10 Ecommerce Security Best Practices That Actually Work

Keeping your online store and customers’ data safe is crucial for success. 

Here are the 20% of ecommerce security best practices that will help protect 80% of your business and customers from cyber threats. 

The key is to be proactive: implement strong measures now to prevent problems later.

• Enable two-factor authentication
• Enable fraud protection tools
• Regularly update software, plugins, and themes
• Monitor and log all transactions daily
• Maintain PCI compliance
• Use HTTPS
• Regularly back up your data
• Test your site for vulnerabilities regularly
• Use secure payment gateways
• Consider a web application firewall

1. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is like a double lock for your online accounts. Even if someone guesses your password, they can’t get in without the second ‘key.’ 

This method really helps to guard against weak or repeated passwords, which we’re all guilty of using sometimes. Plus, it’s a solid defense against brute force login attacks.

It’s a measure that everyone, from freelancers to CEOs, should enable because it reduces the risk of hacking, improving the overall security of your online business. Remember, when setting up 2FA, always use a unique code for each account and keep backup codes in a safe place.

To get it done, look for 2FA settings in your account security features. You’ll usually need to provide a second piece of identification like your phone number or a fingerprint. 

2. Enable fraud protection tools

Fraud protection tools are crucial for keeping your e-commerce store safe. They help stop fake transactions and protect your money. 

For example, using a Velocity filter stops people from trying to use many cards quickly. 

The CVV filter makes sure customers enter the security code on their card, which helps verify it’s real. 

The Address Verification filter checks if the billing address matches what the bank has on file. 

Unmatched Refunds prevent refunds from going to cards that didn’t make the original purchase. 

To set these up, you should adjust your payment system settings to include these filters and keep an eye on unusual transaction patterns.

3. Regularly update software, plugins, and themes

Keeping your software, plugins, and themes up to date is essential for e-commerce security because outdated systems are a major target for hackers. 

When you run online stores on platforms like WooCommerce, Shopify, or Wix, unpatched plugins and themes can create serious security risks. 

Hackers exploit these weaknesses to gain access to your store, steal data, or cause disruptions. The good news is that updating is straightforward and doesn’t take much time. 

Regularly check for updates in your platform’s dashboard and apply them immediately. Set reminders to review updates at least once a week.

4. Monitor and log all transactions daily

Monitoring and logging transactions daily is crucial for spotting fraud early. To do this effectively, use a combination of tools and best practices. 

Many e-commerce platforms have built-in reporting features that let you view and analyze transactions. Tools like Google Analytics, fraud detection software (such as Sift or Kount), and your payment processor’s reporting tools can help you spot unusual activity. 

Set up alerts for suspicious transactions, like those with unusual amounts or mismatched billing and shipping details. 

Regularly review these alerts and keep a log of all transactions for easy tracking. 

Make sure to train your staff to recognize and report any unusual activity they might see. By using these tools and practices, you can quickly identify and respond to potential fraud.

5. Maintain PCI compliance

Following PCI compliance rules is crucial because they help protect your customers’ credit card information. 

If you store, process, or handle credit or debit card details, you must follow the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) guidelines. 

These rules are designed to keep payment data safe and secure on your e-commerce site. 

To stay compliant, complete the required annual self-assessment or hire a PCI Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) if needed. 

Regularly update your security measures, such as using strong passwords and encrypting data. 

Ensure that your payment systems and practices meet these standards to reduce the risk of data breaches and keep your business secure.

6. Use HTTPS

Using HTTPS is essential because it encrypts the data exchanged between your website and your customers, protecting sensitive information like credit card numbers and personal details from being intercepted. 

This is one of the most basic yet crucial security measures for any e-commerce site. HTTPS builds trust with your customers by showing that their data is secure, which can improve your site’s credibility and boost sales. 

Most e-commerce platforms, like Shopify and WooCommerce, offer HTTPS by default and automatically renew your SSL certificates. 

To set it up, simply ensure your site has an SSL certificate installed and that all pages redirect to the HTTPS version. 

Regularly check that your certificate is valid and up-to-date. By using HTTPS, you reduce the risk of data breaches and build a safer shopping environment for your customers.

7. Regularly back up your data

Regularly backing up your data is crucial because it serves as the best insurance against unexpected issues like cyber-attacks, hardware failures, or human error. 

In business, it’s not a question of if something will go wrong, but when. If all other security measures fail, backups allow you to restore your site and data quickly, minimizing downtime and loss. 

Set up automated backups to run daily and store them securely, either in the cloud or on an external drive. 

Test your backups regularly to ensure they work. Having backups is like a failsafe—you’ll be glad you have them when you need them.

8. Test your site for vulnerabilities regularly

Regular testing keeps your online store safe from hackers who are always finding new ways to break in. 

By fixing problems early, you protect your customers’ data and your business reputation. This can save you money and keep shoppers coming back. 

To test your site, you have two main options. You can hire experts to do manual penetration testing, which is thorough but can be expensive. 

Or, you can use automated security scanners, which are cheaper and can be run more often. These tools look for common weaknesses in your website code and server setup. 

When testing, focus on areas where you handle customer data or money. Keep an eye out for outdated software, weak passwords, and unsecured connections. 

Remember, security isn’t a one-time thing – it needs ongoing attention to stay effective.

9. Use secure payment gateways

Secure payment gateways protect your customers’ money and credit card info when they buy from you. This keeps shoppers safe and makes them trust your store more. 

When people feel safe, they’re more likely to buy stuff and come back again. To use a secure payment gateway, pick a well-known company like PayPal, Stripe, or Square. 

These big companies spend a lot of money on security, so they’re usually safer than smaller ones. When you set up the gateway, make sure it uses encryption and follows PCI DSS rules. 

These are special security rules for handling credit cards. Also, look for gateways that offer fraud protection. This helps spot fake orders before they go through. 

Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the safest. It’s worth paying a bit more for better security.

10. Consider a web application firewall (WAF)

A Web Application Firewall (WAF) acts like a shield between your online store and bad guys trying to break in.

It stops attacks before they reach your site, keeping your customers’ info safe. This extra layer of security helps prevent data breaches, which can save you money and keep shoppers trusting you. 

Services like Cloudflare offer WAFs that also protect against big attacks called DDoS, where hackers try to crash your site with lots of fake traffic. 

Even if you haven’t updated your site in a while, a WAF can still keep you safe. 

To use one, sign up with a WAF provider and follow their setup instructions. It’s a smart way to boost your store’s security without needing to be a tech expert.