Here's something you already know: Keeping your store secure is an essential part of running your online business. If you don't keep customer data safe during and after the purchase transaction, they'll be much less likely to do business with you.
But technology, especially security technology, is constantly changing, which can make it difficult for entrepreneurs to choose.
Fortunately, you don't have to be an expert to protect your site and your customers, if you use WooCommerce. There are simple steps that any developer should be able to apply.
Although securing your site is a multi-step process, it's not as overwhelming as that.
1 - Using secure hosting is the first step
As mentioned above, there are people out there whose job it is to know the ins and outs of security. And many of them work in companiesaccommodation. That's why an easy way to protect your site is to choose a host that makes security a priority.
When choosing a web host, look for those that offer:
- Daily backups: These help you get back online fast in the event of an attack.
- Automatic updates: These security holes are quickly filled as soon as they are discovered, keeping your data safe.
- Catering services: In the same sense as backups, these help you get back online when something goes wrong.
2 - Prevent Brute Force attacks
This is one of the most popular methods to break website security, brute force attacks refer to a simple but effective method that allows you to simply guess combinations of passwords or security keys up until we arrive at the right set of characters.
Fortunately, as the method is relatively simple, there are relatively simple ways you can avoid them.
Limit connection attempts: brute force only works if the bad guys (or really their computers) can try to log you in millions and millions of times. Fortunately, there are many WP plugins that limit this attack. For your website WooCommerce, we like: Limit WP Login Attemps et Login Lockdown
Use a password manager: password managers like LastPass help create incredibly difficult passwords for you, and then automatically allow you to enter them when you're on the site provided you know the word "password". main pass. This is a great way to make passwords that even sophisticated attacks will struggle to find.
Use 2-Factor Authentication: 2-Factor Authentication is another smart way to keep your site safe. With 2-factor authentication, even if bad guys have guessed your username and password, they're still going to have to fill in another password sent to another device (usually contained on an SMS sent to your SmartPhone) which constitutes another layer of security. We are personally fans of miniOrange's 2-factor plugin ».
3 - Obtain an SSL certificate
This is essential: if you accept credit cards, you need an SSL certificate. They encrypt your most sensitive data that your customers can send to your website.
Fortunately, you can install a free SSL certificate with Let Encrypt.
4 - always make backups
That's right, we just told you to pick a host that provides daily backups, and that's fine. But at the end of the day, you have no guarantee that your host will perform the backup for you. Only you can guarantee that you will make your backups yourself.
That's why you need it's a task you'll have to do anyway!
There are lots of WordPress backup plugins that provide this invaluable service (really, do not skimp on that!).
5 - Let your customers know they are safe
While it's one thing to protect your customers (and your business), it is quite another thing to let them know that protect their backs.
Why would you want to do this? Because customers who feel secure are more likely to buy and recommend your site to their friends, which helps your business grow.
So, we like to introduce our security with the plugin McAfee SECURE. It allows the visiteurs to know that your site passes an external security analysis and makes them feel safe.
Conclusion
Most of these steps are as easy as installing WooCommerce. They don't require a ton of technical knowledge, and it's better to spend an hour of time doing it, if that can increase your sales don't you think?
That's all for this list, if you have suggestions, you can share them with us.
