much everything that you needed to know about PKI, aka Public Key Infrastructure. Basically, you can use PKIs to manage and control public keys. Here, your goal is to encrypt these public keys to protect the network. This ensures secure data transfer and communication on the Internet. I hope you have found this article informative and educational. If you have some further queries in regard to PKI, kindly comment them down below. Read Also: Would Your Ecommerce Website Pass the Cybersecurity Test? Here are 3 Things You Could Be Doing Wrong 6 Benefits of Microsoft 365 Security Five Tips to Make Sure Your Security Software Is Actually Secure Why You Need A Secure Wifi Connection In Shared Space

E-Commerce Website Security: Top 14 Must-Have Cybersecurity Features

Importance Of E-Commerce Website Security