For those businesses who think cybersecurity is just a word, let us tell you it is an unavoidable reality of 2021.
Last year, more than a million WordPress websites got hacked. That includes more small businesses than large firms.
So, if you were thinking of moving ahead before considering security threats in eCommerce, it is high time that you take them seriously.
Cybercriminals don’t think twice before hacking your website. If they find a loophole in your system, such as a weak password or non-SSL compliance, you can bid adieu to all your website and customer data.
Thus, to remedy that we prepared a list of eight security strategies that can help protect your eCommerce website:
Top 8 security strategies to protect your eCommerce website
1. Control your passwords
You may not be able to regulate the timing of a cyberattack but, you can certainly regulate your password’s strength.
Anyone can access public-facing login pages. All that keep users out is a 12-digit password.
So, to maintain strict password hygiene, we recommend you must resist using the same password everywhere.
Use a password manager to create encrypted passwords which are nearly impossible for a hacker to guess.
Also, use a blend of unique characters, symbols, numbers, and alphabets so that hackers have no chance of breaching it.
2. Encrypt your website with SSL
Earlier websites were only required to use SSL for security pages such as the likes of a checkout or payments page.
But, in recent updates of Google, SSL has been made a mandatory requirement for all website pages. So, you must be wondering what exactly an SSL is?
An SSL or Secure Sockets Layer certificate is a security protocol that encrypts a website’s connection disallowing any hacker to view what is being transferred between two entities on a website.
Search engines like Google have already recognized SSL as the savior of websites. It won’t allow any website to rank on the top of Google’s search rankings unless they have an active SSL certificate.
There are two types of SSL certs present right now: a single-domain SSL cert and a multi-domain SSL cert.
A single domain SSL cert can protect a single primary domain, while a multi-domain SSL cert can protect multiple primary domains under one certificate up to 250.
If you have many subdomains attached to your site, you can also opt for the wildcard version that comes with both websites.
A wildcard cert can protect an unlimited number of subdomains to the first level up to 250. So, buy a cheap RapidSSL certificate today and protect your website.
3. Install 2-factor authentication
2FA acts as an additional security layer for your website.
Suppose a hacker successfully breaches your password; you would not otherwise have any protocol stopping them from entering your website.
But, with a 2-factor authentication-enabled website, hackers are required to enter a unique confirmation code sent to the registered mobile number or email address.
Hackers cannot enter the website unless and until they enter the code. Thus, 2-factor authentication ensures eCommerce security.
4. Use additional security plugins
Be it WordPress or Joomla; all have their default security systems intact. They may claim that a hacker cannot breach their security, which could be true but, it is best not to take their word for it.
We recommend you use additional third-party plugins for website security. However, before installing them, do ensure that they have the best reviews and ratings.
Check what people are talking about them. This way, you will end up applying authentic plugins to your system instead of the rogue ones.
5. Keep ready-to-use backups
Ecommerce cybercrime is increasing by the day. People are heavily relying on eCommerce websites for their daily needs.
Many people also store their credit/debit card information on eCommerce websites. In that case, if a hacker successfully breaches a website, you will lose all your data.
So, it is best to create ready-to-use backups on which you can always rely. Back up your data daily to ensure that your data is kept safe with you.
Moreover, choose cloud-based backup systems instead of hard drives. You can access cloud-based storage from anywhere, and unlike hard drives, they don’t fail.
6. Limit login attempts
By allowing unlimited login attempts for users, you are also risking a password breach.
A hacker can apply a brute force attack where they can enter multiple combinations of passwords. Chances are they can get through your password if allowed to log in multiple times.
So, the best way to avoid a data breach is by limiting login attempts to 3. Any customer who tries to log in more than 3 times should be asked to enter a unique verification number sent on their registered email address and mobile number.
By limiting attempts, you are also marginalizing the chances of data breaches.
7. Perform regular audits
Though you have employed all the tactics mentioned above, you won’t need a periodic scan yet.
But to be on the safer side, you must get a security scan every six months to ensure that your website is safe, and employees comply with the security standards.
Regular scans will help you figure out the loopholes in your current security system. By running a periodic audit, you can cater to software upgrades, connection hindrances, anti-virus updates, etc.
Periodic audits will also keep you in the good books of search engines.
8. Educate your staff
The staff members in your company do not know which links to click; they can cause much trouble for you.
Hackers target those staff members who are not in direct contact with the top management yet have access to company accounts.
Experts suggest it is best to keep track of people who have access to the company’s accounts.
Moreover, educate them about MITM and phishing attacks that they are most likely to face.
Educating staff members will also help you stay proactive towards future cyberattacks. Staff members will be able to identify cyberattacks and repel them with ease.
Final Thoughts
eCommerce websites have elevated their stature post COVID. That is why hackers, too, are more interested in hacking an eCommerce website than a regular informative website.
The security of your eCommerce website largely depends on the strategies that you employ.
If you have robust strategies in place, hackers cannot harm you. Most cyberattacks happen due to the incompetence of website owners.
Bad password hygiene, absence of HTTPS or Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure encryption, no data backups, unlimited login attempts, and no audits can prove to be catastrophic for any website.
So, follow these eight strategies given above to avoid confronting cybercriminals.
