Top 4 Best Practices for E-Commerce Security
The frequency and sophistication of cyber-crimes increased dramatically in recent years, with small businesses making up a loss of around $2.2 million annually. Due to frequent attacks, e-commerce security is essential for the success of your e-commerce business.
E-commerce security refers to the steps taken to secure your company's website and its visitors from cyber-attacks. Security breaches can lead to the loss of consumer data, and the resulting fines and reputational damage might be severe. Keep reading to discover some of the best practices for e-commerce security.
1. Keep Your Website Up-to-Date
The first step in enhancing your website's security is verifying that its software is updated with the most recent security updates. For instance, use new software versions or upgrades that correct current problems and prevent cyber-attacks. This includes both the plugins, components, and apps that your content management system (CMS) might use for the website, as well as the server or hosting environment.
2. Use Unique Passwords and Encourage Your Clients to Use Them
Just like your computer or Wi-Fi network, e-commerce platforms are equally, if not more, vulnerable to password hacking. Hackers can easily crack weak and simple passwords and subsequently access the user's e-commerce accounts. It's vital to ensure that you, your staff, and your customers use secure password practices such as:
- Avoid using the same password for other login credentials as you use your e-commerce website.
- Never share your public information such as date of birth or phone number.
- Use at least twelve characters that include upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols within your passwords.
- As the website owner, you can typically set a password complexity requirement for your users.
3. Only Store Client Data You Need
Regarding data storage, the bottom line is never to retain more than is required for effective company operations. Keep your clients’ sensitive data apart from others by segmenting your network. Use web application firewalls and perform security audits to verify that all of your security measures are operating as intended.
4. Use a Secure E-Commerce Platform
Choose a platform that offers your website the highest security level without sacrificing accessibility. At Igniting Business, we believe Shopify to be the best e-commerce platform choice for our small business clients. Offering managed hosting, quality security, and regular maintenance, Shopify provides businesses an e-commerce system with quality and affordable web security solutions integrated within its packages. You can learn more about Shopify’s Security and PCI compliance.
Contact Our E-Commerce and Web Security Experts
In the ever-growing e-commerce industry, security breaches are causing significant concerns, with both high-profile companies and small businesses experiencing lawsuits for data breaches. At Igniting Business, we strive to help you keep your e-commerce website secure. To learn more about our e-commerce design services, contact our team today!
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