Data is a big part of the internet and eCommerce stores. Whether you sell one product or dozens, you need to secure your data from the beginning. Here’s what you need to know about eCommerce and website design.
What Is eCommerce Security?
No matter what type of business you run, you need to focus on security. Brick and mortar stores use a lock and key to secure the store after hours. Some businesses employ a security guard to keep employees and customers safe. When you run an online store, you need to implement security measures. You may not need a key or security guard, but you do need to protect your data.
When designing an eCommerce website, you need to encrypt customer payment information and shipping address. You also need to protect the admin panel so that hackers can’t get in and change your website. From passwords to security software, eCommerce security is just as essential as for a physical business.
How Does It Apply to Website Design?
When designing an eCommerce website, you need to consider all elements. You may have the most beautiful website design that customers can see. But you have to consider the structure behind the scenes. Most websites have an admin panel where you can edit pages and add products, and you need to secure that admin panel to help protect the rest of the site.
Create a unique username and password. Avoid using terms like admin or your store name for the username. Use a more complicated password, and don’t use that information on other websites. Data security is just as important to website design as the visuals.
How to Secure Your eCommerce Store
Once you understand the basics of website design and security, you can work on your eCommerce store. Now, no two sites will have the same design or requirements. If you work with multiple clients, you may need to implement different tactics to protect client and customer information.
While you can’t physically secure your online store, you can secure the data behind it. Here are a few things you can do to secure your store.
Consider Your Web Host
Before you set up a website, choose your hosting company wisely. Some companies offer more security features than others, and some may charge more for the same security options. Consider your budget and what you want out of a web host. A good host should be reliable and have customer support available when you have questions. If you aren’t happy with your current host, switch to a new one before building your store.
And if you do like your host, you can stay with them. But make sure they offer security features like a security certificate and a login to access your control panel.
Use SSL
Once you set up your hosting account and website, you should add an SSL certificate. But what is SSL? SSL stands for secure sockets layer, and it encrypts data on your website. Whenever someone visits your store, the SSL can protect their personal information. It’s especially important to have an SSL if you accept payments directly on your website. That way, your customers can trust that you and hackers won’t be able to get a hold of their credit card info.
You can start with the free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate, or you can pay for a more advanced option. More advanced certificates are better for eCommerce stores, but the free version is a good beginner option. Many hosts let you set up the certificate within your hosting account, and they can connect the certificate for you.
Choose Secure Payment Gateways
If you want to offer a few payment options, make sure they’re secure. PayPal and Stripe are good, trustworthy options. You can connect your store to your PayPal or Stripe account. When someone checks out, your site can redirect them to the payment site. Then, you can still get your payment, and you can offer more payment options to attract more customers.
You won’t have to worry about managing the technical side of these gateways, but you will have to pay a small fee.
Limit Admin Access
You should only give editing access to the people who absolutely need it, such as your website designer. If your eCommerce business has an assistant who primarily ships orders, they don’t need to access your website admin panel. But if that assistant helps process and confirm orders, they may need access.
By limiting the number of people who have admin accounts, you can reduce the likelihood of a hacker cracking your username and password. Of course, you may need more than one person to have access. Give each user a unique username and password so that you can block a user if they do get hacked.
Data security is essential for running a successful, trustworthy online business. You can operate an eCommerce store from anywhere, and you can save on some costs. But you can’t skimp on data security costs, or else you might risk getting hacked and losing your entire store.
