The Key Security Essentials For E-commerce Websites

Ecommerce security is one of the most important topics being discussed by programmers and business owners alike. Now as a business, you would definitely want your ecommerce website to be as secure and integrated as possible. But what is the modus operandi that you would adopt to make it happen? This question assumes all the more importance given the fact that cyber warfare and threats are increasing in their complexity and efficacy almost every day.

A great example of this is the latest security vulnerability of ecommerce websites that is being exploited by all and sundry, the ‘Poodle’. This is an SSL3 vulnerability that only requires you to disable SSL3 both on the client side and the server side. So, what is the way out? 

• Ensure SSL and PCI certification
   

If you’re a business owner, make sure that the solution that your service provider gives you has SSL encryption. The SSL (Secure sockets layer) encryption is a must if you want to ensure a secure communication channel between client and server. 

 

If it’s a payment portal or gateway, then a PCI-DSS (Payment card industry data security standard) certification is a must. Trusted solution providers will generally only provide solutions that are PCI-DSS certified as they know users won’t even look at making payments otherwise.

• Store only the customer data required 
   

Most payment websites today offer what is called the Storecard feature where the website’s database stores the customer’s card details, wanting the customer to enter nothing other than his CVV and password. But this also has a vulnerable side to it. You may end up storing details of customers who visited your portal ages ago making your site heavy and vulnerable to attacks.

This is why you must regularly purge your website of customer data that you no longer need. Store only a small amount of customer records, just the data you need to process the funds.

• Be updated about the latest security patches

 

The Security requirements of every web application change continuously. When new threats and vulnerabilities emerge, it also spawns newer and better responses in the form of security patches. This includes everything from Wordpress to Magento updates to PHP to SSL patches. 

 

Be on the lookout for any security updates that come up from any or every corner. You never know who or what could strike you next.