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

Published on: 14 April 2021 Last Updated on: 30 December 2024
Cybersecurity Features

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

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.

Read Also:

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.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Farmland Safe

Top Tips on How You Can Keep Farmland Safe

If you have your own farm, you will find that it can be difficult to keep it safe as there will be so many things that you need to keep on top of. With so many things to keep on top of, safety should be the main priority. To keep your farmland safe, we will discuss some top tips to keep in mind so, make sure you keep on reading to find out some more information. Keep Gates Locked One of the easiest ways that you can keep your farmland safe is by making sure that you keep gates locked at all times. It is very important to make sure gates are locked on the farm and this is because it will keep trespassers out and, will keep animals in and stop them from wandering off and getting harmed or lost. As well as gates and pens, it is important to lock doors to sheds and storage around the farm. Security Cameras When it comes to keeping your farmland safe, one of the first ways that you can do this is by making sure you install security cameras around your farm. This is because it will allow you to keep an eye over all your land at the one time. If there are any problems then, you will be able to check the security camera systems and see if they can help you solve the problems you are having. Electric Fencing If you are looking for another way to keep your farmland safe then, electric fencing is a great option for you. This is because when you have electric fencing it can keep people out of your land and prevent them from climbing fences which makes it more secure than other types of fencing. Electric fencing can also be very off-putting to trespassers, so this is something to consider. Keep an Eye on Your Crops When running a farm, you will need to make sure your crops are kept safe and tended to and this is because these are how you will make your money. If your crops aren’t kept safe then, they will not grow properly which means that there would be a shortage for people to buy. To make sure crops are kept safe you should make sure there is fencing to keep bigger wildlife animals away and that you can find ways to keep bugs and pests away from your crops. Keep Your Farmland Safe There are a lot of things that you will need to do if you are looking for ways to keep your farmland safe and you need to consider all of these. Think about investing in electric fencing, keeping an eye on your crops, and ensuring that everything is secure at all times. Hopefully, you’ll understand how to do this more effectively over time. Protect your farm and any of the animals or crops you have on it. Read also: How to select a weed wacker Growing a business in the agricultural sector Centipede Grass Seed – Benefits, Types, Consequences, Time-lapse, Maintenance [Full Guide]

READ MOREDetails
Security Keys

5 Tips to Safeguard Your Home From Intruders

Do you know that there is someone in your home behind your back? What will you do? Who will you call? How will you protect your belongings? And the most important, how will you safeguard your family? Security today has become one of the paramount things these days. With crime rate increasing day-by-day and housebreak becoming a common thing, it has become essential to give your family and business a safe shelter. After all, no matter how safe the area or the street you live in, burglaries still happen. However, you don’t have to install a missile or hire a professional on the rooftops to keep evil people away from your property. Instead, all you need is to be extra cautious and smart. So, make it tough for the intruders and have a look at some of the essential tips to safeguard your home from outside: Scout Out The Weak Spots: Think like burglars and survey your house from the eyes of thief’s if you want to protect your home entirely.  If you are easily able to break or pry the window, the thief will surely be able to. However, safeguard it using wooden rods or metal pipes from inside. Also, check the things that are visible from the windows, there perhaps be expensive painting, glassware or any expensive electronic item.  If there’s any, make small adjustments and move the things from getting seen by thieves. Install A Good Sensor: Let the intruder be in the eyes of sensors even before they touch the doors and windows. Install electronic doors and window sensors and cameras to detect the robber. You can also call a professional automatic locksmith service to take charge of securing your house from outside. The expert will install cameras & detectors to vigil 24/7 so that you have a relaxed sleep. From their plethora of services, you can pick your suitable one to protect your place. Some locksmiths even provide services like garage doors, CCTV cameras and many more. Keep The Entrances And Walkways Short And Trimmed: Don’t make hiding spots for the thief to hide when attempting to intrude-in. Trim the shrubs from the entranceways and install light to make the place glowing even at night. Also, this will eliminate the risk of having no place to hide, and the thief will not even try to do it. Moreover, for added security, you can plant thorns at the windows making it difficult for the intruder to jump-in the house. Build A Protective Fence: A fence is an excellent way to not only keep intruders but unwanted visitors away from your property. You can use the open-chain link or metal fence to secure the place. Some owners also prefer solid barriers for limiting the street noise as well as for privacy; such rails are easy to climb and hide. Don’t Leave Expensive Things Open In The Garden: Things like expensive cars, bikes, kitchen BBQ grills make easy targets for the burglars to grab them. Bonus for the thieves if these things have got wheels! Moreover, if you have open street parking, lock your car properly and make sure to bring out all the important things from the car. We live in a constant threat of someone hampering our property and family. So, keep in mind the above mentions tips and stay protected and safe! Read More : Why Should You Consider Security Doors for Your House? 5 Ways Camera Monitoring System Will Enhance Vehicle Safety  

READ MOREDetails
Document Security

Why DRM Is the New Standard for Document Security

Document security has been a bone of contention for quite some time. There are so many reasons why some documents should not be seen by everyone. For example, documents containing national secrets should only be accessed by people with a security clearance because, in the wrong hands, the information could ruin whole countries and regimes (or at least the careers of some people). Similarly, businesses store some of their most sensitive information, including trade secrets and intellectual property, in documents. If the information in such documents were to be made available on the Internet for free it could ruin a business. What is more, people nowadays prefer to share their documents electronically rather than via hard printed copies. Of course, electronic sharing offers some extra benefits, for example, the authors save on printing costs, distribution is much quicker, and you can reach global markets more easily. But, unfortunately, it can also become too easy to share electronic documents. For example, people can copy and paste another person’s work or company secrets and sell them as their own. Various controls have been employed in the past to guard against such documents falling into the wrong hands or being distributed for free. As it stands, these controls have not been very successful in carrying out their mandate and so many document security products fail to adequately protect documents from unauthorized use. One such method which falls short is encryption. As soon as a file is opened by an authorized person, they can do anything they want with it. This includes copying and sharing the information. Even using watermarking to prevent copying does not solve the problem. Using regular software to process a document gives the recipient the ability to remove the watermark and go on to redistribute documents as they see fit. Likewise, internal document management systems fall flat as soon as a document is moved outside of the organization. The most effective tool for document security should be able to tackle all the problems associated with the above-named control mechanisms to be considered an industry standard. Digital Rights Management (DRM)and licensing controls do just that. With regard to forwarding documents, DRM ensures that only an encrypted file can be shared with authorized users. It is, therefore, paramount that each recipient is given a key so that he or she can access the contents of a document.  The key needs to be transparently relayed and locked to the authorized user’s device so that it cannot be shared along with the protected document.  The fact that a key cannot be transferred from one user to another also means that each person will have to be individually authorized by the admin. What is more, DRM can be used to enforce expiry, prevent screen grabbing as well as stopping copying and pasting techniques from being used while the document is on display. That leaves the subject of printing a document.  You can use DRM to prevent printing but it is sometimes necessary to allow a document to be printed by the recipient. If the recipient were to misuse this privilege by “printing” the document to a PDF driver, then he or she has effectively created a control-free document. DRM controls could be used to prevent the use of file drivers to ensure that an unprotected document is created. That being said, once a document is printed, it can be rescanned and a PDF can be created. The easiest way to prevent this would be to watermark it in a way in which the watermark itself cannot be easily tampered with.   Also, using DRM, a dynamic watermark can be added to ensure that, if a person were to try and share his or her version of the document, there would be evidence to identify him or her. A static watermark can also be used to prevent scanning as it works to effectively distort the image that the scanner or photocopier picks up, making the scanned copy unusable. DRM can also be used to revoke documents that have already been distributed and to automatically expire documents once they have been viewed or printed a number of times or after a number of days use. So, DRM is the only complete solution to document security as it supports previous methods of document security (encryption and access controls) and fills in the gaps that the other methods cannot. Also, it is effective both inside and outside of organizational controls. If you are looking to enhance security for all your documents, then DRM may be the only sure way to go. Read Also: Top Cloud Security Controls You Should Be Using Would Your E-commerce Website Pass The Cybersecurity Test? Here Are 3 Things You Could Be Doing Wrong

READ MOREDetails