Cybercrime is one of the greatest issues faced by the ecommerce industry. Cases of fraud and shopping scams could bring costly and legal repercussions. In some instances, they could even mean the end of a business.
As hacking tools continue to evolve, ecommerce owners need to be more vigilant than ever. Here are four ways to keep your online store safe and impenetrable. ;
1. Select a credible ecommerce platform
Working with a trusted ecommerce platform is very important for your website security. Be wary of less known and cheaper platforms as some of them may pose breaches to your security. They can also come with trouble spots that make you vulnerable to hackers.
When selecting a hosting company, double check their credentials and read customer reviews. Use a platform based on Object-Oriented Programming for easier trouble shooting. Quality platforms also feature built-in security plugins.
If you choose WordPress as your host, integrate a dependable security plugin to reduce the risk of threats. Consider setting up a bot mitigation solution, too for maximum protection.
When it comes to website hosting, switching is not a feasible nor a cost-efficient option. That’s why you need extensive research to end up with the best possible platform.
2. Be SSL-certified
SSL certificates are data records that digitally bind a cryptographic key to an organisation’s details. They secure data exchanges, login data, credit card transactions, and even social media browsing. SSL enables the padlock and HTTPS protocol, allowing safe connections from a server to a browser.
SSL encrypts sensitive data transmitted across the internet, making information unreadable to anyone but the intended recipient. Without SSL, compromised devices could easily see username, passwords, and even credit card numbers.
3. Keep your website clean
Every component of your website, from plugins to apps, is susceptible to hackers. Most professional web development services in Melbourne begin with full site audits to identify elements that pose risks.
Regular site cleanups ensure your website is safe from malicious threats. Remove outdated features including files and databases that are no longer in use. Similarly, be critical of installing new fixtures. Know everything you can about a theme or a plugin before incorporating it into your website.
4. Use strong passwords
Cybersecurity begins with a strong password policy. Hackers are becoming smarter and more creative. In fact, passwords with a date or a combination of industry-related words can get hacked in less than a day. Similarly, a “1234567” password can be cracked in seconds. Brute force attacks are also increasing, where a hacker uses software that automates password combinations until it finds the right match. Some advanced brute attacks are powered to come up with 350 billion guesses per second.
The more random your password, the harder it will be for hackers to infiltrate your site. Combine symbols, numbers, and capital letters to create long and unbreakable passwords.
Update your passwords at least once every three months. Change your password every time you have to work with a third-party developer. This approach safeguards your site from notorious threats.
It takes tremendous effort to get an ecommerce off the ground. Having a cybersecurity plan ensures none of your hard work goes to waste. It’s an investment that will not only save you from catastrophic downtime, but also ensure long-term success.
