In today's digital landscape, e-commerce businesses face a growing number of security threats that can disrupt operations, compromise sensitive data, and damage customer trust. BigCommerce, as one of the leading e-commerce platforms, provides a robust foundation for online stores, but store owners must also take active steps to safeguard their operations. In this article, we’ll explore the top threats to BigCommerce store security and the best practices to protect your store against them.

Working with a trusted BigCommerce development company can further enhance your store’s security measures. These experts can implement advanced security protocols, ensure proper configuration, and continuously monitor your site for vulnerabilities. By partnering with a BigCommerce development company, you can ensure that your online store is well-protected from threats, providing a safe and seamless shopping experience for your customers.

Top Threats to BigCommerce Stores

1. Phishing Attacks Phishing attacks involve tricking users into sharing sensitive information, such as login credentials or payment details, by impersonating a trusted entity. Attackers may send fraudulent emails, create fake login pages, or use social engineering techniques to compromise store owners or customers.
2. Brute Force Attacks Brute force attacks occur when hackers use automated tools to guess login credentials by trying multiple username-password combinations. This type of attack can compromise store administrator accounts or customer profiles, leading to unauthorized access.
3. DDoS Attacks (Distributed Denial of Service) A DDoS attack aims to overwhelm your website with traffic, making it unavailable to legitimate users. This can disrupt business operations, lead to lost sales, and damage your brand reputation.
4. SQL Injection SQL injection occurs when malicious code is inserted into a website’s input fields (like login forms or search bars) to gain unauthorized access to the database. Attackers may steal customer data, modify information, or destroy important records.
5. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Cross-site scripting involves injecting malicious scripts into a website’s code, which is then executed in the user’s browser. This can lead to the theft of session cookies, customer information, or other sensitive data.
6. Weak Passwords Weak or reused passwords are a significant vulnerability, allowing attackers to easily gain access to your store’s backend or customer accounts. A compromised admin account can result in full control over your store.
7. Unpatched Software Running outdated software with known vulnerabilities is one of the most common ways hackers gain access to e-commerce stores. Not updating your platform or plugins leaves your site open to exploitation.
8. Malware and Ransomware Malware is malicious software designed to infiltrate, damage, or disable computer systems. Ransomware, a specific type of malware, encrypts your data and demands payment to release it. In both cases, attackers can compromise your store’s security and operations.

Best Practices for Securing Your BigCommerce Store

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your BigCommerce store is to use strong, unique passwords for your admin and customer accounts. Avoid using common words or phrases and incorporate a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to verify their identity through a second method (like a mobile device) in addition to their password. BigCommerce supports 2FA for administrators, ensuring that even if passwords are compromised, attackers cannot gain access.

2. Use a Secure, Updated Hosting Environment

BigCommerce operates on a cloud-based infrastructure, which means the platform is responsible for much of the server security. However, it’s essential to stay informed about the security measures your hosting provider employs and ensure they’re up to date with the latest protocols.

• PCI DSS Compliance: BigCommerce is Level 1 PCI DSS compliant, which means it adheres to strict security standards for handling credit card data. This reduces the risk of data breaches and ensures the safe transmission of payment information.

3. Regularly Update Apps and Integrations

BigCommerce’s app marketplace provides various plugins and integrations to extend your store’s functionality. However, it’s crucial to regularly update these apps to prevent vulnerabilities from being exploited by hackers.

• Check for Updates: Periodically check for updates to apps and third-party tools you use on your BigCommerce store, as developers frequently release patches to fix security issues.
• Remove Unused Apps: Unused or outdated apps can create unnecessary security risks. Remove any integrations you no longer use to minimize your store’s attack surface.

4. Implement Web Application Firewalls (WAF)

A web application firewall (WAF) acts as a protective barrier between your website and the internet, filtering and monitoring HTTP traffic to block malicious activity. BigCommerce stores benefit from having a WAF in place to mitigate threats like SQL injection, XSS, and brute force attacks.

• BigCommerce’s Built-In WAF: BigCommerce offers a built-in WAF as part of its platform, providing an additional layer of security to prevent malicious requests from reaching your store.

5. Monitor Your Store for Suspicious Activity

Proactively monitoring your store can help detect potential security breaches before they cause significant damage.

• Audit Logs: Keep track of user activity in your store’s admin panel by reviewing audit logs. This can help you identify unusual behavior, such as multiple failed login attempts or unauthorized changes to product listings.
• Automated Security Scans: Utilize security scanning tools to regularly check your website for vulnerabilities or malware.

6. Implement SSL Certificates

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates encrypt the data exchanged between your customers and your store, preventing hackers from intercepting sensitive information such as credit card numbers and login credentials.

• BigCommerce SSL: BigCommerce provides SSL certificates as part of its service, ensuring that all transactions and customer data are encrypted.

7. Regularly Back Up Your Store’s Data

While BigCommerce takes care of much of the infrastructure management, it’s essential to regularly back up your store’s data. In the event of a breach or system failure, having a recent backup can help you quickly restore your store and minimize downtime.

• Automated Backups: Use automated backup tools to regularly save copies of your product data, order history, and customer information.

8. Educate Employees on Security Best Practices

Human error is one of the leading causes of data breaches, so educating your employees on security best practices is essential. Implementing basic security protocols can go a long way in preventing attacks.

• Phishing Awareness: Train employees to recognize phishing emails and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown attachments.
• Secure Access: Limit access to your store’s admin panel to trusted employees and require secure login practices.

Conclusion

As cyber threats evolve, BigCommerce store owners need to stay vigilant and adopt proactive security measures. By implementing strong password policies, regularly updating software, using firewalls, and staying educated about potential threats, you can safeguard your store from malicious attacks and protect your customers' sensitive data. BigCommerce’s built-in security features, combined with your proactive efforts, will help ensure a secure and seamless shopping experience for your customers.

To further enhance your store's security, it's beneficial to hire BigCommerce developers who specialize in creating secure e-commerce environments. These experts can implement advanced security strategies, monitor for vulnerabilities, and ensure that your store remains protected from evolving threats. By hiring professional BigCommerce developers, you can focus on growing your business while they handle the technical aspects of security.