As the e-commerce market grows , so do concerns about privacy and security. According to research , 34 percent of respondents believe that cyber attacks or privacy breaches are the main digital threat.

It is easy to see why, considering that hackers are constantly trying to find holes in a website’s security to access user data.

In addition, the U.S. National Cyber Security Alliance found that 62 percent of all cyber attacks affect small online businesses. Therefore, the implementation of e-commerce security protocols is necessary to maintain a secure selling and buying environment.

In this guide, we will explore common eCommerce security threats and provide tips on how to protect your site .

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The basics of e-commerce security
Ecommerce security refers to protecting a business website and all online transactions that occur on it from unauthorized access. Therefore, you need a solid security foundation to have a secure and reliable online shop so that you can make money online without any problems.

Whether you are building a site on an eCommerce platform or a CMS, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to protecting your site from possible security problems. There are numerous regulations, standards, and industry solutions that you can follow to minimize security risks.

Below are the six e-commerce security factors that must be considered:

• Integrity-ensuring that no unauthorized entity has altered any information. This involves providing consistent, accurate and reliable information.
• Non-disclosability – confirming that both buyers and sellers have received the information sent by each other. In other words, buyers cannot deny the legitimacy of a registered transaction.
• Authenticity – both sellers and buyers must submit their identity verification to ensure the security of the transaction.
• Confidentiality – when dealing with sensitive data, only those with appropriate authorization can access, modify or use it.
• Privacy – refers to the protection of customer data from unauthorized parties.
• Availability – an eCommerce site must be accessible 24/7 to customers.

Differences between e-commerce security and compliance
Although security and compliance are closely related disciplines, they represent distinct approaches to cyber attacks.

E-commerce security focuses on the ongoing development of effective technical controls to protect your e-commerce site’s assets. In contrast, compliance focuses on third-party requirements, such as industry rules, government policies, and contract terms.

No matter how big your online business idea is, it is important that you also focus on these principles to demonstrate your commitment to digital security by meeting or exceeding industry standards.

As an eCommerce store owner, you will need to meet one or more of these compliance standards:

• PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) . All companies that process, store or transfer cardholder data must adhere to the security standards established within the PCI-DSS .
• SOC (Service Organization Control) . SOC reports show how the company handles financial or personal information. Being SOC compliant ensures that customers protect their information from unauthorized access.
• ISO (International Organization for Standardization) . The safety and quality of the products or services of a company’s business are two of the many aspects covered by an ISO certification. ISO 27001 , for example, is one of the standards that define requirements for information security management systems.
• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). All transactions with European residents must comply with the GDPR. In addition, the regulation protects and controls how European customer data is collected, processed, or sold.
• CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act) . The CCPA focuses on the data protection rights of consumers in the state of California. Therefore, if you sell your trending products to consumers in the state, ensure compliance with the regulations.

The 11 best security measures to protect your e-commerce site
Protecting e-commerce sites is a complex issue involving developers, business owners and customers.

Fortunately, there are several best practices and guidelines for improving your site’s overall security.

1. Protect your passwords.
   More than 23 million people have had their accounts hacked because they used weak passwords such as “123456,” allowing hackers to crack them in a second.

It is worth the extra effort to ensure that your site and your customers follow the best password guidelines, such as:

• Use a combination of symbols, lowercase and uppercase letters, and numbers to form long, unique passwords. Also increase password complexity.
• Avoid using the same password for multiple services.
• Change passwords occasionally or after your passwords have been accidentally disclosed to other people.
• Keep personal information such as date of birth, identification number, or home address just for you.
• Set up a reCAPTCHA to make logins even more secure.
• Limit login attempts to prevent a malicious user from guessing the user’s password.
• Locking accounts after several failed login attempts is an effective way to thwart brute force attacks.

Also, consider using an enterprise password manager such as the one offered by 1Password to keep track of login credentials. You can also use it to generate strong and unique passwords.

In addition, all your passwords are stored in an encrypted format that is difficult to intercept by hackers or malicious software.

2. Choose secure hosting
   A hosting provider is responsible for storing your site’s files. Therefore, it is essential to choose a reliable provider that offers secure and reliable data storage for your e-commerce store.

Look for features such as SSL certificates, DDoS protection, encryption methods and malware detection when choosing a hosting provider. In addition, make sure it also offers backups to quickly restore your site’s functionality in the event of a security breach.

Take your time to evaluate which plan best meets the needs of your eCommerce site.

3. Get an SSL certificate.
   Setting up Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is mandatory for all PCI-compliant eCommerce activities. Given the variety of SSL certificates available, be sure to select the best solution for your website and business requirements.

A properly installed SSL certificate helps protect both your site and user data. It encrypts all information sent to your online shop, making it more difficult for hackers to read and interpret the data.

In addition, the website URL will start with HTTPS instead of HTTP once an SSL certificate is installed. The “S” stands for secure, unlike standard HTTP, which does not encrypt connections in the same way as HTTPS websites.

In addition, several browsers will display a padlock icon on the address bar, further increasing customers’ confidence in purchasing from your online shop.

In addition to improving site security, this digital certificate will help improve SEO as Google favors websites that use the HTTPS online protocol.

4. Install security plugins and anti-malware software.
   In addition to installing SSL, it is essential for eCommerce sites to add multilevel security tools such as plugins and anti-virus software.

Security plugins.
Plugins can perform several tasks to improve eCommerce security, such as detecting bots, blocking untrusted networks, and removing malware.

If you create your online store using a CMS such as WordPress or an eCommerce website builder , below are some of the most popular security plugins:

WordFence . It is probably the most popular WordPress security plugin, with over four million downloads. Using a built-in malware scanner, Wordfence identifies and blocks malicious requests containing suspicious code or content. In addition, it can also restrict login sessions to protect your site from brute force attacks….
Kevy . Instead of entering a username and password, Keyy requires users to log into WordPress using its mobile app. In addition, you can further secure the iOS and Android-compatible app by using your fingerprint or a 4-digit pin as two-factor authentication.
Sucuri . Activity control is one of the key features of this read plugin. It provides site owners with the ability to keep track of any changes made. It also includes a feature that allows users to detect malware remotely.

Anti-malware software
As e-commerce security measures have become more sophisticated, so have malware attacks. Therefore, it is essential to invest in the right protection for your business.

Below are some well-known anti-malware solutions compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux:

• ESET Endpoint Security. Known for its robust and lightweight cybersecurity solutions, ESET helps protect businesses of all sizes from the most advanced cyber attacks. Because it provides a 30-day free trial , small business owners or anyone launching an online shop can try it before investing in a plan.
• AVG Antivirus . Protects your site in numerous ways, including instantly notifying users of threats and providing remote administration tools to manage website security. Although AVG does not provide a free trial for the Internet antivirus plan , it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
• Norton. All its plans include a password manager and a virus protection feature, for which users will receive a full refund if a virus cannot be removed from their device. Norton combines device security, online privacy and identity protection to help detect and block all types of online threats. A free trial is available7-day period that includes comprehensive protection.

5. Schedule regular site updates.
   Web developers release new security updates to fix vulnerabilities and launch new fixes. Therefore, updating your eCommerce site’s underlying software is essential to prevent hackers from exploiting these flaws.

Also, always be sure to monitor and update your site’s plugins and themes. Updates usually contain patches to fix previously known problems or add extra functionality.

Keep your website up-to-date by enabling automatic updates. Not only will it save a lot of time on your site’s maintenance routine, but it will also prevent you from running outdated basic software within your website.

6. Perform regular backups
   Performing regular website backups helps protect your site from problems such as damaged databases or security issues. Schedule website backups by considering how often you publish new content and update your website design.

Although most hosting providers offer automatic backups, it is a good idea to regularly download copies of your website’s files and database. In case of an unforeseen event, site backups prevent you from losing critical data or having to rebuild everything from scratch.

7. Add multi-factor authentication (MFA).
   With this method, users must authenticate their login attempts by entering a single-use passcode (OTP), answering a security question or using their fingerprint.

According to Microsoft , MFA can block more than 99% of possible malware. Therefore, setting up MFA is an excellent strategy to strengthen e-commerce security.

Enable MFA by installing a security plugin such as Wordfence Login Security and a third-party app such as Google Authenticator on your mobile device.

8. Use a CDN (content delivery network).
   A CDN is a network of distributed servers that routes users’ requests to servers closest to their locations. This is a great solution for an eCommerce business that operates globally.

In addition, eCommerce websites typically receive high traffic and handle requests from numerous locations. However, if the site takes too long to load , it may cause you to lose customers.

Therefore, by efficiently distributing your site’s content and providing faster response, a reliable CDN provider such as Cloudflare can avoid unexpected spikes in web traffic and server crashes. In addition, since you are likely to store many media files, using a CDN will also improve page load time with features such as image resizing.

9. Regulate user roles and permissions.
   Managing user roles is critical for security purposes, regardless of the type of Web site being managed. It is an essential security control practice to prevent any accidental configuration of the site.

By regulating user roles and permissions, you limit who can perform tasks such as installing updates, themes, plugins or modifying PHP code.

For example, WordPress allows site owners to assign six predefined roles to other users. The roles are administrator, editor, author, contributor, subscriber and super administrator. In addition, each role can only perform a specific set of tasks (known as permissions).

Before granting other users access to your website, be sure to keep the following tips in mind:

• Provide users with only the access they need. This is a key security measure to prevent users from making unauthorized changes or deleting data without permission.
• Limit the number of site administrators. Before granting people administrator access, carefully assess their job functions and whether they are competent enough to perform that type of task. Alternatively, assign them a lower level of access.
• Customize user roles and permissions. Download a free plugin such as User Role Editor to customize the activities granted to each user. The plugin is also useful when you need extra hands to control your website or eliminate user access.

10. Use secure payment gateway
    A payment gateway authorizes credit card transactions, collects the balance, and then deposits the money into your account.

In other words, it automates the entire eCommerce transaction process. Some recognized examples of payment gateways include PayPal , Google Pay and Apple Pay .

Ensure that the payment gateway of choice uses a variety of security measures to protect transactions, such as:

• Data encryption : A payment gateway uses a public key to encrypt a customer’s credit card details. Then, a different (private) key is used to decrypt the information. Along with the private key, the payment gateway also uses an algorithm to ensure that no unauthorized party has access to this data.
• Security Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates-required by many providers, it encrypts the connection between the server and the client’s browser.
• Secure Electronic Transaction (SET) ensures the secure transfer of a customer’s credit card information during an online purchase. SET prevents merchants and hackers from accessing sensitive information by masking card details. It also requires digital signatures for additional authentication and confidentiality.
• Tokenization – replaces a credit card number with random characters. A decryption key is required to keep track of the token. If a breach occurs , hackers will not be able to decrypt the token.
• PCI DSS Compliance : A secure payment gateway provides top-notch security measures as it must comply with the highest level of PCI standards.

11. Avoid storing sensitive data
    Sensitive information should not become part of a website database. Not only can it be vulnerable to hackers, but it also violates PCI standards. Leave all your customers’ information to the payment gateways.

If necessary, store all confidential data in offline storage such as USB drives or external hard drives where hackers cannot access it. Also make sure it is kept in a secure and private place.

9 most common e-commerce security threats you should avoid
A security breach occurs when buyers’ identities and financial details are accessed by unauthorized third parties.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common ways cybercriminals attack your online store.

Financial fraud
Although the theft of bank account credentials is commonly known as the main threat behind e-commerce fraud, online criminals are getting more creative these days. The following are financial fraud schemes that online businesses may encounter.

Payment fraud
Fraudsters typically use stolen credit card data, e-mail addresses, user accounts or IP addresses to impersonate legitimate customers. Fraudulent purchases, fictitious accounts, and traffic manipulation are all possible outcomes of this type of fraud.

Clean fraud
This type of fraud works by tricking cardholders into transacting on a fake website or intercepting messages between transaction participants. Then, the fraudsters will have a copy of the personal information sent. In other cases, credit card details are purchased on the dark web.

Affiliate fraud
Many companies participate in or run affiliate marketing programs to generate revenue. Therefore, cybercriminals use these programs as an opportunity to create malicious traffic and sign-ups to induce companies to pay them affiliate commissions.

Triangulation fraud
The name refers to the three-step process of luring buyers, collecting their personal information and exploiting it as part of an illegal scheme. Fraudsters create fake websites and promote nonexistent low-cost products. Therefore, once customer data is sent, it automatically ends up in the wrong hands.

Malware
Malware (malicious software) is a program or code designed to damage a computer, network or server. It is typically distributed through links to malicious websites or e-mail attachments.

Once a user clicks on the link or opens the file, the malware is activated and begins to execute its intent, such as stealing sensitive data, gaining backdoor access, or spying on the user’s online activity.

The damage caused by malware can be enormous, both in financial and reputational terms. In 2017, the ‘WannaCry malware outbreak infected hundreds of thousands of computers in more than 150 countries and cost the U.K. National Health Service about $113 million.

The malware is classified into different types, such as:

• Adware (advertising-supported software) : unwanted advertising that can harm the user’s device. Adware can affect the overall performance of your device as it consumes a lot of RAM.
• Trojan horse : unusual behavior, such as unexpected changes to your computer settings, may indicate that a Trojan horse has been downloaded into your system. Typically, it is disguised as an e-mail attachment or free downloadable file.
• Malware without files : uses legitimate programs to infect a computer. It does not rely on files and leaves no footprints, making it difficult to detect and remove.
• Ransomware : prevents users from accessing their system or personal files. To regain access, they must comply with demands and pay a ransom.
• Rootkits : designed to go undetected by antivirus software or other eCommerce security tools so it can look at and access a victim’s computer.

Bots
A bot is software programmed to perform tasks more efficiently and quickly than any human could. However, cybercriminals can program bots that simulate human behavior for financial gain and malicious purposes by infiltrating a company’s computers and servers.

A survey reported that in 2020, one in four companies lost $500,000 to bot attacks.

In addition, bots can exploit weak identity and access management (IAM) systems, a digital framework that verifies users’ identities and controls their access. A weak IAM usually cannot distinguish between a real human and a malicious bot.

Social engineering attacks
Personal involvement between the fraudster and the victim is a key component of most social engineering attacks. According to one report, more than 30 percent of successful data breaches are the result of such attacks.

Rather than targeting technological vulnerabilities, these attacks target human emotions and behaviors to obtain sensitive information. Thus, it is easy to manipulate the targeted user once they trust the attacker.

Social engineering attacks can be detected in several ways, such as suspicious attachments, poor grammar or formatting of messages, or bland greeting messages.

Let’s take a look at the three most common forms of these malware.

Phishing
The main intent of a phishing attack is to steal victims’ credentials. Typically, phishing attackers replicate a real Web server or application and distribute malicious attachments.

In addition, victims can be contacted through e-mails, text messages, or even phone calls.

If the victim is successfully inducted into phishing sites, the scammers can use the credentials sent for anything.

Some recent phishing attacks have involved impersonating e-commerce marketers and telling victims that their accounts had been compromised or that payment discrepancies had been detected.

Quid pro quo
Fraudsters pretend to offer information or assistance to the targeted user to gain access to their device or inject malware.

For example, the scammer contacts random individuals and poses as a technical support specialist responding to a problem. If the user believes it, the scammer can have the victim perform specific actions such as installing ransomware on their computers or disclosing sensitive information.

Pretexting
In many cases, pretexting scams begin with the attacker claiming to request sensitive information from their target. They pretend to be police officers, colleagues, or bank employers and tell well-conceived lies to persuade the victim to disclose personal information or complete a task.

Spam
Spam usually involves sending e-mails to large numbers of users, often employing the tactic of sending “you must act” e-mails. Spam costs companies $20.5 billion a year in lost productivity and technical expenses.

Even your website’s comments section and contact forms are open platforms for spammers to drop infected links that can lead to compromised databases. It can not only damage the security of your website, but also your credibility as an e-commerce business.

In addition, Google may penalize your site for hosting spam comments. This will negatively affect your site’s SEO ranking and even discourage users from ‘interacting with your content.

DoS and DDoS attacks
The main goal of both DoS (Denial of Service) and DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks is to shut down a website. Attackers flood the website with requests from anonymous IP addresses.

A key aspect that differentiates DoS attacks from DDoS attacks is the number of connections used. While the latter uses several Internet connections to disrupt a network or server, the former uses only a single connection. Therefore, it is more difficult to trace the origin of DDoS attacks since they come from multiple locations.

Entrepreneurs should pay special attention to e-commerce security during peak periods, such as Black Friday or Cyber Monday sales. The cost of a DDoS attack can reach $218,000 for a business in the United States.

Brute force tactics
Brute force tactics work by simply guessing the credentials needed to access your eCommerce site’s admin panel. Hackers use specialized software to try different combinations of letters, numbers and symbols until they find the correct password.

Once hackers have managed to brute force their way into your website, they gain access to your valuable website database. Sensitive information such as customer identity, bank account details and other confidential data can be stolen or sold for profit.

In 2016, Alibaba-owned eCommerce platform Taobao was the victim of a massive brute force attack that compromised the data of 21 million users. Hackers gained access to accounts by exploiting a database of 99 million passwords and usernames.

E-Skimming
E-skimming or a Magecart attack is a hacking technique involving hidden malicious code. The code steals customers’ transaction data as they complete purchases on a hacked site.

In addition, hackers use the captured information to conduct illegal transactions. Online shoppers’ financial details such as full names, card verification codes, and expiration dates are sold on the dark web.

In 2019, a major e-skimming attack hit the website of a famous American department store, Macy’s. The attackers installed a Magecart script on both the homepage and payment page.

Conclusion
As cybercriminals are becoming more creative nowadays , e-commerce websites are vulnerable to various approaches, such as malware injection, spam emails, social engineering attacks, and many others.

Implementing proactive solutions against cyber attacks is essential to protect your customers and your business.

To recap, here are 11 steps to keep e-commerce security threats in check:

1.Implement password best practices
2.Choose secure hosting
3.Get an SSL certificate
4.Install security plugins and antivirus software
5.Schedule regular site updates
6.Perform regular backups
7.Add multi-factor authentication
8.Use a CDN
9.Adjust user roles and permissions
10Use a secure payment gateway
11.Avoid storing confidential data

We hope this article has helped you understand the importance of staying current with e-commerce security practices to avoid potential cyber threats.