Ecommerce Security Checklist – Methods to Protect Your Online Store

ecommerce security checklist - protect your online store

The ecommerce world has expanded beyond comprehension, and with 1.09 billion websites in 2024, security concerns are becoming overwhelming.  To help you get a better look at the problem and its possible solutions, here is a helpful visual illustration. We will take you through major security concerns and solutions so you can keep your site safe from all kinds of threats. 

Ensuring the security of an eCommerce platform is crucial for protecting customer data and maintaining trust

Infographic by Addify

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Major Concerns Around Ecommerce Security 

Below are some of the major concerns that are prevalent in the ecommerce industry. We will explain each, one by one to help you grasp the idea. 

1. Increased Concerns by Customers

Many customers are feeling increasingly insecure about their online purchases and data. Many believe that their personal information might not be safe, and thus, they are very cautious when it comes to sharing information. 

2. Less Confidence

Customers tend to lose faith in online retailers as data theft and security breaches become more common. This is a primary reason why many consider physical shopping more secure than online shopping. 

3. Negative Customer Experience 

For those customers who have experienced an online scam or have lost precious data, they are less likely to trust online retailers. Many develop negative feelings about ecommerce entirely. 

4. Increased Fraud Reports 

With time, more cases of online fraud are surfacing. From minor cases to major frauds, more online scams are happening now than ever before. 

Common Online Attacks in the Ecommerce Industry 

Below are major online threats that are becoming increasingly common each day. Understanding each is crucial to minimizing them. 

1. Phishing attacks

Phishing attacks involve deceiving individuals into performing actions that benefit the attacker, such as sharing sensitive information or downloading malware. These attacks often use fraudulent emails, text messages, phone calls, or websites to trick victims. 

2. Malware and Ransomware

Malware refers to any malicious software that allows an attacker to carry out unauthorized activities on a device or system. Ransomware is a type of malware that infects computers, devices, and networks, locking access to data until a ransom is paid. 

3. DoS & DDoS

A denial-of-service (DoS) attack overwhelms a server with excessive traffic, rendering a website or resource inaccessible. A distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack amplifies this by using multiple computers to flood the target with traffic from various sources. 

4. E-Skimming

E-skimming involves inserting malicious code into a web page to steal sensitive user information, such as credit card numbers and social security details, during data entry. Victims are unaware of the theft until their data is misused. 

5. API Attacks

Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) facilitate seamless communication between various applications and systems. However, the increasing reliance on APIs also expands the potential for attacks. An API attack involves the malicious use of an API to exploit vulnerabilities, leading to unauthorized access, data theft, or service disruption. 

6. Payment Fraud

Payment fraud involves illegal or unauthorized transactions conducted by cybercriminals to deprive victims of funds, personal property, or sensitive information. Examples include using stolen credit card information, creating fake checks, or making unauthorized electronic fund transfers. 

7. Account Takeover 

Account takeover (ATO) attacks occur when unauthorized users gain access to legitimate user accounts to steal data or commit fraud. These attacks have become more frequent and sophisticated, leading to financial losses, damaged reputations, and loss of customer trust. 

8. Fraud as a Service 

Fraud as a Service (FaaS) is a business model where individuals sell their tools, services, and expertise to cybercriminals, often on the dark web. These services range from phishing kits to malware, enabling buyers to commit fraud. 

Methods to Minimize Security Breaches | 10-Step Checklist 

Below are some of the steps to ensure a secure and safe environment for online teams, customers, and other stakeholders. 

1. User Authentication & Access Control

With stronger user authentication strategies, e-commerce sites can minimize online threats. Using multifactor authentication, strong password policies, and role-based access, store owners can enhance security and ensure only legit customers get in. 

2. Data Protection

With secure payment processing and encryption, stores can keep their data and customer information secure. Encryption converts data into a code for secure transfer and access by authorized personnel only. This is extremely helpful when it comes to sensitive customer payment-related details. 

3. Application Security 

Firewalls, security audits, and secure coding practices should be adopted to keep web applications safe. These strategies can minimize internal vulnerabilities and prevent unauthorized modification and access. 

4. Network Security

Enhanced network security with firewalls and Intrusive Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS) can be a game changer. With these measures in place, a threat can be immediately detected and resolved. 

5. Fraud Prevention

Using various fraud detection tools and monitoring transactions on your store, you can minimize the chances of online scams. Fraud payments & transactions can cause losses of billions of dollars, and hence, taking measures to timely detect and minimize them is necessary. 

6. User and Employee Education

Offering security awareness training and education to your team promotes a culture of prevention against online malpractices. It helps them understand industry best practices and ensures that they are well-equipped to avoid preventable threats. 

7. Backup & Recovery 

Disaster recovery plans and backups can prove extremely helpful in case of an online attack. With regular backups, one can prevent the loss of precious data instead of paying a high ransom or losing data completely. 

8. Compliance & Legal Considerations

Regulatory compliance and a strong privacy policy can help you better tackle a data breach and respond to your customers and other stakeholders. Following security protocols and keeping customers informed not only keeps your site safe but also builds a stronger brand image. 

9. Monitoring and Incident Response 

With an effective incident plan in place and knowledge of Security Information & Event Management (SIEM), you can better handle situations where security is compromised. SIEM allows for real-time monitoring and maintenance of security data logs for compliance and auditing requirements. 

10. Bot Protection 

Using Bot Management Solutions and Catcha, e-store owners can prevent bots from accessing their websites. These solutions help differentiate between a bot and a human, allowing secure traffic to make it through. 

Conclusion

So, this was an overview of online security concerns and how preventive measures can minimize loss of time, effort, and financial resources. As more and more customers are reporting cases of online scams and losing trust in online retailers, all businesses need to adopt best practices to keep up with the increasing security threats. 

Some of the major online security concerns include phishing attacks, Malware and Ransomware, E-Skimming, and API Attacks. These risks can be dealt with through methods like two-factor Authentication, Data Protection and Application Security, Backup and recovery, and more. 

These days, opening an online store is easier than ever, but keeping it safe requires serious measures. Following the methods mentioned in the blog and the infographic can greatly help you get a head start in keeping your website safe in the short and long run. 

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David Walker

I am an experienced content writer specializing in e-commerce and AI. I focus on crafting insightful articles and providing guidance to help individuals excel in affiliate marketing, e-commerce, and Web Development

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