When it comes to eCommerce, website security is of the utmost importance. After all, if your customers don’t feel safe shopping on your site, they won’t do business with you. Here are seven security measures you can take to ensure your eCommerce website is as secure as possible:
1). Use a Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Certificate
When you shop online, whether it’s for a new pair of shoes or the latest hardware from Apple, you want to know that your credit card and other personal information is being transmitted securely.
The easiest way for you (and the site owner) to be sure of this is to use a Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificate.
An SSL certificate encrypts the data that’s sent between your computer and the website server. Without an SSL certificate, it’s easy for a third party to intercept your information in transit and steal sensitive data like your credit card number.
How do I get one?
SSL certificates can be purchased from a variety of providers, such as GoDaddy, VeriSign, and Thawte. The cost of an SSL certificate depends on the level of security you need.
2). Use Multi-Layer Security
A single layer of security is no longer enough to protect your eCommerce website. In order to keep your customers safe, you need a multi-layer security solution that includes firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and malware protection.
A firewall is essential for blocking unauthorized access to your network and data. An IDS/IPS monitors all traffic from your network, looking for suspicious activity.
And malware protection software helps protect your computer against malicious software, such as viruses and Trojans.
How do I set it up?
You can buy multi-layer security solutions from various providers, including Symantec, Cisco, and McAfee. Prices vary depending on the features you need.
3). Install Anti-Malware Software
As mentioned above, malware is a big threat to eCommerce websites. In fact, one in five website visits is now to sites that are infected with some form of malware.
Anti-malware software is essential for protecting your computer and your customers’ data from malicious software. It scans all incoming and outgoing traffic for threats and neutralizes them before they can do any damage.
How do I get it?
Anti-malware software is available from a variety of providers, including Symantec, McAfee, and Kaspersky. Prices vary depending on the features you need.
You can also find anti-malware software as part of multi-layer security solutions.
4). Use a Real-Time Bot Detection Technology to Eliminate Price Scraping and other Online Frauds
If you have products for sale on your site, there’s a chance that someone will try to steal those prices.
These thieves are known as price scrapers and they use automated bots to check the prices of every product at eCommerce websites around the world in order to find discrepancies between what you charge and what other sites charge.
They then buy your product for less, sell it at its original price, and pocket the difference.
How do I stop them?
A real-time bot detection technology can block these automated bots from accessing your website in order to prevent this type of retail fraud.
You will also want a multi-layer security solution that includes an IDS/IPS to monitor bot activity and block suspicious traffic.
How much does it cost?
Bots can be expensive to develop, so most of the real-time detection technologies on the market are not free.
You will want a provider that knows your industry and how eCommerce websites work in order to create an effective solution for you. Prices vary depending on the features you need.
5). Use a Secure eCommerce Platform
Your eCommerce platform is the foundation of your online store. It’s where you list your products, process payments, and manage your orders.
The best eCommerce platforms are secure by design and use industry-standard security measures to protect your data.
They also come with built-in features like SSL certificates, firewalls, and multi-layer security solutions.
How do I find one?
You’ll want to choose an eCommerce platform that supports the features and level of security you need for your website.
Prices vary depending on the features you need but generally range from $0-$200 per month (not including hosting costs). You can also pay a one-time fee for a platform that’s tailored to your specific needs.
You can find a list of secure eCommerce platforms here:
How do I get it?
You can either choose a platform that has been customized for your specific eCommerce website or buy an off-the-shelf solution. You’ll most likely need to host the tool on your own server and pay for hosting and other associated costs.
Prices vary depending on the features you need and the platform you choose.
6). Develop a System for Purging Customer Data
When you close an account, you must purge all customer data from your system. This includes their contact information, purchase history, and more.
How do I get it?
You can either use a built-in feature in your eCommerce platform or build one yourself using third-party tools and off-the-shelf software. Prices vary depending on the features you need.
You will also want to factor in hosting costs if you choose an external solution for this security measure.
7). Insist on Your Customers Using Strong Passwords
One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your eCommerce website is to require your customers to use strong passwords.
How do I get it?
You can either require them to create a password with a minimum number of characters, include numbers and symbols, or both. You can also require them to change their passwords on a regular basis.
How much does it cost?
This security measure is free to implement.
8). Comply with PCI-DSS Requirements
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) is a set of security standards for merchants and service providers that process, store or transmit credit card information.
How do I get it done?
You can either comply with the PCI-DSS standard yourself by following each rule in its entirety. If you are unable to comply with the standard yourself, you can hire a third party to do so for you.
How much does it cost?
Compliance costs vary depending on your specific needs and industry requirements.
The average annual fee is $300-$1000 per year (or more if you are faced with an audit). You will also need to factor in the cost of implementing and maintaining a PCI-DSS compliant solution.
You can learn more about the PCI-DSS standard here.
PCI Security Standards Council website
Final Thoughts
The best way to protect your eCommerce website is by using a combination of security measures. These eight tips provide a good starting point, but you’ll need to tailor them to your specific needs.
If you are not sure where to start, our team can help. We offer a range of eCommerce solutions that are both secure and compliant with PCI-DSS requirements. Contact us today for more information.
