Securing Your eCommerce Website From Hackers

In the bustling world of online retail, safeguarding your eCommerce website against cyber threats has become more crucial than ever. The 2022 Verizon Data Breach Report revealed that the retail sector experienced 629 incidents in that year, with 241 cases resulting in confirmed data disclosures. The recent surge in cyberattacks targeting major retail brands underscores the vulnerability of eCommerce platforms to sophisticated hacking techniques. From ransomware crippling order systems to data breaches exposing sensitive customer information, the risks are real and escalating.

Security for eCommerce Websites

In the highly dynamic retail sector, security threats in eCommerce are becoming a major concern. Recently, a survey shed light on this growing issue, revealing that two-thirds of retail companies were the target of ransomware attacks in 2022. This is not just a statistic; it reflects a worrying increase in data breaches for eCommerce stores. In 2021, 77% of retail IT professionals surveyed reported ransomware attacks, a shocking 75% rise from 2020.

A recent Forrester survey echoes this troubling trend. Retail companies are finding themselves in the crosshairs of cybercriminals more often than ever before, with an average of 6.8 breaches over the past year, compared to just 3.4 in 2022. What makes this even more concerning is the retail sector's relatively smaller number of chief information security officers and security staff. This situation underscores the urgency for robust eCommerce store security measures to combat these escalating threats.

Hacking in eCommerce

As retailers are racing to bring their storefronts to the digital realm, the frequency of cyberattacks on eCommerce platforms is a growing concern. With numerous recent examples where an 'eCommerce site hacked' headline has made the news, it's clear that even the most popular shopping websites are not immune to these threats. In many cases, these incidents have exposed the vulnerability of shopping websites with low security, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced protective measures.

Recent eCommerce Security Breaches

This week, VF Corp., the parent company of brands like the North Face, Timberland, and Vans, announced it is recovering from a recent cyberattack. This incident has temporarily hindered their order fulfillment capabilities. On December 13, the company detected unauthorized activities within parts of its IT system, as reported in their SEC filing. The cyberattack not only disrupted operations but also resulted in the theft of personal and other data. Based in Denver, Colorado, VF Corp., which also owns brands like Altra, Dickies, and Jansport, is collaborating with external cybersecurity professionals and has had to deactivate certain systems in response.

Earlier in the month, Staples suffered a similar fate. Their cyberattack began on Cyber Monday, leading to significant disruptions in their website operations, delivery services, customer support, and communication networks.

In another instance, Ace Hardware faced a cyberattack in November, severely impacting their logistics. This attack caused a halt in shipments to franchise owners by affecting their warehouse management systems, retailer mobile assistants, invoicing, customer care phone systems, and the Ace Rewards program. The disruption lasted for over five days.

Furthermore, in August, Clorox experienced a cyberattack that impacted parts of its IT infrastructure, forcing staff to switch to manual order processing. The company later revealed that this incident had a negative impact on its quarterly profits and anticipated the repercussions to linger into 2024.

How to Secure Your Online Store

In the swiftly evolving realm of online retail, understanding how to secure your eCommerce website has never been more pressing. As business owners, it's essential to be constantly vigilant and informed about the latest in cybersecurity. The digital landscape is akin to a battleground, with online platforms routinely falling prey to cybercriminal attacks. Improving the security of your eCommerce store is not merely about protecting your business assets; it's equally about maintaining the trust of your customers and upholding the integrity of your digital presence. This continuous effort is vital in ensuring your business thrives in the competitive and often unpredictable online marketplace. The following eCommerce security best practices are great starting points for business leaders looking to enhance their online security posture.

10 Tips to Secure Your eCommerce Website

1. Regular Software Updates: Ensure that all your website’s software, including the eCommerce platform, plugins, and third-party applications, are regularly updated. These updates often include security patches that protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities.
2. Use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Encryption: Implement SSL encryption for your website. This not only secures the data transfer between the user and the website but also boosts customer confidence and search engine rankings.
3. Strong Password Policies: Enforce strong password policies for both customers and staff. Encourage or require complex passwords that combine letters, numbers, and special characters, and consider implementing multi-factor authentication for added security.
4. Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address potential vulnerabilities in your website.
5. Secure Payment Gateways: Only use reputable and secure payment gateways. Ensure they are compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) to protect against payment fraud.
6. Educate Your Team: Train your staff on cybersecurity best practices, including recognizing phishing attempts, secure handling of customer data, and the importance of regular software updates.
7. Data Backup and Recovery Plan: Regularly back up your website and customer data. Have a robust recovery plan in place to quickly restore operations in the event of a cyberattack or data loss.
8. Limit Access Controls: Implement strict access controls for your website’s backend. Grant access only to essential personnel and limit their privileges to what’s necessary for their role.
9. Monitor for Suspicious Activity: Use security tools to continuously monitor your website for suspicious activities. Quick detection of anomalies can prevent or minimize the impact of a cyberattack.
10. Regularly Update Security Policies: Cyber threats are constantly evolving, so your security strategies should too. Regularly review and update your security policies to stay ahead of emerging threats.

Spectrum Internet’s Security Center also offers a helpful list of online tips to show you how cybercriminals try to steal your data and how you can help better protect yourself and your family online.

eCommerce Security Solutions

In the face of these escalating cyber threats, the role of solutions offered by third-party cybersecurity consultants becomes crucial for eCommerce website security. These experts bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, offering specialized insights that may not be available in-house, especially in retail companies with limited cybersecurity staff. A third-party consultant like Compass IT Compliance can provide a comprehensive security assessment, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend tailored solutions to bolster your eCommerce site's defenses. Their expertise in navigating the complexities of cybersecurity can be invaluable in not just addressing current threats but also in preparing for future challenges, ensuring that your eCommerce business remains secure and resilient in a landscape where threats are constantly evolving.

Compass IT Compliance stands as a leader in this space, offering a range of services to fortify the security of your eCommerce presence and secure your online business. Drawing on our extensive expertise in safeguarding online businesses, we specialize in offering focused strategies on how to protect your online store. We're a group of seasoned experts, deeply committed to steering your eCommerce business through the maze of digital security challenges. Our focus isn't just on guarding against the immediate threats that loom over online platforms today. We're also proactively preparing your eCommerce site to withstand future challenges. This holistic approach is key to enhancing your website's security, ensuring it stands resilient in an ever-changing digital landscape. With Compass IT Compliance, you gain more than just a service provider; you gain a partner dedicated to the security and success of your eCommerce venture. Contact us today to discuss the unique cyber challenges your organization is facing!