Security is a top priority for online store owners. You are responsible for all your files, order information, hard work, and customer data. It is not what you want to see that this information falls into the wrong hands.

eCommerce security does not have to be difficult! It is as simple as implementing the right tools and putting in the right practices. Let’s look at some strategies that are sorted by priority.

Here’s the complete security checklist before we get into detail.

Essential:

• Pick a great host
• High-quality plugins are recommended
• Implement strong passwords
• Prevent brute force attacks
• WordPress themes and plugins can be updated
• Backups should be enabled
• Get an SSL certificate

Moderate:

• Reevaluate the user access levels
• Security scanning
• Keep an eye on site activity

Advanced:

• Install a firewall
• Enable secure authentication

Essential security practices

1. Pick a great host

A good host is essential for site security. Do your research. These are some things that you should include in your hosting plan.

• A firewall that creates a virtual wall between your server, and the rest of the internet, and protects website content

• You can take regular, automated backups to your entire website so that in the event of an emergency, you can retrieve data and files.

• Protection and Malware scanning to quickly respond to any issues and prevent them from happening

• The most recent version of the software, such as PHP and MYSQL. This limits the vulnerabilities hackers can exploit

• Great support to address security concerns such as hacks and malware

Most hosts and plans will list security features, but you can always ask. To learn more about customer experiences, you can read reviews. These recommended WooCommerce hosts are a great starting point.

2. High-quality plugins are recommended

Extensions and plugins are great ways to increase store functionality. However, not all extensions are created equal. Hackers can easily gain access to your site by using poorly coded plugins. Make sure you only use trusted, verified sources with positive reviews. Do not download premium plugins for free from third-party sites. They are often modified with malware. Make sure your plugins are always up-to-date and compatible with the latest version of WordPress and WooCommerce.

The WooCommerce extension collection includes hundreds of premium and free extensions that assist with everything, from design and functionality to marketing and store management.

3. Implement strong passwords

Even the most secure security system can be compromised by a weak password. Hackers use bots to perform brute-force attacks. They check for different combinations of symbols, numbers, letters, and symbols until they find the website’s password. These attacks can be automated so they can attempt thousands of passwords per second.

Bots will find it more difficult to crack complex passwords. Here are some basic principles for creating a strong password.

• You should aim for at least ten characters.

• You can use a mixture of lowercase and capital letters.

• Avoid common words such as “password”, your business name, and your username.

• Use different passwords for different accounts.

Are you worried about remembering complex passwords? Use LastPass to manage your passwords securely.

4. Prevent brute force attacks

You can also stop brute force attacks before they reach your site. Jetpack’s Brute force attack prevention feature stops bots and hackers in their tracks, protecting your site from unauthorized access. It’s easy to turn on, and you can rest assured that your store is safe.

5. All things should be updated

WordPress, theme, or plugin updates can often bring new functionality and features to your store. They also fix security vulnerabilities and bugs that hackers could exploit. It is important to ensure that everything stays up-to-date.

Jetpack provides automatic plugin updates to make it easier.

6. Backups should be enabled

Backups are an insurance policy for your website. You hope you don’t have to use them but you’ll be thankful you have them.

Online stores can experience a drop in sales and order information. With a tool such as Jetpack backup, you can quickly restore your entire website with just a few mouse clicks.

Daily backups are done automatically every 24 hours. Real-time backups, however, are a great option for eCommerce shops because they are made as you make changes on your website. You can update a page, add products, or make a sale. A backup of your website can be restored to the exact point it was before you took that action. This prevents you from losing important transactions, as so much can happen in 24 hours.

7. Get an SSL certificate

An SSL certificate encrypts data and protects transactions on your website. Their data is encrypted every time a customer completes a contact form or makes a purchase. This is important not only from a legal standpoint but also makes your website appear higher in search results as Google recognizes its importance.

Usually, you can obtain an SSL certificate for free from your host or at an additional cost. For more information, contact your provider.

Moderate security practices

1. Reevaluate the user access levels

It’s crucial to know what each person can do and how they can access it. WooCommerce uses user roles and capabilities to manage this. They define what each person can do on your site.

It is important to remember that users should only have permissions they are required to carry out their duties. Learn more about user roles and permissions.

2. Security Scanning

You should also scan your website for malware and viruses, just as you would scan your computer at home. How would you know if someone has logged in without your permission?

Hackers won’t often change or deface websites. Instead, they will steal customer data and inject malware that may not be obvious. Jetpack Security Scanning Reviews your website for suspicious code or activity and sends an email to you if there’s a problem. You don’t have to worry about finding the solution. They provide automated solutions for most security threats.

3. Keep an eye on site activity

You should regularly check your website to see what is happening and who is doing it. Jetpack’s Activity Log lets you quickly look at any changes to your site and spot any anomalies.

You can view the date and time that someone logged in, modified a page, or removed a plug-in, as well as other details. You can see the date and time that someone logs into your account and makes an unauthorized change. This will let you know instantly and allow you to react, regardless of whether they are a hacker or one of your team members. Jetpack real-time backups are available. You can also restore backups from the time an action occurred.

Advanced practices

1. Install a firewall

Even if your host has a firewall, adding one to your website adds a layer of security. This prevents common threats from reaching your store. A plugin is the most common way to set up a firewall. However, you can modify things if necessary or have more advanced knowledge. The most trusted WordPress firewalls include Sucuri and Wordfence. All-In-One WP Security & Firewall and iThemes Security.

2. Enable secure authentication

Secure authentication adds an extra layer of protection to login security by sending a unique code every time you log into your account. Even if someone knows your password, they must physically have access to your phone to be able to access your website. Jetpack’s Secure authentication tool can help you do this.

Register your online store

Online store security is essential. Customers trust you with their personal information.

This is not a comprehensive list of ways to protect your website, but it is a good place to start. You’ll be able to make your website safer by taking the time to read through each step (most take only a few minutes).