So, you have an e-commerce website and you want to make sure it’s safe and secure for both you and your users. You know you need an e-commerce security suite to do just that, but you aren’t sure which option on the market is the best one for you.
Well, there are a few basic features that you want to make sure your security suite has. And as long as whatever you purchase checks those boxes, both you and your users will be protected from a cyber attack.
Also, you want to make sure your site is PCI compliant. Because a standard PCI compliance fine ($100,000) is enough money to hurt any e-commerce business, regardless of size.
So what are the basic e-commerce security suite features you should be on the lookout for? And how do you make sure your site is both safe and legal? We’ve got the answers to those questions, and more, in this article!
Now then, let’s get started!
1. A Virtual Private Network
One of the biggest (and most common) features that you should look for in an e-commerce security suite is a virtual private network (VPN). It goes without saying, but sharing a network with other sites isn’t a good idea when people’s personal information is easily available.
In fact, the last thing you want is for someone’s credit card to be stolen and for it to be traced back to your e-commerce site. Not only can you end up being financially responsible for the damage, but it’s also the kind of thing that can ruin your reputation for good.
So, above all else, make sure your security suite has a VPN. It’s the perfect place to start when talking about security for retailers.
2. Firewall and Antispam
There are a few basic features that you need to be on the lookout for when buying an e-commerce protection suite. In fact, if you want to make sure your site is PCI compliant, and avoid any major fines, you shouldn’t skip out on anything that we have on this list.
In order to protect your users, you first have to make sure your site is safe and secure. And besides a VPN, the best way to do that is with firewall and antispam.
Believe it or not, firewall and antispam aren’t as common as you might think. So if you find a security suite that seems too good to be true price-wise, it’s probably missing firewall and antispam.
3. Parental Controls
With so many people under 18 owning computers and mobile devices, it’s very easy to accidentally sell something to someone who is underage. And this might not seem like a huge issue on the surface level, but it can be if you’re selling a product that parents might not want their kid to have access to.
For whatever reason, parental controls are one of the least common features of e-commerce security suites. So you may have to pay a little extra to get something that checks that box, but again, it’s wise to do so to protect yourself and your users.
4. A Backup Feature
One of the biggest nightmares for any website owner is waking up one morning to find that their site has been corrupted or damaged. And without a quality backup file, it can be next to impossible to restore your site to its previous state.
This issue is made even more serious when you start dealing with money. Because if your e-commerce site crashes, and you have pending payments or lose the ability to access your money, it’s not a fun thing to deal with.
While various security measures can protect your site, it’s still wise to plan for the worst and create routine backups. So be sure that your e-commerce security suite has a backup feature to ensure that you’re covered in case disaster strikes.
5. An SSL Certificate
This one might sound a little confusing on the surface level, but hear us out. We know, SSL certificates are free and usually come with your hosting plan. But that free SSL certificate isn’t as good as other, paid SSL certificates that are out there.
Make sure your site is well protected by purchasing an SSL certificate from your e-commerce security suite provider. It’s wise to do a bit of research to make sure you’re getting an SSL certificate that will more than get the job done.
Top 5 E-Commerce Security Suite Features
Well, there you have it! Those are the top 5 e-commerce security suite features that you should look out for! As long as your security suite has those features, you should be good to go!
Remember, first and foremost, a VPN is an absolute must-have for any e-commerce site. The last thing you want to be doing is sharing a network with other websites.
Both firewall and antispam are important too, although they’re a bit more uncommon than you’d expect. Make sure both features are included in whatever suite you purchase, as sometimes they aren’t, for whatever reason.
Parental controls and a backup feature are both extremely important as well. A backup feature, in particular, can prevent you from having a major problem on your hands should something bad happen to your site.
Last but not least, a paid SSL certificate is always a good idea. They’re a lot more secure than your typical SSL certificate that is included with your hosting and can make it much harder to hack your site.
Own a website? Looking for more ways to make sure your users have a good user experience? Check out the rest of our blog!