{"id":26304,"date":"2023-08-22T12:34:31","date_gmt":"2023-08-22T07:04:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.instamojo.com\/blog\/?p=26304"},"modified":"2023-08-25T12:02:53","modified_gmt":"2023-08-25T06:32:53","slug":"strengthening-ecommerce-site-security-https-for-data-protection-trust","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.instamojo.com\/blog\/strengthening-ecommerce-site-security-https-for-data-protection-trust\/","title":{"rendered":"Strengthening eCommerce site security: HTTPS for data protection & trust"},"content":{"rendered":"

Elevating eCommerce site security via HTTPS not only safeguards data but also nurtures customer trust in online transactions.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Hyper-Text Transfer Protocol (HTTPS) has been the standard security protocol since 2014, when Google first endorsed its use as a ranking factor. Since then, it has been a significant requirement for eCommerce websites, in particular, to build trust when handling payments, with non-HTTPS websites being flagged with a red icon, marking them as insecure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Data also shows that eCommerce stores not secured by HTTPS encounter higher bounce rates, with<\/span> over 80% of customers<\/span> choosing not to complete a transaction if it has been flagged as insecure. This shows that HTTPS is essential when it comes to building customer trust.<\/span><\/p>\n

This article will give further insight into HTTPS <\/span>security on eCommerce websites<\/span><\/a>, its importance, and how integrating HTTPS can reduce data theft and boost customer confidence.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is HTTPS?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"what<\/p>\n

HTTPS (Hyper-Text Transfer Protocol Secure) is a secured version of HTTP, an application layer protocol that enables the transfer of data between a website and a user\u2019s web browser \u2013 the foundation of the internet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The major question arises here now is: How SSL helps an eCommerce system to be secure? Let\u2019s understand this!<\/span><\/p>\n

HTTPS is secured by Transport Layer Security (TSL), previously known as SSL, and this protocol encrypts data to protect information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal information.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Related read: <\/span>Top eCommerce frauds in 2023 and how to prevent them<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Why Is HTTPS security important for eCommerce stores?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Why<\/p>\n

HTTPS is significant for all websites, but for eCommerce, HTTPS can be the fine line between success and failure. Below are the three key reasons <\/span>online stores<\/span><\/a> must integrate HTTPS security into their sites.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Boosts customer trust<\/strong><\/h3>\n

HTTPS is a key ranking factor for Google, and considering Google Chrome is the most widely used web browser, it is a key feature for any <\/span>eCommerce website<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Without HTTPS, a website will be flagged as \u201cNot Secure\u201d with a red icon, warning users to exit the website and find a more secure alternative.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This has led to a huge increase in bounce rate for eCommerce stores not secured by HTTPS. As a result, affected websites have seen a significant drop in sales and conversions due to a lack of trust. Google made HTTPS a key<\/span><\/p>\n

Related read: <\/span>Abandoned carts: A guide on how to recover lost sales<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

When starting your own eCommerce store, make sure you incorporate this security element in your website from scratch.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Related read: <\/span>25 tips to increase your sales from Instagram\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

How to implement security in eCommerce?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n

If you plan on website builder to create your store<\/a><\/span> to create your store, choose a platform that offers HTTPS integration and supports the implementation of other security measures to ensure your site remains in compliance with local privacy laws as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Of course, having HTTPS is no guarantee for success, and it will not increase sales, but it is a key component when <\/span>building trust <\/span><\/a>and boosting your brand. Furthermore, HTTPS plays a big part in search engine rankings.<\/span><\/p>\n

Related read: <\/span>What destroys the trust of customers online (and builds it + a free report)<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Can improve Google rankings and search engine visibility<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Google made HTTPS a key ranking factor in 2014, as the search engine aimed to give more visibility to secure and trustworthy websites. This saw Google update its algorithms to <\/span>increase the search visibility<\/span> of HTTPS websites, with even more weight given to HTTPS in a further 2015 update.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Related read: <\/span>22 updates that impacted eCommerce<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

In 2015, if two websites that were equal in quality were targeting the same keyword, and one was HTTPS and the other wasn\u2019t, the HTTPS website would achieve a higher position in the SERPS. Essentially, HTTPS gave websites a competitive edge.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Related read: <\/span>3 keyword strategies to improve your online store SEO<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Even in 2023, Google is still trying to encourage websites to improve security, with unsecured websites viewed harshly by the latest algorithms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Protects customer data<\/strong><\/h3>\n

HTTPS encrypts data transferred from a website to the web browser and vice versa, creating a secure web browsing experience. This is crucial in terms of <\/span>making payments online<\/a><\/span>, protecting the user\u2019s personal information and payment details such as credit or debit card numbers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Without this protection, cybercriminals can use a range of software and techniques to view and obtain this information, so it can be used for fraudulent activity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If this happens, an eCommerce store can lose its customers\u2019 trust, damaging its brand\u2019s reputation to the extent that it becomes irreparable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One tactic cybercriminals use is to set up spoof websites, duplicating the content of a legitimate website to encourage users to make a transaction.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With HTTPS security, bogus websites will be flagged as \u201cnot secure\u201d in the address bar, whereas secured websites will have a small padlock icon, making it <\/span>possible to identify<\/span><\/a> safe websites.<\/span><\/p>\n

eCommerce security best practices<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Here are some eCommerce security best practices:<\/span><\/p>\n