Online commerce is booming, and more and more transactions are taking place on e-commerce sites. And since financial transactions are an integral part of these types of websites, they are particularly vulnerable to cyber attacks, which are on the increase due to the growing use of online shopping. Because online shopping is so popular, many e-commerce sites are being targeted by criminals who want to exploit the information contained in their databases. In this article, we'll explore common threats and best practices you can use to keep your site secure !
What are the threats to e-commerce sites?
Hackers use numerous methods to access your users' data or financial transactions. It is crucial that you are aware of all of them to counter them effectively. Here are some of the most common threats your e-commerce site may face.
Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack
A DDoS attack floods a website with false traffic in order to overwhelm its servers and render it temporarily or permanently unavailable. These attacks can be used as a form of extortion, but are often combined with other forms of cyber attack.
SQL Injections
SQL injection attacks are a serious threat to your website's security, which can result in the loss of sensitive data. SQL attacks enable hackers to view and modify your customers' personal information, such as login and bank details.
XSS attacks
An XSS attack is a type ofattack that exploits a web application to introduce unwanted content into the pages of your website. A simple example is when an attacker injects malicious code into a page, which can then be viewed by other users when they access the page on their own web browser. As messages entered in web forms use HTML to display correctly, browsers can make mistakes and display hidden content.
Brute force attack
Brute force attacks aim to gain unauthorized access to a website or network. In this type of attack, hackers use brute force passwords, meaning they try every possible password for a given user or a website's administrator account.
I want to secure my e-commerce website, but how?
1. Choose a proven hosting provider
Choosing a reputable web hosting provider is essential for the successful launch of your e-commerce site. To do this, you must choose an infrastructure that suits your needs. The main difference between proprietary CMSs (like Shopify) and open-source CMSs is their codebase and overall structure. Proprietary CMSs have more limitations and security issues than open-source CMSs.
A proprietary CMS takes care of your site's security, while an open-source CMS gives you total freedom over the security of your e-commerce site. Make sure you have the right information before making your choice. However, we recommend using an open-source CMS such as WordPress. In any case, we recommend choosing a well-known and reputable platform, as it will have a larger community of developers working on its security.
2. Install an SSL Certificate
From a security point of view, an SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificate is more secure than standard encryption. An SSL certificate guarantees that all communications between your website and your customers are encrypted using secure algorithms. This makes it impossible for anyone to intercept or read your customers' data.
SSL certificates are an excellent security feature for your website, ensuring that your users are protected. If you can't maintain an SSL certificate, Internet users may feel that your site isn't secure enough to protect their data or information when they make a purchase.
If you manage a site, it is crucial to have a good level of security. This can be challenging, as most people do not know where their data goes and how it is consumed. With Nindohost hosting, we provide one of the best configurations for your e-commerce site. We offer a free SSL certificate not just for the first year but for life on any new subscription! From this point on, your site will display a green padlock icon in its address bar, guaranteeing visitors the confidentiality and security of their data.
3. Implement two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication is an excellent way to increase the security of your online store. However, it takes time and patience. First, you need to set up a second username and password to log in to your administration area and payment information to make purchases. Then, you need to create and implement processes for guests who log in to your site.
Multi-factor authentication, also known as two-factor or MFA, is a security feature that can be integrated into your e-commerce website. Thus, if a hacker wants to get your password, they are blocked by the second authentication factor.
Once you've entered your password, the second factor can take several forms: an app on your phone offering a code you'll need to enter to confirm your authentication,an SMS with a code you'll receive on a predefined number, or an additional step in which you'll need to scan your face or fingerprint to confirm.
At this stage, consider adding a message to assure your customers that this two-factor authentication ensures the security of their transactions and data. In doing so, you protect your site from hackers and reassure your customers at the same time. Banks generally also implement stronger authentication during bank payments.
4. Perform regular updates
Internet security is a two-way street. Just as hackers continuously develop new techniques to find security vulnerabilities, CMS, plugin, and other tool developers constantly work to optimize their security.
The security of e-commerce platforms, software and plugins is important to ensure the safety of all your users. However, security updates are not automatically applied by hosting providers or CMS creators. So, to keep websites secure, there are a few steps you can take: make sure the server is kept up to date, upgrade plugins and software regularly, and make sure the platform is always up to date.
5. Choose your e-commerce site plugins carefully
What should I bear in mind when installing free plugins on an e-commerce site? Check the plugin's date and reputation. Determine whether the software you then install has received regular updates, whether it is compatible with the CMS and whether it allows you to be sure of its reliability. The last point is particularly important for security reasons, as there are many loopholes in free plugins that allow hackers to steal data from your website.
6. Install security plugins
How can you protect your e-commerce site from hackers? Special CMS are available to optimize various aspects of your e-commerce site's security. On WordPress in particular, the Wordfence Security plugin is highly effective and particularly popular with users. This multi-tasking security plugin enables you to set up double authentication, block spam, scan your e-commerce site for malware and protect against brute-force attacks.
7. Create complex passwords
Hackers use brute force methods to access your account. You can block them by using a password that is difficult to guess.
Indeed, a simple password is easy to remember and more easily decipherable for a hacker. Think about protecting your data and your devices by creating complex passwords. Here are some tips:
- The bet is on the length of your password: So, create it as long as possible (at least more than 12 characters)
- Vary the characters: Your password should include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters
- Avoiding obvious words is always a good idea: It's no secret that some people use their children's names, pet names, or favorite sports teams as passwords. These passwords are all very easy to guess and crack.
- Although it is complex, you should be able to remember it: Your password must be memorable to avoid writing it down on your phone or computer. This only increases the chances of its disclosure.
- Never use the same password more than once: This is the best way to make your life miserable. You will absolutely and constantly have to change your password, because if one is discovered, the others will be too.
You may have difficulty changing your passwords every time, but you can rely on password managers, one of the best ways to create and protect your data. These are programs that store your data and personal information in an encrypted file on ultra-secure servers. They are perfect for people who have many passwords and want to keep them organized.
8. Be careful about security on your computer
Technology is a wonderful thing. It allows us to be more productive, more efficient, and more connected. But all these advantages come with serious risks. We must be not only aware of the security of our computers but also that of our social media profiles. To do this, you must be extremely careful about certain computer security rules:
- Install antivirus and firewall software and update them regularly.
- Your computer and web browsers also need updating
- Avoid logging on to dangerous sites, and above all never download content that seems suspicious.
- Try as far as possible not to connect to public wifi networks. If necessary, consider using a VPN.
- If you receive emails from one of your providers with links inviting you to renew a service, don't click onthem. Instead, log on to that provider's site and check whether a renewal is indeed necessary.
9. Backup your site
The chances of your e-commerce site being hacked are not negligible, and even if you multiply the methods to secure it, there is unfortunately no absolute protection without risk, however small. It could be that you have followed all these steps scrupulously, and still fall victim to a hacker attack. In this case, backing up your site is more than essential - it's essential. And why is that?
Because even if your site is hacked, you'll be back online in less than 2 minutes, thanks to the backups you've already made. You' ll be able to restore your files and data almost completely, without suffering the slightest loss that could penalize your business or that of your customers. Another advantage of regular back-ups is that they can save the day in the event of a mistake. Sometimes, a simple mistake at the touch of a button can wipe out hours or even days of hard work. In such a case, you'll be able to retrieve your most recent data with peace of mind, thanks to an automatic or manual backup performed a few hours beforehand.
If you're using a CMS like WordPress, you can install a plugin like UpdraftPlus to create a backup of your site. However, it' s important to also create site backups on your computer and on the server. That way, if your site is hacked, you'll always have a backup.
Conclusion
Your e-commerce site is the equivalent of a physical store but online. This employs all available means on the market (security guards, cameras, alarms, grilles, etc.) to maximize the security of its premises. Why should your online store be any different? Note that it is more than essential to equip your e-commerce site with all available security features to protect it against indecent practices on the web. Apply the 9 tips mentioned above and ensure your site the necessary security against any form of cyberattack.
