As the COVID-19 pandemic transforms the economic landscape, many small to medium-sized companies like yours have partnered with e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, BigCommerce, Square, Mailchimp, and Klayvio to launch successful online businesses.
Indeed, there are many benefits to running an e-commerce business. Not only is it easier to observe physical distancing rules with an online business, but you slash expenses such as rent and energy bills and elevate your profit margins. Your employees may also be happier working remotely. In addition, you can take advantage of online tools to enhance your market reach, improve productivity, and raise efficiencies.
Malware Attacks
However, it’s essential to recognize that e-commerce businesses are more prone to security vulnerabilities with cyberattacks escalating against organizations. Gangs of online criminals use exploits, Trojan horse attacks, and spear-phishing campaigns to hit remote working companies with spyware and ransomware infections. A hacker can use dangerous malware to steal sensitive data, blackmail you, or drain your financial accounts. Experts say that some cybercrimes cost companies millions. If you don’t act now, your business could be at serious risk.
When Are You Most Vulnerable?
Remember, while e-commerce platforms are secure, your computers need security. Anytime your company transfers PII data between your remote office storage drives or with any third party, the following customer data is vulnerable:
- Names
- Social Security Numbers
- Dates of Birth
- Email Addresses
- Credit Card Information
Even the most trusted platforms are susceptible to threats. For example, Tupperware.com, a website that boasts one million monthly visits, was hacked by web skimmers with a fake payment details iframe. The thieves stole sensitive customer data in this credit card skimmer breach.
Endpoint Security Software
Instead of relying merely on API security, your organization must invest in proactive endpoint security software that keeps your devices safe. The right endpoint security software should provide protection and remediation with precise threat detection, threat blocking, and thorough remediation. In addition, it should be cloud-based and easy to use and install with a robust yet user-friendly user-interface (UI).
Of course, it should also be light and fast. You don’t want cybersecurity tools that slow down or crash your computers and devices and negatively impact productivity. Finally, it should use artificial intelligence and machine learning to find and block threats before devices are impacted. Security software armed with behaviour-analysis recognizes and prevents both malicious code and bad behaviour by people.
Employee Training
No company will openly blame their employees after a successful ransomware attack, but studies by cybersecurity companies often point to human error after a breach. That’s why it’s critical to train your staff in remote working safety procedures.
Employees must avoid working on unsafe public networks and refrain from visiting risky websites or opening fraudulent links. With cybercriminals using increasingly sophisticated spear-phishing attacks to target companies, employees must also learn to recognize fraudulent emails. Finally, they should use complex passwords that feature uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, alphabets, and symbols.
Securing your e-commerce business requires a multi-pronged approach. The right habits and the right endpoint security software can keep your business safe and healthy from those with malicious intent.
