7 Security Tips For Your ECommerce Store

Do you know that Canva suffered from a cyberattack that exposed its 1.6 million users' personal data? Well, this is not new in an eCommerce spectrum. As easy as starting an eCommerce business sounds, it's that difficult to maintain and secure it. 

Thankfully, there are preventive measures that can help you secure your eCommerce website if taken at the right time. 

In this article, we will read about those security tips that can help you protect your business from hackers.

1. Choose a Secure Web-Host 

Always choose a secure web host because they offer firewall protection. Whenever a visitor sends a request to the browser, a firewall investigates it and checks if the request is valid, stopping malicious attacks.

It also scans the malware regularly. Some web hosts even provide flywheel locks for overall security. They ensure that even the admin can't update the core files.

2. Select an ECommerce Platform

Don't go for the cheapest eCommerce business plan blindly. See what it offers - in terms of features and security. Also, check if the platform provides regular updates and protection from attacks such as SQL injection. 

In addition to the in-built security protocols, get an SSL certificate. It will help encrypt the data between the website and the user's browser. Mostly, it is mandatory for eCommerce businesses to comply with the PCI standards, and so is having an SSL certification. 

Therefore, select the platform that provides you with security and SSL certification. In case, if you're going with platforms like WordPress, make sure to add the WordPress security plugin for extra protection. Lastly, add the bot mitigation solution as companies don't provide it by default. 

3. Perform SQL Checks Regularly

SQL injection is the most common way for hackers to extract your business' sensitive data. They inject SQL queries in the input field and manipulate the backend database to access information.

It happens because of poor coding skills. So while starting an eCommerce business, make sure to discuss it with your development company. To stop injection, use typed and parameterized database queries.

Also, audit your security frequently. It will help you weed out potential threats and past data transactions so that the client information remains safe and secure.

4. Use Two-Way Authentication

Facial recognition and finger-print access are replacing the old password method. However, they are still the standard way of accessing a website/app. We need passwords to log in to websites and apps to avail of the services. 

This is easy for users who use the same password over multiple sites. The problem with this method is that if the hackers have the data of this reused username and password, they can apply it to various services, leading to fraud. 

So, make sure you ask users to add complex password combinations and use two-factor authentication. Even if you secure your business, your users can be your weak link. Hence, ensure that your users don't use poor credentials, something that one can easily guess.  

5. Avoid Storing Customer's Sensitive Data

The best way to secure your eCommerce store is to avoid storing customers' data unless it's necessary. You can even collect data that's useful for ordering and transaction purposes. Don't tempt over collecting additional data as it would only heighten the risk of fraud and data being hacked. Avoid storing customers' payment information like credit card details on an online server. It's embarrassing to send out emails to inform customers that you've lost their personal data. 

Therefore, use a third-party encrypted checkout process for payment. And if you want to store data, go for technology like blockchain - it's one of the most secure technologies.

Suggestion: Check your eCommerce business plan and see the payment service providers included in it. 

6. Monitor your Downloads and Integration

Downloading and integrating plugins easily is a great thing! But you need to be wary of the sites from where you download or integrate a plugin. It may be a fraudulent act. Some hackers can implant malicious protocols using the add-ons. Or it may happen that the plugins are not fully optimized and can leave your website vulnerable to attacks. 

Every security action that you take for your website, implement it on your system too. Because you never know the direction of the attack. 

7. Backup your Data Regularly

Always backup your data. It won't provide security but will reduce the damage done. It will help you protect the data from being corrupted or lost. 

It's a good practice to back up the data after every update and at least thrice in a week. If you don't want to go over the burden of backup, you can even automate it. You can set the time and date, and the backup would automatically start at that time. 

Mostly, website and hosting platforms provide an in-built auto data backup feature. Hence, while going through the eCommerce business plan, see if it's included or not. 

Over to You

Starting an eCommerce business is the need of the hour. But, as everything has a vulnerable side, e-stores too. However, by taking measures and following the tips, you can prevent your e-store from malicious attacks.