If you have an ecommerce site, then you have a responsibility to make sure it is safe and secure for your customers to use.
Good ecommerce security practices are essential for safeguarding sensitive customer data, protecting against security breaches, and maintaining trust with your customers. In other words, having proper security is non-negotiable.
Here, we’re looking at why ecommerce security is so important, as well as the best practices for improving your site’s security.
The importance of ecommerce security
All websites need to be secure, but security is especially important in ecommerce sites because…
Unsecure sites are treasure troves of personal and financial data for thieves
Ecommerce sites are treasure troves for would-be thieves looking to get hold of personal and financial data. As an ecommerce business, you hold a wealth of valuable information such as credit card details, addresses, and other personal information. This information is vulnerable to theft if your site’s security is not up to standard, and your customers won’t return (or maybe even shop with you in the first place) if they don’t believe their data is safe.
Unsafe sites can mean a loss of revenue
The last thing any ecommerce business wants is a security breach, but you will be a prime target if your security practices aren’t up to scratch. Security breaches can result in a significant loss of revenue for your business because it will turn customers away and they may lose trust in your business and be hesitant to make future purchases. This can also mean bad publicity and permanent damage to your business’s reputation.
Building customer trust
Taking ecommerce security seriously will help to build trust with your customers. When customers feel secure shopping on your site, they are more likely to return and recommend your business to others. Implementing the correct security measures reassures your customers that you value the security of their data, which helps to build a positive reputation beyond just the quality of your goods or services.
Ecommerce security best practices
Now you know why it’s essential to keep your ecommerce site as safe and secure as possible, how do you actually make that happen?
Take better care of your passwords
Taking control of your passwords is essential in maintaining your ecommerce website’s security. Avoid using generic passwords (never ‘password’ or ‘1234’) or even something personal that someone could easily guess or discover with a little internet sleuthing. Instead, use a strong password generator and implement a password policy. This policy should include requiring regular password changes and the use of two-factor authentication.
Encrypt your entire store
Encrypting your entire store is essential for securing customer data. Encryption protects customer data from theft by converting it into a code that can only be decoded with a specific key. This ensures that all that valuable data remains secure, even if it is intercepted by someone else.
Make sure you have all the right certificates
Customers will feel more confident shopping with you for the first time if you have all the correct certificates and comply with industry standards, and some customers might never give you a shot in the first place if you don’t have them. These certificates include SSL (symbolised by the padlock in the URL bar), PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard), and other industry-specific certifications.
Configure two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication adds an additional layer of security to your ecommerce website. It requires users to provide two forms of identification, typically a password and a unique code sent to their mobile device. This ensures that only authorised users can access sensitive information on your site, even if they get their hands on the login details.
Never store credit card data
Storing credit card data on your site is a massive security risk. Instead, use a payment gateway such as PayPal or Stripe, which securely stores customer data and ensures that transactions are processed securely. Customers who see their preferred payment gateway as a payment method are also more likely to give your store a chance as they will instantly feel more secure.
There are no two ways about it – ecommerce security needs to be taken seriously and given the care and attention you give to the rest of your site and even your products and services. Proper ecommerce security is critical in safeguarding sensitive customer data, protecting against breaches, and maintaining trust with your customers, so control your passwords, encrypt your entire store, use two-factor authentication, never store credit card data, and be sure to keep all your software updated.
If you need help creating an ecommerce site that is safe, secure and makes a huge impact on your customers, then please get in touch and see how we can help.