Securing Against Cyber Threats for eCommerce

As an eCommerce business owner, you rely on your website and other supporting software to connect with customers, process payments, store sensitive information and manage your inventory. 

It’s no secret that cybercriminals are always looking for ways to exploit online businesses. And with every new patch or update, comes a new malware or attack – of which, the ramifications may be devastating. 

eCommerce websites are a goldmine of sensitive information, making them an attractive prospect for opportunistic cybercriminals. According to Cybercrime Magazine, by 2025 businesses will lose approximately $10.5 trillion, at an estimated $19,977,168 per minute due to cybercrime.

In the wise words of Uncle Ben, with great power comes great responsibility. If you’ve got sensitive information and customer data – it is vital that you protect your website against the probability of a cyber attack. 

cyber attacks eCommerce

The most common cyber threats for online retailers

Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks are a common type of cyber attack where cybercriminals send emails or messages that appear to be from a legitimate source to trick users into sharing sensitive information. For online retailers, this could mean asking for credit card details or login credentials. 

To protect against phishing attacks, you should:

  • Train your staff to recognise phishing emails and messages.
  • Use two-factor authentication to protect user accounts.
  • Use email filters to detect and block phishing emails.
  • Encourage customers to report suspicious emails or messages they receive from your company.

Malware Attacks

Malware attacks involve cybercriminals installing software on your website or computer without your knowledge. Malware can be used to steal sensitive data, such as credit/debit card details or personal information. 

To protect against malware attacks, you can:

  • Install anti-virus software on all devices and keep it updated.
  • Use a web application firewall (WAF) to protect your website from malware and other attacks.
  • Regularly scan your website for vulnerabilities and malware.
  • Keep all software, including website plugins and third-party software, up to date.

DDoS Attacks

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks involve overwhelming your website with traffic to take it offline. This can be devastating for eCommerce businesses, as it can prevent customers from accessing your site and making purchases. 

The following can help protect you from DDoS attacks:

  • Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to distribute traffic across multiple servers.
  • Use a DDoS protection service to filter out malicious traffic.
  • Regularly test your website’s ability to handle traffic spikes.
  • Develop a contingency plan in case your website goes offline.

Payment Fraud

Payment fraud involves criminals making fraudulent purchases using stolen credit card details or other payment information. To prevent payment fraud you can: 

  • Use a secure payment gateway that complies with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS).
  • Use fraud detection tools to identify and prevent suspicious transactions.
  • Train your staff to recognise and report suspicious activity.
  • Regularly review your payment processes to ensure they are secure.

Data Breaches

Data breaches involve criminals accessing sensitive customer or business data. This can be devastating for eCommerce businesses, as it can lead to loss of customer trust and reputational damage. To protect against data breaches, you should:

  • Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
  • Encrypt all sensitive data, such as credit card details and personal information.
  • Limit access to sensitive data to only those who need it.
  • Regularly audit your data security measures and processes.

Protect your business with Moremicro 

eCommerce businesses face a range of cyber threats, but by taking a proactive approach you can protect your business and your customers. At Moremicro, we have over 30 years’ experience in delivering managed IT services and cyber security support for businesses across the UK. We’re perfectly placed to support your online retail business against cyber threats. Speak to one of our experts today.