5 Security Requirements For eCommerce Processes
eCommerce has been thriving in the recent past. More people are now prioritizing online business. Despite the industry’s vast potential and opportunities, its utilization has largely been underwhelming. According to research done, the principal reason for this under-utilization has been security. Individuals transacting online care a lot about the security of their data; a lapse or distrust has in the past costed online enterprises. Time has come when data security ought to be held with deserved seriousness for eCommerce processes.
All security requirements for eCommerce processes must be met. Security revolves around information, function, dynamism, and the organization. The nature of the business may be a recipe for slight variations but all in all, ensuring your business is always on the positive side of the customer or the market is a big plus.
Long story short; what are these eCommerce processes? And why is it important to secure each phase of the transaction?
The eCommerce process can be summarized into the following four phases. Like I said earlier, the nature of the business may lead to slight variations.
The information phase: At a client’s first encounter, do they believe their information is secure? Does your brand on social media and website scream -professionalism? Do your products and services look or sound legit? It’s all about perception; your target audience should be able to catch a good vibe from all the information that is shared online about your brand. Your brand will then deliver the message of authenticity and how much you value security.
The contracting phase: The contracting/negotiation phase is where you legally agree to do transactions within the legal framework. This phase can be varied for businesses depending on the type of goods you offer, your market, and the economic status of your targeted market.
Payment & Delivery: Payment and delivery may also vary depending on the type of business and organizational policy. For some businesses, you pay first before the product is delivered while for some, the product is delivered and the customer or client completes payment upon scrutiny and confirmation. After this stage, another transaction can be initiated, largely in the same order.
What, then, are the security requirements for these processes? How will a business ensure confidentiality, integrity, availability, and accountability during the entire process and the parties involved? Here are 5 security requirements for eCommerce processes you should know.
Digital signatures
A digital signature is a very important security requirement for eCommerce. Your clients or customers need to trust you and know that you are engaging in genuine business. Having a digital signature is one way you can gain that trust. A digital signature is provided by a revenue collection authority or a tax regulatory body in your area of operation. Having it on your receipts or invoices is like a seal of approval for legitimate transactions. Most businesses and organizations will be looking for this whenever you do business with them. It shows you have nothing to hide.
Legitimate Banks and Credit card companies
Having a bank or a legitimate credit card company is also an important requirement for your business. People tend to attach some trust on these financial institutions. Partnering with them will mean you collectively have that too. In case of a dispute, for example, clients have to be confident that all transactions can be traced, even if you are reluctant to do the same.
Secure site
A secure site is a key component in eCommerce processes. Customers have to be confident that their addresses, credit card information and personal details will be used in the right way and that they are not vulnerable to exposure to malicious third parties. Indeed, search engines have also made it a case that secure sites receive preferential treatment in search rankings. Having a secure site, therefore, will not only guarantee a good reputation for your brand but also ensure all your products receive the maximum exposure online. Get site security solutions here.
Secure back-up server room
Running an eCommerce business is a delicate affair. Any hacking attempt or malicious attack will take your site offline for an unknown amount of time. There are also risks of your site data being wiped out. Having a secure backup option will ensure you restore parity within the shortest time possible. In this way, you will keep your customers’ trust and avoid the losses that come with being offline for prolonged periods. Contact support@sasahost.co.ke for a quote.
Secure checkout
After clients have added goods to the cart and its time to complete the purchase, security is usually paramount. If they are using their credit cards or any other mode of payment, feeling insecure or that some of their data is at risk will lead to cart abandonment. Always work to ensure the entire process, from browsing or searching goods to checkout, is easy and secure.
Security aspects may change during the entire eCommerce process. All in all, ensuring all aspects are well-secured is a sure way to gaining trust and elevating your online brand. For a successful online business, utmost security is a no brainer.
