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Website security essentials: Protection measures every e-commerce site should have

A cornerstone of any online business is strong security measures that protect the sensitive information of customers making purchases and the company at large. No matter if the e-commerce site is that of a large organization or a small startup, data protection strategies are key to ensuring overall success. To help owners in these efforts, here are a few practices and tools that every site should leverage for best-in-class website security.

A strong SSL certificate
One of the best starting points for e-commerce data protection is with the acquisition of a strong SSL certificate obtained from a trusted certificate authority. This technology enables the use of encryption to protect transactions between website visitors and the platform itself. Toolbox also noted that there are several different types of SSL certificates that offer varying levels of protection. For example, the source mentioned domain name  and enhanced verification certificates. In addition, users can also choose from extended validation, Web server, san UC, code signing, volume or wildcard SSL certificates. For this reason, it is important to leverage the expertise of a top certificate authority to review the available options and select the one that suits the needs of the individual site.

Security expert Rick Andrews also noted that an SSL certificate not only bolsters website security for e-commerce companies, but can also help increase customer trust, stated CIO.

"This protects your company and your customers from getting their financial or important information stolen," Andrews said. "Integrate the stronger EV SSL [Extended Validation Secure Sockets Layer], URL green bar and SSL security seal so customers know that your website is safe."

PCI compliance
From the very beginning of the website establishment processes, business owners should be sure that efforts are in compliance with the Payment Card Industry's Data Security Standards (PCI DSS). Liquid Web noted that these guidelines call for e-commerce groups to take certain steps to ensure the safety of shoppers' sensitive personal and purchasing information. These are comprised of rules for the online infrastructure and servers, as well as other systems related to the company.

Toolbox also advised utilizing a scanning service which can recognize website vulnerabilities or protection issues that may cause a site to be non-compliant with PCI standards. In addition to putting customers at risk, organizations that do not follow these guidelines can face substantial industry fines.

Backup and disaster recovery abilities
Another important aspect to consider for website security is off-site backup of pertinent information that can be called upon in the event that a natural disaster or other event renders primary systems unusable. Liquid Web pointed out that this is especially important within the e-commerce sector as if a website database or other critical records are lost, it could take considerable time for this content to be recovered. Worse, a particularly damaging event could cause the business to collapse if information is unattainable. In order to keep the organization functioning in the face of a disaster, business continuance measures are vital. These off-premise backups should also be strongly protected against unauthorized access or other malicious activities.

Protect data in transit with an SSL certificate today.

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