How can you protect your customers in your online store?
One of the primary values of online consumers is safety, but it has also been found that many shoppers are naïve to risks. In fact, 57% profess they feel safe uploading card information on retail mobile apps.
As internet users may not be as cautious as they should be, the responsibility falls on business owners.
If you don’t put the right security measures in place, your users could be at risk. If there’s a data breach, it would be devastating for your business.
Offer alternatives to passwords
One of the easiest points of entry for cybercriminals is through technology that can guess passwords.
Internet users tend to make life easy for these hackers as well, as research shows that most people don’t put anywhere near enough effort into creating complex passwords.
Indeed, a vast number of people choose simple passwords that are easy to remember. This is highlighted by an infographic from ExpressVPN, which outlines how there are common passwords found in every country around the world.
So, it's clear that all internet users, whether online shopping, playing games, or anything else, need to ensure that passwords are strong enough. This means adding upper- and lower-case letters, special characters, and steering clear of using personal information like pet names or dates of birth.
Online retailers should try to move away from password authentication, as this could soon be a thing of the past. If you can integrate biometrics into your log-in process, it would be excellent.
For instance, Apple users could log on using their Apple ID, which is triggered by a fingerprint or face scan on their iPhone or iPad.
Another option is to give the power to your customers and let them choose their own security method. This could include a special key or a secret phrase.
Ensure you have SSL encryption
One of the most essential things to improve the security of your site is SSL encryption.
This stands for secure sockets layer, and it provides an encoded link between the server and the client. It’s an essential element of having a website online, and it means that customers will be much safer when performing transactions.
If you don’t have SSL encryption, it will show in the web address bar that the site is not safe. Indeed, some browsers will warn users they are in danger if they visit these sites.
Customers would be at a much higher risk of having their data stolen, and it also means that the site could be a victim of other threats like phishing scams.
Use a prebuilt platform
One of the best ways to be certain that every element of your site is as secure as possible is to use a prebuilt platform to build your pages. For online retailers, there are loads of tried and tested web builders that business owners can use as templates to develop their own sites.
Prebuilt platforms usually have all the coding in place to make them secure. They also provide peace of mind to business owners who know they can ask for help from the company if they encounter any problems.
The internet can be a lucrative place for online businesses, but there are also many dangers that business owners need to be aware of.
By putting the right security measures in place, you will ensure that your customers are always safe when browsing your pages.
Additionally, investing in a robust information security management system can be useful in safeguarding your valuable yet vulnerable customer data. With 37% of UK businesses reporting a data breach to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), it is only practical for today's businesses to implement their own ISMS to minimize or eliminate risks and guarantee the best protection.
However, the best solutions require consistency and commitment for successful implementation.
