This post will show you three easy steps to boost security for your eCommerce business.
Running an eCommerce business can be difficult. This is because there is so much to consider that you may not have been aware of when you started.
You probably knew quite a lot about selling products for more than you paid; you might even have a few business management skills – but you had no idea about keeping your online business (and, therefore, your livelihood) safe.
What makes things worse is that online businesses come in so many shapes and sizes that much of what you see or read does not fit your business – or it might mean you are paying for factors you do not need.
If this is the case, there might be some areas that you should look at as a matter of urgency.
Table of Contents
3 Easy Steps To Boost Security For Your eCommerce Business
#1 Ensure your website is up to date
An eCommerce website can be a hard thing to keep track of. You are forever adding and deleting products, having sales and implementing all kinds of offers to boost sales.
With all this going on, it can be pretty easy to forget what is going on ‘under the hood’ and let important updates go uninstalled and activated.
This can lead to customers clicking away because the site doesn’t work correctly and can have security repercussions if left too long or critical updates are missed.
Rather than do all of this yourself, some companies can do this for you, which you may find is well spent money.
READ ALSO: Why Your Business Needs To Invest In Cybersecurity Solutions
#2 Ensure anything you add to your site is secure
Over the lifecycle of your business, you will be adding extra software and apps to your website to adopt innovations or add benefits for customers.
You should check that these were created using Secure Coding practices to ensure you are not pushing yourself more vulnerable.
Software and apps created this way use a security-first standpoint where the developer is responsible for security, and it is not added later by the security team. This will leave you better protected and give you greater peace of mind.
#3 End-user training
With these essential areas addressed, you must also ensure your team knows what they are doing so they don’t fall victim to a cyberattack.
You might not think you are too small to bother with – but most cyberattacks happen to small businesses. One of the most common ways this can happen is through a person opening some form of communication (most often an email) and falling victim to a virus.
Implementing end-user training can go a long way to stopping that from happening, as it will make them aware of the threats and how to deal with them.
Do not exclude yourself from this training either, as it could happen to anybody, regardless of their position in the company.
Easy Steps To Boost Security For Your eCommerce Business: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most significant security threats for eCommerce businesses?
- Phishing attacks targeting employees.
- Malware infections on your website or servers.
- Data breaches expose customer information.
- SQL injection attacks exploit website vulnerabilities.
- Denial-of-service attacks disrupt your online store.
What are some affordable security measures I can implement?
- Enforce strong passwords and MFA.
- Use free website security scanners and vulnerability databases.
- Implement basic access controls and data encryption.
- Conduct security awareness training for employees.
Do I need to hire a security expert?
While larger businesses often benefit from dedicated security professionals, smaller companies can start with DIY measures and consider consulting experts for specific needs or complex setups.
What are some resources to learn more about eCommerce security?
- Online resources from reputable organizations like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP).
- Industry publications and websites focused on eCommerce security.
- Security conferences and webinars from experts.
What should I do if I suspect a security breach?
- Immediately investigate the incident and contain the damage.
- Notify affected customers and relevant authorities.
- Follow your data breach response plan and seek professional help if needed.
To Wrap Everything Up
Security is an often-overlooked issue for eCommerce businesses, usually due to their cost. To ensure you don’t leave yourself open to any avoidable problems, you should ensure that your website is kept up to date and that anything you add to it is created using secure coding practices.
The human element is most frequently the weak link in the chain, so training both yourself and your staff can keep the chances of you falling victim to a cyberattack to a minimum.
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About the Author:
Meet Angela Daniel, an esteemed cybersecurity expert and the Associate Editor at SecureBlitz. With a profound understanding of the digital security landscape, Angela is dedicated to sharing her wealth of knowledge with readers. Her insightful articles delve into the intricacies of cybersecurity, offering a beacon of understanding in the ever-evolving realm of online safety.
Angela's expertise is grounded in a passion for staying at the forefront of emerging threats and protective measures. Her commitment to empowering individuals and organizations with the tools and insights to safeguard their digital presence is unwavering.
