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

Published on: 14 April 2021 Last Updated on: 30 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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8 Ways you can Improve Safety in a Workplace

The workplace is where most people spend their time. On average most people spend more than 8 hours in their workplace. That is a very long time and the least you can do is be sure that the workplace you provide for your staff is safe. A safe work environment will keep your staff safe and motivated and therefore increase productivity. There are several things you can do to ensure that you provide a healthy workplace for your employees. 1. Cleanliness Ensure the workplace is clean at all times and is free of any clutter. A cluttered workplace can cause accidents and inconveniences. Keep the walkway and ensure everything is returned where it’s supposed to be. Any spills should be wiped as soon as it happens.in this day of coronavirus it's important you get your employees with a good face mask and hand sanitizers to ensure they stay safe. And if you can, let them work from home just to keep them safe. 2. Train Your Employees Train your employees on safety measures in the workplace. You can even outsource professionals to train your employees in safety practices and ensure all employees go through the training and practice what they learn.it may seem like an unnecessary expense but trust me it will save you a lot of employee injury and also keep your employees safe and productive. You also partner with occupational clinicians who can do regular inspections and alert you on areas where there is a potential risk of harming or injuring your staff. 3. Use Signs and Label Everything This sounds very simple but it can really help in keeping the workplace safe. It is basically communicating informing everyone where everything is and where everything is happening. For example, when the cleaning staff is doing cleaning they should always put a sign for wet floors or slippery floors to prevent people from slipping and falling which may cause injuries or destruction of property. For example in lab labels, things that could harm people for example radioactive material, sharp objects, etc. They should always be clearly labeled. Hospitals and laboratories should take labels and signs very seriously because accidents in such places could be fatal. 4. Provide the Necessary Equipment for Your Employees Provide protective gear for your employees where necessary. The right equipment will improve your employees’ productivity. For example, hospitals provide PPE and the necessary protective gear for doctors and nurses who are dealing with contagious diseases. This will encourage the doctors to treat their patients better because they know they are well protected.it will also keep them safe from infections. Also, ensure all employees understand all safety practices and adhere to them to protect themselves and others in the workplace. 5. Encourage Rest for Your Employees You can provide a break room where your staff can go to rest and relax. We have heard stories of employees harming themselves due to work pressure. Encourage your employees to take breaks when necessary. If possible you can even provide an in-house therapist to help employees deal with work pressure especially if the job is emotionally intense for example in hospitals. 6. Fire Safety Fire is one of the leading dangers to both homes and also workplaces. Fires can be caused by many things. But the cost in workplaces is electric fires. You should be very difficult with electricity in the workplace. Switch off all appliances that are not being used, avoid overloading of sockets. Conduct regular repairs and maintenance, repair all damages as soon as they are discovered. Get the circuit breaker manufacturing company to show you where they install the circuit breaker and how exactly it is used in case of any problem. Electricity is not only the cause of fires in workplaces. Some workplaces especially restaurants have other things that can cause fires like stoves, grease, etc. For restaurants ensure that the kitchen is well equipped with firefighting essentials like fire extinguishers. 7. Hold Meetings on Safety Often Have regular meetings to review safety measures. Communicate new measures and brainstorm on the already implemented rules of safety. You can also welcome new ideas to improve safety for everyone. Make it easy for your staff to communicate safety concerns that they may have. They can also report incidences as soon as they happen and potential dangers too. You can also appoint one of the staff members to be in charge of safety in the workspace for easier communication. Reward employees who practice safety measures so that you can encourage the rest to follow suit. 8. Create a Safety Culture Make workplace safety culture in your business. Incorporate safety behavior in your day-to-day activities let it be part of your company policy and culture. Make safety as important as your core business. Let the staff understand the importance of safety. Identify the most causes of injury in your workspace for example if you run a restaurant and the main injury is burns make it everyone’s responsibility to observe fire safety even though they do not deal with fire directly. Conclusion It is your responsibility as an employer to keep your employees safe when at work. You should provide a conducive environment for all your employees to be comfortable while they work. A safe environment also increases the productivity of your employees. Keeping your employees safe and preventing injury can also protect you from legal issues. Read Also: What To Do About Discrimination In The Workplace: First Steps To Take Strategies For Preventing Workplace Injuries Proactively 5 Tips For Employee Retention For Any Organization What Is Employee Leasing? Overview And Explained In 2021

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

How To Stop Scammers On Facebook Marketplace?

Scammers are everywhere online these days, and it’s important to be aware of the different types of scams that you might encounter when buying and selling items on the Facebook marketplace. Staying informed about potential scams that might be targeted toward you will help you protect your items, your personal information, and your money. Our article gives you information on common Facebook marketplace scams and how to stop scammers on the Facebook marketplace. What Is Facebook Marketplace? Facebook marketplace is one of today’s most popular selling platforms for both used and new goods. Facebook users can easily navigate the marketplace to find items in their area and items that are available for shipping. It doesn’t charge any kind of fee for this service, which is part of what makes the platform so popular. Common Facebook Marketplace Scams As with any type of selling platform, scams are common on the Facebook marketplace. We give you an overview of the most common Facebook marketplace scams you might encounter. 1. Overpayment Scams Overpayment scams are common both on and off the Facebook marketplace, and these scams involve the buyer claiming to have overpaid for the item by accident. They may try to show proof by providing some kind of receipt or screenshot of payment. The buyer will then ask that you refund the difference, but once you do this, their original payment will be shown to be false or otherwise not processed. The buyer will then disappear, making off with the money that you sent them as a ‘refund.’ 2. False Payment Scams False payment scams involve the buyer sending you a payment receipt in order to get you to send a package or deliver an item. These are often screenshots of false payments or utilize suspicious third-party apps. So, it’s important to always use a trusted payment app such as PayPal or Venmo and verify that payment is actually received before you take the next steps in the selling process. 3. Shipping Scams Shipping scams are very common on most buying and selling platforms, and the Facebook marketplace is no exception. In these scams, a buyer may request that you go ahead and send a package before payment is received. Alternatively, they may present you with a false payment receipt so that you will send the package. Buyers may also claim that a package was never received, and sellers on the Facebook marketplace may simply take your money and never ship your package. These scams can be hard to catch at first, so always use common sense and scrutiny when dealing with shipping and receiving packages. 4. Bait and Switch Scams Bait and switch scams involve the scammer listing a more valuable or popular item on the marketplace, but when you message them about that item, they tell you it has been sold. They may then offer you an item of inferior quality in the hopes that you settle for it and buy it. 5. False Listings Fake listings, such as listings for apartments or other rentals, and listings that appear too good to be true for valuable items are often the cornerstone of this scam. In these scams, you may be asked to fill out forms to obtain items or a rental, asked to put down a deposit, or asked to pay a holding fee, only for the rental or item listing to disappear. Then, the scammer vanishes with your money and information. Tips for Stopping Facebook Marketplace Scammers The following tips will help stop you from falling for scams when utilizing the Facebook marketplace. Always use caution and common sense when buying or selling online. Make sure payments are fully received and processed before shipping any product; this stops you from losing the item if a payment turns out to be false. Never engage with anyone who wants to send payments through sketchy third-party apps and always double-check who owns email addresses. Always double-check electronics to make sure they are working and be wary of items that appear like they have been stolen. If the price of something or a product is too good to be true, it likely is. Never reveal codes that are texted to your phone, and never fill out any kind of form asking for your personal information in order to receive an item. Always ask for tracking codes or provide tracking codes when shipping and receiving items to prevent false claims of lost packages and to ensure items are actually shipped. To stop a Facebook marketplace scam for good, open the listing you believe is a scam. Tap on the three dots to open the menu, then navigate to the option that says ‘report listing.’ Tap or click on this, and Facebook will handle the scam listing. You can also complete this method with the buyer by navigating to the messages exchanged with the buyer. Then, open the same menu by tapping or clicking on the three dots, and select ‘report buyer.’ Making Your Marketplace Experience Safe Facebook marketplace is a powerful tool to help you buy and sell personal goods to locals in your area, or ship products to those farther away. However, the Facebook marketplace does have its share of scams, and it’s important to be wary as you utilize the platform. Keep your wits about you and remember our tips for stopping Facebook marketplace scammers in their tracks. Read Also: Social Media Marketing – A Life-Changing Strategy How To Make Your Online Business More Humble By Managing Your Reputation How To Recover Deleted Facebook Messages Using Com.Facebook.orca? – With Pictures How a B2B Payment Solution Can Aid Your Ecommerce Company?

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

Importance Of E-Commerce Website Security