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Read on to find out how to apply the best security practices and keep your ecommerce store secure<\/strong><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n Combating fraud does not need to be expensive and time-consuming. Certain practices have proven to be effective without significantly increasing costs or requiring constant monitoring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Employ the following practices to improve security:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep in mind that even advanced software solutions may not be able to detect fraud in advance. Try to establish processes that limit the damage once an attack occurs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Predictable patterns in human behavior represent the weakest link in security infrastructure. Training staff regularly minimizes the threat of a breach caused by human error.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Employees should understand how some of the most common threats work and how their behavior might assist or prevent these attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Employees need to know what to do once an attack is underway, how to respond when customers report different types of fraud, and how to deal with the aftermath of a successful attack. Well-trained employees can react quickly and control the damage caused by fraudulent activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Users with access to essential store systems must use strong passwords or passphrases. Use an extension or plugin to implement two-factor authentication for employees. Only the most sophisticated attacks are able to bypass this type of authentication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Forcing customers to use overly complex passwords is not a viable solution for ecommerce stores. <\/p>\n\n\n Implement a customer-facing password policy that includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Creating a balanced password policy that addresses security concerns and does not negatively impact customer experience is difficult. Use these password policy practices for ecommerce websites<\/a> to set up the best possible policy for your online store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificate establishes an encrypted connection between the store\u2019s server and the user\u2019s browser. The certificate guarantees a secure transfer of data and can considerably reduce the risk of man-in-the-middle<\/a> attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Man-in-the-Middle Attack<\/strong> - An attacker compromises the communication channel between the store\u2019s server and customer. By monitoring and intercepting the transfer of data, they can collect valuable information or propagate malicious files and software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n SSL certificates are issued by Certification Authorities (CAs). The cost of the certificate depends on the level of validation and the number of domains and subdomains to which it applies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Organization Validated SSL certificates are more expensive, and the validation process can take longer, but they provide enhanced fraud protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check if your web host offers SSL certificates as part of their pricing plan. A web host can also help reduce costs by managing the installation of the SSL certificate.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Regular backups protect your store from malware, ransomware<\/a>, and other attacks that limit availability or destroy valuable data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An advanced backup system<\/a> saves the state of an entire ecommerce store at regular intervals. The copy is safely kept offsite and used to restore the original data if anything happens to the primary location. Keep in mind that it takes time to retrieve the latest copy and deploy it in a working environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Backing up an entire system consumes lots of resources and can't be executed every second of every day. Losing some data is acceptable compared to the irreversible loss of essential information due to a security breach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note:<\/strong> Learn how to back up and restore Magento using several different methods in our article Magento Backup and Restore Tutorial<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Advanced software solutions designed to prevent fraud are often too expensive for most ecommerce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An established payment processor has ample resources and can invest in payment validation tools like 3D Secure<\/a> and velocity control software. They also employ security experts with the knowledge and experience to protect your business from even the most sophisticated attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Choosing the right payment processor<\/a> should be a result of careful deliberation to ensure that your business model is adequately supported by the features they offer. New merchants can avoid high initial costs by working with payment processors that use percentage-based pricing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Outdated software is a serious security threat. Attackers are vigilant and actively seek out systems that do not apply security patches and fixes. It is not enough to keep core systems up to date; plugins and third-party solutions must be reviewed and updated regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take particular care when updating plugins and custom software and ensure that the compatibility with other systems is maintained at all times. Test extensively after every upgrade and identify vulnerabilities from the start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the store\u2019s platform there may be hundreds of extensions that focus on particular security features. Always install plugins from official pages or trusted sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Explore available solutions before committing to a single plugin. Use reputable online resources to learn about industry trends and identify the most popular security plugins<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many plugins have free versions that may provide enough functionality to meet your store\u2019s requirements. Some of the essential security features and tools include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Only install plugins that bring actual value to the security system. Having too many plugins can quickly become difficult to manage and slow your system down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The customer is often the first person to notice and report fraud. An ecommerce merchant needs to be ready to assist the customer and react accordingly. The reported issue may only be an indicator of a broader breach. Your first step is to protect the customer and then determine if other customers are affected. Coordinate with the payment processor and card issuer to investigate thoroughly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Customer support service is on the front line, and their initial reaction is vital for containing the damage to your brand and business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note:<\/strong> Stay up-to-date with the ecommerce fraud trends<\/a> in order to combat fraudulent behavior more efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An ecommerce website should only collect data required for the checkout process. One of the most successful methods to combat fraud is not to store customer payment information. If the information is not available on any of your systems, the incentive for a potential attack is absent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The tokenization of payments<\/a> has helped reduce the attack surface for ecommerce stores. If an attacker manages to get hold of a customer\u2019s token, the damage is contained to a single website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Implementing two-factor authentication<\/a> is simple and highly effective in preventing fraud. Most attack vectors are rendered ineffective by two-factor authentication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Content management systems provide numerous plugins with user-friendly interfaces and features. For example, installing two-factor authentication in WordPress<\/a> is a quick and straightforward process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using 2FA to verify customer payments may disrupt the payment flow and increase abandonment rates. Merchants with high-risk businesses<\/a> should seriously consider implementing this type of verification. Customers are getting used to 2FA and beginning to appreciate the added security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using 2FA to verify employee logins is becoming an industry standard, and all ecommerce merchants should implement this feature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The web hosting service needs to have experience with ecommerce security and proactively work to mitigate potential risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Choose a web host that adds value and introduces additional security layers on top of the security measures you already have in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check if the web host performs regular risk assessments and exercises in information assurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Regularly testing your system for security flaws helps discover and fix issues before an attacker exploits them. The test should not be limited to IT and technical solutions, but also include staff response and the effectiveness of the procedures in place.<\/p>\n\n\n A system-wide vulnerability assessment<\/a> can take place annually or in a limited capacity when adding new services or hardware. The test results and subsequent analysis should identify possible improvements to the existing system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using employees to test for vulnerabilities is cost-effective, but potential issues are more likely to surface when using a specialized third-party service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ecommerce stores with multiple employees need to define specific roles and restrict access to systems relevant to those roles. For example, there is little reason for a salesperson to access the CMS backend. In addition, whitelist specific IPs for users to block access from all other addresses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This security measure prevents attackers from escalating their access and propagating their activity to other parts of the system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Regardless of the level of preparation, an ecommerce website is going to be affected by fraud. Much of the fraudulent activity occurs outside of the store's scope, and the merchants can't prevent it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is essential to have a clear plan on how to proceed once you become aware of malicious activity. Coordinate with all the other participants in the payment process. Take steps to block the activity if possible. Get in touch with the payment processor and the card issuer so they can take appropriate measures from their side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Investigate the issue to find out if it is an isolated incident or a broader issue. Your aim is to protect your business and the customer and stop the fraud from escalating any further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A vulnerability is a potential foothold that allows unauthorized users to escalate access to other core systems. An attack aims to steal sensitive business and customer data, disrupt store operations, or demand payment to unblock critical services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ecommerce stores are also highly exposed to fraud committed using genuine customer data. Attackers acquire customer information through social engineering or by purchasing stolen credentials. The data is used to take over existing accounts, create fake accounts, and make fraudulent purchases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unauthorized individuals use several attack vectors to accomplish their goals. Ecommerce stores encounter security threats every day. <\/p>\n\n\n The most common ecommerce security threats are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Customers rely on ecommerce merchants to protect their personally identifiable information. Ensure that your store\u2019s core services are secure by applying best practices and tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Conclusion<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use this comprehensive list of security features to make your ecommerce website and customers safer. Do not hesitate to implement several or all of the listed security features and practices as they do not require significant investment or technical expertise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Merchant](\"https:\/\/ccbill.com\/kb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/ecommerce-security-best-practices.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nEcommerce Security Best Practices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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1. Employee Training<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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2. Use Strong Passwords<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"An](\"https:\/\/ccbill.com\/kb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/ecommerce-password-policy.jpg\")
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3. Implement HTTPS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n4. Backup and Restore<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n5. Use Secure Payment Processing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Regular Software Updates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. Ecommerce Security Plugins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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8. Customer Support<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n9. Reduce the Attack Surface<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
10. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
11. Use a Secure Web Hosting Service<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
12. Vulnerability Tests<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Elemetns](\"https:\/\/ccbill.com\/kb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/vulnerability-assessment-ecommerce-store.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n13. Restrict Access with User-Defined Roles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
14. Fraud Response Plan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Common Ecommerce Security Threats<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"An](\"https:\/\/ccbill.com\/kb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/example-sql-injection-statement.jpg\")
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