SiteLock eCommerce Security Guide

Designed specifically for eCommerce business owners, this detailed guide provides everything you need to know for developing and running an eCommerce site securely.

What Is eCommerce?

eCommerce is the process of conducting commercial transactions online. These businesses sell products and services for purchase on their site, allowing customers to complete their purchase entirely electronically. These online storefronts can help expand a business’s customer base and earning potential, since you can sell to people virtually anywhere in the world. However, when you are handling users’ credit card information and other sensitive data, website security becomes of the utmost importance. It is essential to understand the proper security measures for your site, common vulnerabilities and cyber threats, and more.

What You Need to Know About eCommerce Website Security

How To Secure An eCommerce Business

In today’s business climate, starting an eCommerce store is more popular than ever. It helps existing businesses generate additional profits and gives entrepreneurs a simple and accessible avenue to start their new business. Opening an online store requires several key steps, such as selecting the right tools and creating a plan to help translate ideas into a business that generates revenue. As you start your eCommerce business, website owners can reference this resource to ensure a successful and secure launch.

Selecting A Platform

Competing with eCommerce industry titans may seem daunting for new online retailers – but it doesn’t need to be the case. Thanks to numerous eCommerce platforms and plugins, smaller businesses can offer their customers the same level of service as larger organizations. In addition to learning about the different types of features that can help your eCommerce business succeed, get our top three recommendations for the best platforms.

Most Common Cybersecurity Threats

When cybercriminals attack eCommerce websites, they’re usually on the hunt for payment information and personally identifiable information (PII) such as names, addresses, and phone numbers. The most common types of attacks on these companies are the ones that give cybercriminals unauthorized access to this valuable data. Learn more about these prevalent threats facing your online store, and the security protocols needed to protect your business and customers.

Impact Of Security Incidents To Your Business

Cybercriminals are increasingly setting their sights on smaller online retailers in today’s threat landscape — usually in the hopes of stealing valuable customer data. It only takes one security breach to erode customer trust and wreak havoc on a company’s bottom line. There are some common tactics for stealing sensitive information, and these threats pose significant damage to online retailers.

DDoS Protection

A boost in traffic to your website sounds like a positive, right? Typically, more traffic means more sales — but not always. Unfortunately, a major uptick in traffic could also signal that your site is the target of a DDoS (distributed denial of service) attack, one of the most devastating attacks to ecommerce websites. The impact of DDoS attacks shouldn’t be underestimated, so prevention is key.

An eCommerce business opens up many new opportunities — but processing online transactions also opens up many vulnerabilities on the site. To see how SiteLock can help identify any security issues on your site, and protect you against future threats, explore our website security plans.