Protecting eCommerce Data from Disaster in the New Decade

With more individuals going to the internet to buy the goods and services they need, eCommerce has grown exponentially. Most consumers shifted online due to the unique circumstances last year, and it’s unlikely that this trend is relaxing any time soon. However, the rise in sales means more data, which is crucial for running online stores, making business owners prone to cyberattacks.

With that in mind, retailers need to begin planning how to grow their eCommerce stores safely and securely at the start of the new decade.

1. Restrict Access

Not everyone involved in your business should have access to everything. For instance, if you run a testing facility or a clinic, make sure the results of spike-ace2 inhibitor screening tests of your patients remain confidential and should only be known by yourself, your laboratory scientists, and patients.

This concept is called ‘the principle of least privilege,’ meaning you should only give individuals access to sections aligned with their skills and roles.

2. Keep Your Passwords Complex and Regularly Update Theme

An example of one of the most uncomplicated yet efficient ways of protecting eCommerce data is by keeping your passwords complex. Everyone knows how to do it, but using hard-to-replicate passwords typically gets overlooked by many.

That’s because managing and remembering dozens of long passwords can be challenging. Fortunately, password manager apps can help you keep track of your different passwords, making your site and your life a lot easier.

3. Use Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication, also known as ‘2FA,’ is an excellent way of keeping data secure. It involves having unique codes or a random set of numbers sent to your mobile device whenever you’re accessing your accounts. The codes can be delivered through text messages or an application. Most software platforms have two-factor authentication built-in. However, if the eCommerce platform you’re using doesn’t, you can use a password manager or something.

2FA is another excellent deterrent, as it only gives users complete access to accounts, and even if someone figures out your password, they’d still need the authorization number on their mobile devices to log into your store.

4. Add an SSL Certificate to Your Website

It’s best to get a secure sockets layer or SSL certificate for your online store. That’s because an SSL certificate can help encrypt your site to protect you and your consumers.

When visiting your store, the SSL will keep all information safe using high-level encryption. For instance, if you take payments directly on your website, an SSL certificate will protect your customers’ payment details, making it safe for them to browse and buy from your store.

Although most would likely settle for a secure web host, adding an SSL certificate to the mix can maximize your security. This way, you don’t need to continually worry about the thought of your host changing their security policies.

5. Regularly Audit Third-Party Apps

You must understand how third-party apps access your store’s data and what they can do with it. That’s why it’s best to evaluate all third-party apps you’re using at least once a year and list all their benefits and downsides to see whether the value they’re providing your business is worth the risk.

6. Perform Regular Updates

Whether you’re working with an IT company or not, you need to ensure that you keep everything in your online store up-to-date. So, create assured to always check for updates, especially on your website, social media, and other software you use for your operations.

Updating all these ensure you have the most recent and typically most secure and safe versions. That’s because as the latest versions come out, most software developers gradually stop supporting the older ones.

It’s best to check for updates every week or every other week to ensure you don’t operate too long without one.

7. Have a Backup Strategy

There are several ways you can go about this. One is the manual strategy, where you need to export all data from your store and keep current copies of everything.

Although it may sound straightforward, it takes an incredible amount of work, especially when your site has several thousands of SKUs. The other option is using back-up software that can automatically store all the data you have in your store.

Make sure to do your research and evaluate each solution properly since not all back-up software is made equal, and you’d naturally want your data to be protected.

Although the strategies mentioned may sound involved, they won’t compare to what’s involved with returning from a data disaster, especially with more people transitioning to eCommerce. That’s why it’s best to be proactive to ensure that your efforts to run your online store doesn’t go to waste.