Online shopping is a fast and convenient way for consumers to get almost everything they might want or need shipped right to their door in just a few clicks. It's big business, but it is not without some risks. If you manage a company that provides goods or services online, there are a few things you can do to reassure your customers that their data and finances are as safe as they can be.
Enable Security Certificates
Many consumers are fearful of online shopping due to the risk of either identity or financial theft. Specialized security certificates can encrypt any information that a customer sends right from the moment they put it in the system. Showing that you have SSL encryption might convert potential clients into dedicated buyers. Some browsers include visual cues to let shoppers know about the security certification.
Use Multiple Layers of Authentication
Your clients need to know that their information is always safe with you. Even if a customer forgets their personal data, they want to make sure that you can keep it locked until they need to retrieve it. You can give consumers the peace of mind they want by offering a few layers that can authenticate their credentials. For lost passwords, you could require security questions prior to a reset. It doesn't have to be difficult to deal with thousands of customers at once. You can use identity resolution software to take care of critical processes such as managing data for specific customers or detecting instances of fraud when authentication fails.
Follow Compliance Regulations
Accepting credit or debit cards is one of the major ways an online site can process payments for goods and services. It tends to be fast and convenient, but it comes with certain responsibilities from your side. Your business needs to pass PCI compliance tests before you can offer customers this kind of payment option. Passing the tests means your company has complied with all related regulations and done everything possible to ensure a secure transaction. Some third-party vendors can handle the verification process of cards for you.
Don't Redirect
This isn't a hard rule, and redirecting your customers to an outside site might be necessary. However, you should try to avoid doing this as much as possible. A redirect comes with a warning that the buyer is leaving your site and proceeding to a different one. At this point, you run the risk of losing business if the consumer doesn't trust the secondary site. Keep all of your business on your own site as much as you can.
The internet is crawling with scammers that can find loopholes to exploit in site security. Once they get inside, they may have access to sensitive data that puts the privacy of your client base at risk and leaves you at least partially responsible for the breach. Some of the tips above can help you build a reputation as a trusted source for online sales. Don't forget that offering as many payment options as possible can increase site traffic. Some customers prefer to avoid paying with credit or debit cards.
Guest post courtesy of Anica Oaks