To secure an online store, it is worth taking a few key actions that will protect both customer data and the owner of the store. Here are the basic steps:
1. Certificate SSL (Secure Socket Layer)
* What is this: SSL certificate encrypts data sent between the user and the store. It ensures that information such as login data, personal data or payment details are secure.
* How to do it: Make sure your store works on HTTPS protocol (check if the URL starts with “https://”). You can get an SSL certificate from your hosting provider or buy one from authorized certification companies.
2. Regular software updates
* What is this: Your online store’s software, including content management system (CMS), plugins, templates and server software should be regularly updated to protect against new threats.
* How to do it: Set automatic updates or check for new versions regularly. Make sure all plugins, scripts and software are up-to-date and compatible.
3. Strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA)
* What is this: Strong passwords (long, complex and unique) are the foundation of security. Additionally, two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection by requiring users to enter two pieces of information to log in.
* How to do it: Force strong passwords for all store users, including administrators and customers. Activate 2FA on administrator accounts.
4. Protection against DDoS attacks (Distributed Denial of Service)
* What is this: A DDoS attack blocks access to the website by flooding the server with a large number of fake requests.
* How to do it: Use services such as Cloudflare that help minimize the risk of these types of attacks. Make sure your hosting server offers sufficient protection.
5. Safe online payments
* What is this: The store must provide secure payment options so that credit card data and other sensitive information are not exposed to theft.
* How to do it: Use reputable online payment systems such as PayPal, Stripe or other payment gateways that comply with PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) standards.
6. Regular backups
* What is this: Backups allow for a quick recovery of the store to its previous state before an attack or failure.
* How to do it: Regularly create backups of your database, store files and configurations. Make sure backups are stored in a secure location (e.g. on external servers).
7. Database protection
* What is this: The store’s database stores sensitive data such as customer information, orders and transactions.
* How to do it: Encrypt data in the database, use secure connections to the database (e.g. SSL) and regularly check for access to the database. Limit access to the database only to those who need it.
8. Firewall and server security
* What is this: A firewall blocks unauthorized connections to the server, protecting the store from external attacks.
* How to do it: Install and configure a network firewall (firewall) on your server. Use application-level security such as WAF (Web Application Firewall) to block potential attacks on the site.
9. Monitoring and security logs
* What is this: Monitoring and logging help detect unusual activity that may indicate an attack or attempt to breach.
* How to do it: Regularly review system logs, server logs and application logs of your store. You can use monitoring tools like Fail2ban that automatically block suspicious IP addresses.
10. Protection against SQL Injection and Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks
* What is this: SQL Injection and XSS are types of attacks that allow hackers to inject malicious code into the site, which can lead to data theft or taking over the site.
* How to do it: Regularly test your store for such security vulnerabilities. Use appropriate security measures in applications like input validation, prepared SQL queries and proper handling of form data.
11. User permission management
* What is this: User permissions should be properly managed to prevent unauthorized access to data and administrative functions.
* How to do it: Assign the right roles and permissions to users, granting access to the system only those who really need it. Use the principle of least privilege.
12. Protection against phishing attacks
* What is this: Phishing is a technique where scammers impersonate your store to steal user login data.
* How to do it: Educate your users about the risk of phishing. Make sure your store uses professional and consistent communication methods to avoid accidental transfer of personal data to scammers.
By implementing these security measures, you can significantly increase the security of your online store and protect your customers’ data from network threats.
