Find out how to protect your customer data and build a secure and reliable online store

Your customer data is one of the most important tools in your e-business. However, with the increase of cyber threats, ensuring the security and privacy of this information is becoming more and more necessary. The trust that customers place in your online store depends on how you handle their sensitive data, and a security breach could have devastating consequences on both the reputation and finances of your business.

In this article, we provide you with some essential tips to protect your customers’ data in your online store.

Common types of cyber-attacks and how to protect yourself

Before knowing the strategies to keep your users’ data safe, it is important that you know the dangers you are facing, so here is a list of the possible cyber threats:

• Phishing: they trick users into revealing confidential information by pretending to be trustworthy entities.

• SQL Injection: they introduce malicious code into databases to steal or modify information.

• XSS (Cross-Site Scripting): allow attackers to inject malicious code into web pages to steal cookies, redirect users or execute arbitrary code.

• DDoS (Denial of Service Attack): Flooding a server with traffic to make it inaccessible.

• Malware: malicious software that infects systems to steal data, encrypt files (ransomware) or control devices.

• Man-in-the-Middle attacks: intercept communication between two devices to steal data.

1. Use SSL certificates

One of the first steps to guarantee the security of your online store is to implement an SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificate. This certificate encrypts the data sent between your store’s server and your customers’ browsers, ensuring that the information cannot be intercepted or manipulated.

Why is an SSL certificate important?

It protects data such as credit card information, passwords and addresses. In addition, it improves your SEO positioning since Google values secure sites that have it installed.

For several years, the average Internet browser has learned that a site with a green padlock (symbol that appears once your SSL certificate has been correctly configured) at the beginning of the URL is synonymous with a secure site, so it generates confidence in your customers by displaying the security padlock in the browser.

2. Implement two-factor authentication (2FA)

To prevent unauthorized access to both administrator and user accounts, consider enabling two-factor authentication (2FA). This system adds an additional layer of security, as each new login requires not only the password, but also a second verification method, such as a code sent to the cell phone, email or a verification app, thus ensuring that despite a password theft only account holders can access their profile.

Why two-factor verification is important

Reduces the risk of phishing attacks or password theft. It ensures that even if a password is compromised, access will not be immediate without the second authentication factor. Therefore, our suggestion is to encourage two-step verification among your employees, as well as to establish double verification as a requirement in your customers’ user profiles.

3. Perform regular security audits

It is crucial to perform regular security audits to identify possible vulnerabilities in your online store. For this, we suggest you include penetration tests, reviews of your plugins and tools. Also, an important part is the constant updating of your security systems.

Benefits of an audit:

There are several points you should perform in an audit, you can start by detecting and solving possible security breaches before they are exploited. Ensure that your platform is up to date with the latest security and encryption standards.

4. Encrypt sensitive data

For many companies, they believe they are secure just because they are encrypting transactions. However, it is critical to encrypt sensitive data stored in your database. To begin with, you should identify what data your business stores in databases and encrypt data such as credit card numbers, passwords and email addresses.

Encrypting your databases ensures that even if hackers gain access to your databases, they will not be able to read the information contained therein easily.

How to do it?

Use strong encryption algorithms such as AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) or RSA. Never store passwords in plain text; use techniques such as hashing to protect them.

5. Comply with data protection regulations

Data protection regulations are a big issue and it is up to each country or region to establish these regulations. Depending on where you operate and where your customers come from, it is essential to comply with regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe, or the Federal Law on Personal Data Protection in some Latin American countries.

Keys to compliance:

The best way to avoid non-compliance is to request only the necessary data and explain to your customers what it will be used for. To make your customers feel secure, make sure that customers can modify or delete their information if they wish to do so. Finally, we recommend that you keep a record of consents and privacy policies clear and accessible.

6. Protect payments with secure gateways

Using a secure payment gateway is essential to protect your customers’ financial data. We suggest platforms such as PayPal, Stripe or Square that meet high security standards and have advanced fraud detection systems.

Recommendations

Never store credit card data on your servers. Use payment gateways that comply with the PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard).

7. Train your team in security

When it comes to security, education and a culture of prevention is crucial. Often, security breaches occur due to human error. Make sure your team is trained in good digital security practices, such as creating secure passwords, identifying phishing emails and proper handling of sensitive information.

Basic training

Teach about the importance of online security and how to implement preventative measures. Also, it is important that you establish protocols for reporting suspicious activity or possible security breaches.

8. Establish clear privacy policies

A clear and accessible privacy policy in your online store is not only a good practice, but also mandatory in many jurisdictions. Be sure to detail what data you collect, how you use it, who has access to it and how you protect it.

Benefits

You comply with legal requirements. You increase customer confidence by showing transparency about the use of their data.

Protecting your customers’ data is not only a legal obligation, but a necessity to maintain trust in your online store and ensure its long-term success. From encrypting information to implementing advanced security protocols, every step you take will not only protect your business, but also strengthen your relationship with your customers.

Be sure to stay up-to-date on best practices in digital security, as the cyber threat environment is constantly evolving. Tell us, how do you protect your customers’ information?