9 Ways to Protect E-Commerce Customer Data

When you conduct business on the e-commerce platform, you collect a lot of customer data.  However, keeping the information safe can be difficult if you don’t have the right security measures in place. Online attacks occur in multiple ways, including phishing, cyber-attacks, and hacking.

There are, however, steps you can take to protect customer data. Such include installing a cheap wildcard SSL certificate, choosing the right web hosting company, being PCI DSS compliant, among others. Let us explore some of them in more detail below.

  1. Install an SSL Certificate

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates provide security for your website without you having to spend so much money. It is critical to protect the data by the encryption between the browser and web servers.

If you run multiple subdomains, consider buying a cheap wildcard SSL certificate. You get to control the security on numerous subdomains from one platform while saving money. 

When you install an SSL certificate, you enable Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) that ensure security against online fraud. The customers will trust your platform more, and you get a higher ranking on search engines such as Google.

Without https encryption, websites have the label ‘not secure’ by search engines, and you will lose valuable traffic to your site. Many people will not continue with the login process if they realize your website is not safe. 

  • Do Not Collect Unnecessary Information

Only collect the information that you require. Some people will want so much information, yet they have no actual use for it. Before you ask for information such as email ID, physical address, contact number, credit card information, among others, ask yourself if you need all that information.

You have an obligation to keep customer data safe, and if you have too much sensitive information, it can be challenging to keep it secure. When looking for a storage repository, look for those with regular audits, data encryption, and access control.

  • PCI DSS Compliance

If you take payment via any source, then Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) compliance is essential. It shows that you have taken the relevant security measures. You can also encrypt and store any credit card information you collect. It makes it easier because you do not have to store data on your platform.

  • Choose the Right Web Host Provider

Host your e-commerce platform on a reliable web hosting side. Look at the security measures they have in place so that you have that added layer of security. They should be able to monitor your platform and arrest any security issues in good time.

Avoid choosing a free web hosting provider because they will not have sufficient security in place. There are some hosting provider like DigitalOcean which you can use. You can find DigitalOcean coupon code get more benefits.

  • Opt For a Secure E-Commerce Platform

When you are looking for the best platform on which to establish your e-commerce business, there are specific considerations to take into place. Such include ease of set-up, user convenience, available designs, themes, and plugins for better functionality, among others. It isalso critical thatyou ask what kind of security features they have.

You will need proof that they have SSL certificates, authentication procedures for sellers and buyers, encrypted payment gateways, among others. Whatever security features they offer should allow you to scale, the more your business grows.

  • Run Updates on Your Site

It is essential that you continuously and constantly run updates on your website.  The developers come up with different security measures to give you better security for your information. Once you get an update notification, let it run automatically.

Some people feel that the updates may slow down the website or that it is inconveniencing.  Yet, it is a critical component of operating on the online platform and requires no effort from you.

  • Run Security Tests

Run security tests to ensure that your security is up-to-date. There are several tools you can use on the online platform. It also helps if you have a good indication of the trends that are occurring concerning security.

If you are finding it challenging to run the tests on your own, consult an expert to do it for you. By capturing any potential problems early, you get to save money and do not have to deal with the inconvenience of being offline. Best of all, you are sure that your customer data is safe. 

  • Have the Right Password

Hackers can access many e-commerce platforms by cracking weak passwords. Take the time to come up with a secure password, incorporating the use of upper and lower cases, as well as symbols and numbers.

Avoid using one password for all your online platforms, and if you have a problem remembering them, install a password manager. Two-Factor authentication will also significantly improve the security of your website. 

  • Keep Evolving and Improving Your Security

Hackers are always on toes trying to improve their hacking abilities. Every day they come up with new ways to compromise the security of online users. It is, therefore, essential that you operate as they do. It requires that you keep on evolving and keep up with the latest security trends so that you continually improve your security.

You must ensure that you identify and seal any areas of vulnerabilities on your platform. When you are on the right platform, you will have the benefit of constant security updates. But you must also take the necessary steps to secure your platform without depending on your host provider. 

Final thoughts

Securing customer information is a critical component for operating on the online platform. Install SSL certificate such as a cheap wildcard so that you get protection for your platform. Only collect data that you will use and run regular updates on your website.

Pay attention to your password so that hackers have a difficult time breaching it. Customers need to know that they can fully trust you with their information. With our tips above, you can enhance security on your ecommerce platform. 

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