There was a time when security referred only to CCTV cameras, alarm systems, big beefy bouncers and Alsatian dogs. Whilst those remain the cornerstone of security in bricks and mortar premises, in the digital age they have no role to play in online security.
Hacking and online fraud is a big problem for ecommerce websites – both from the point of view of the customer and the site owner. If the site is not properly secured from hacking then there is good chance that both the customer and the business will pay a heavy price.
From the customers perspective, if their credit or debit card details are stolen it could cost them significantly with any money stolen not necessarily being refunded. From the business point of view, loss of business and negative publicity could prove fatal for the company.
How then do you make sure your eCommerce website is secure?
Keep data encrypted
Data that goes between the company’s website and the customers can be kept encrypted. In other words, a third party trying to intercept it would not be able to read it. By using a free ssl certificate you can verify that a user sending a message is who he or she claims to be, and provide the receiver with the means to encode a reply.
ALSO READ: How To Secure Yourself and Loved ones from Hackers
Don’t store customer data
When it comes to credit card numbers there is really no need to hold onto thousands of records. Security experts say you should only keep a small amount of data on your server to process refunds and charge-backs. Although you may want to keep some data for marketing purposes you need to balance that with the risk you are putting your customers under.
ALSO READ: Is your Internet Security Vulnerable? Here’s tips to rectify it
Make sure your customers are smart with their passwords
Most customers today are pretty savvy when it comes to internet security and are aware of their own responsibilities. However it is a good idea to remind them on your site the importance of changing passwords regularly and that the longer the password the more secure it will be.
It is also a good idea with passwords to use a mixture of numbers, small and capital letters and special characters.
Update your system regularly
You should always install a security patch as soon as it is released. Cyber criminals are quick on the ball when it comes to taking advantage of those software systems that are not regularly updated.
As cyber attackers are on the brink of taking advantage of your little to no interest in taking extra care of your data, as the person in charge of security, you are required to always be on top of the game – to beat the hackers to the competition. That’s the only way to avoid loosing what’s most precious to your personal and customers’ data.
Leave a Reply