Preventing Most Common Cyberattacks on eCommerce Websites
Learn popular attack types and how to protect your online store against cybercriminals
The Impact Of Cyber Threats On Your Site
In March 2022, eCommerce grew 27% YoY, and online shopping revenue is expected to exceed 1.7 trillion dollars by 2027. The momentum of eCommerce is attracting more entrepreneurs than ever before who see the unlimited growth potential in online retail. Unfortunately, it has also gained the attention of cybercriminals who are increasingly setting their sights on small businesses — usually in the hopes of stealing valuable customer data.
For eCommerce businesses, it only takes one data breach to wreak havoc on their bottom line. Let’s take a look at some of the most common tactics favored by modern cybercriminals and the threats they pose to online retailers.
Choosing The Security Measures For Your eCommerce Website
When selecting an eCommerce platform for your business, you can improve the experience of your site by keeping these types of cyberattacks and cybersecurity features in mind for any solution you choose:
Cross-Site scripting (XSS):
XSS attacks were one of the most common types of cyberattacks in 2021, making it an important threat for businesses to know. In order to carry out an XSS attack, cybercriminals inject code into websites via forms and other input fields used to collect data from site visitors. When a visitor’s browser executes that code, cybercriminals can covertly hijack the browsing session to steal data from unsuspecting shoppers. XSS attacks can ultimately provide cybercriminals with unauthorized access to sensitive customer data.
SQL Injection Attacks (SQLi):
Look for platform options that can easily integrate with a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate and a website security solution. An SSL certificate is a cybersecurity measure that encrypts data as it moves between a website and a server. When your customers input sensitive information into fields on your site — such as login credentials or payment info — an SSL certificate will encrypt the information and keep it safe and protected from scams or extortion.
Bad Bots:
You will also want a platform with the ability to connect through a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) or Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP), as this is required to use a website scanner. Website scanners review files on your website for vulnerabilities and automatically patch them before cybercriminals can gain access to your site.
Backdoor Attacks:
A backdoor attack occurs when hackers install malware on a website through unsecured entry points such as form fields or outdated plugins. This malicious software gives them unauthorized access to a site’s database until the backdoor is detected and removed. The longer an attack lasts, the more damage hackers can do to business operations. An undetected backdoor attack can give bad actors unauthorized access to company and customer data.
Take Charge of Your eCommerce Website Security
The effects of cyberattacks on small eCommerce businesses can be disastrous, but the good news is that you can take steps now to secure your business and protect your customers.
Start By Following These Cyberattack Prevention Best Practices:
Never store credit card or other financially sensitive data on your website.
Develop and maintain cybersecurity awareness training for all employees.
Use a payment processor provider that is payment card industry (PCI) compliant.
Implement a comprehensive and proactive cybersecurity solution that includes a Web Application Firewall (WAF), automated website scanning, traffic monitoring, and malicious code removal.
Have a strong password policy in place, and ensure user credentials are updated regularly.
You should also have a trusted third-party perform a security audit on your website. A comprehensive review of your overall cybersecurity risk posture will allow you to understand where you’re most vulnerable to an attack and how to mitigate cybercrime. The more you do to prepare now, the better you can protect your business from the financial impacts of a cyberattack in the future.
See how SiteLock’s comprehensive website security solutions can help keep your online store secure.