In recent times, it has become crucial for eCommerce website owners to protect their sites from hacking and fraud. Increasing cases of cyberattacks have targeted both customers and site owners, making website security a top priority.
For example, a hacker could steal a customer’s credit card information and misuse it. As an eCommerce site owner, it’s essential to understand how to protect your eCommerce website and customers from such Hacking. Below are 15 techniques you can use to secure your eCommerce website from hacks and fraud.
1. Choose a Secure eCommerce Platform
Run your site on a secure, authenticated platform, and use an object-oriented programming language. Many secure platforms also host their admin panels on internal servers with multi-factor authentication, enhancing security.
2. Encrypt Your Data
Encrypt data during transmission to prevent cyberattacks like eavesdropping. An SSL certificate ensures financial data is only readable by the recipient, safeguarding sensitive information.
3. Avoid Storing Sensitive Data
There’s no valid reason to store sensitive customer information, such as credit card details. Purge outdated data from your servers to minimize risks and adhere to PCI compliance standards.
4. Delete Old Files from Your Database
Outdated files, such as customer credit card data, should not be stored on your server. Deleting old data protects your website from potential hacking attempts.
5. Set Up System Alerts for Suspicious Activity
Install automated alerts for suspicious activities, like multiple transactions from the same IP address. If the cardholder and recipient names don’t match, it may indicate fraudulent behavior.
6. Use Strong Firewalls
A robust firewall protects your business from viruses and malicious scripts. Keep your firewalls updated to guard against SQL injection and cross-site scripting attacks.
7. Train Employees on Security
Well-trained employees are less likely to fall for hacking attempts. Train them on data breaches, phishing, social engineering, and cyber laws to enhance your company’s security posture.
8. Monitor Every Order with Tracking
Use tracking for all orders to prevent chargeback fraud. This ensures customers receive products and can confirm deliveries, reducing fraudulent chargebacks.
9. Regularly Monitor Your Website
Monitor your site for unusual activities. Real-time analytics tools can alert your IT team about suspicious traffic, reducing potential threats.
10. Conduct PCI Scans Regularly
Run PCI scans frequently using PCI scanning services to reduce risks. Regular patches and updates also help prevent data breaches.
11. Keep Your Systems Patched
Always patch your site’s systems, including Java, Perl, and WordPress. Hackers often exploit outdated systems, making regular updates a vital security measure.
12. Adopt DDoS Protection and Mitigation Services
DDoS protection services are critical for securing eCommerce sites. Cloud-based services can reduce operating costs while protecting against large-scale attacks.
13. Use Fraud Management Services and Trademark Your Brand
Trademark your business name and logo to protect against imitators. Registering your brand prevents others from using your name and products for fraudulent purposes.
14. Regular Website Backups
Ensure your website is backed up regularly. Backups should be managed by either the hosting provider or the site owner to safeguard valuable data.