When you protect your BigCommerce website from cybersecurity threats, you’re safeguarding not just your business but your customers’ trust and data. E-commerce security has never been more critical, with cyber-attacks on online stores increasing by 38% in 2024 alone.
BigCommerce powers over 60,000 online stores worldwide, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals. The good news? With the right security measures, you can fortify your digital storefront against even the most sophisticated threats.
Why BigCommerce Security Matters More Than Ever
Cyber-attacks cost businesses an average of $4.45 million per data breach in 2024. For small to medium-sized BigCommerce stores, a single security incident can be devastating. Beyond financial losses, you risk damaging customer relationships and facing regulatory penalties.
BigCommerce handles sensitive customer data including payment information, personal details, and purchase histories. This makes your store a prime target for hackers seeking valuable information to sell on the dark web.
The stakes are particularly high during peak shopping seasons. Cybercriminals often time their attacks during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and holiday periods when transaction volumes spike and security teams are stretched thin.
Top 10 Cybersecurity Best Practices for BigCommerce Stores
1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security beyond passwords. When enabled, you’ll need both your password and a verification code from your phone to access your admin panel.
Studies show that 2FA blocks 99.9% of automated attacks. BigCommerce makes enabling 2FA straightforward through your account settings. Don’t skip this crucial step – it’s your first line of defense against unauthorized access.
2. Keep Your Platform and Apps Updated
BigCommerce regularly releases security patches and updates. Staying current with these updates is essential for protecting against newly discovered vulnerabilities.
Set up automatic updates when possible, or establish a monthly review process. Third-party apps and integrations should also be updated regularly, as outdated plugins are common entry points for attackers.
3. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Weak passwords remain the leading cause of data breaches. Create complex passwords with at least 12 characters, combining uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
Never reuse passwords across multiple accounts. Consider using a password manager to generate and store unique passwords for all your business accounts. Change default passwords immediately on any new integrations or services.
4. Implement SSL Certificates
SSL certificates encrypt data transmitted between your website and customers’ browsers. BigCommerce provides SSL certificates by default, but verify that your certificate is active and properly configured.
Check for mixed content warnings and ensure all page’s load with HTTPS. Customers increasingly look for the padlock icon before entering payment information, and search engines favor secure sites in rankings.
5. Monitor User Access and Permissions
Regularly audit who has access to your BigCommerce admin panel. Remove access for former employees immediately and limit permissions based on job roles.
Create separate accounts for different team members rather than sharing credentials. Use the principle of least privilege – give users only the minimum access needed to perform their duties.
6. Back Up Your Data Regularly
Regular backups ensure you can recover quickly from security incidents or technical failures. BigCommerce automatically backs up your data, but consider additional backup solutions for extra protection.
Test your backup restoration process regularly to ensure backups are working properly. Store backups in multiple locations, including cloud storage services separate from your main hosting environment.
7. Secure Your Payment Processing
Choose PCI-compliant payment processors and avoid storing sensitive payment information on your servers. BigCommerce offers built-in payment security features, but additional verification steps can enhance protection.
Monitor transactions for unusual patterns that might indicate fraud. Implement velocity checks to flag multiple rapid transactions from the same source.
8. Install Security Monitoring Tools
Security monitoring tools can detect suspicious activity before it becomes a major threat. Look for solutions that offer real-time alerts for login attempts, file changes, and unusual traffic patterns.
Many security apps integrate directly with BigCommerce, providing dashboards to track potential threats. Consider tools that offer malware scanning, firewall protection, and vulnerability assessments.
9. Educate Your Team
Human error accounts for 95% of successful cyber-attacks. Train your team to recognize phishing emails, suspicious links, and social engineering attempts.
Establish clear protocols for handling security incidents and reporting suspicious activity. Regular security training sessions help keep cybersecurity top-of-mind for all team members.
10. Conduct Regular Security Audits
Schedule quarterly security audits to identify vulnerabilities before attackers do. Review user accounts, check for outdated software, and assess your overall security posture.
Consider hiring external security professionals for penetration testing. Fresh eyes can spot weaknesses that internal teams might miss, providing valuable insights for improving your defenses.
The Hidden Drawbacks of Cybersecurity Protection
While protecting your BigCommerce website from cybersecurity threats is essential, the process isn’t without challenges. Implementing comprehensive security measures can impact your store’s performance and user experience.
Security plugins and monitoring tools may slow down your website’s loading speed. Every additional security check adds processing time, potentially affecting your search engine rankings and customer satisfaction. Studies show that a one-second delay in page load time can reduce conversions by 7%.
Strong security measures sometimes create friction for legitimate users. Complex password requirements may frustrate customers during account creation. Multi-factor authentication, while crucial for admin accounts, can slow down your team’s workflow during busy periods.
Budget constraints present another challenge. Quality security tools and services require ongoing investment. Small businesses often struggle to balance security costs with other operational expenses, sometimes leading to compromised protection levels.
Over-reliance on automated security tools can create a false sense of security. No system is foolproof, and determined attackers often find ways around standard protections. Regular human oversight remains essential but requires dedicated time and expertise.
Common BigCommerce Security Threats to Watch
Malicious software can infect your BigCommerce store through compromised themes, plugins, or file uploads. Malware can steal customer data, redirect traffic to malicious sites, or completely take over your store.
Malware Attacks
Malicious software can infect your BigCommerce store through compromised themes, plugins, or file uploads. Malware can steal customer data, redirect traffic to malicious sites, or completely take over your store.
Signs of malware include unexpected redirects, slow loading speeds, and unfamiliar code in your files. Regular malware scans help detect infections early, minimizing damage to your business and customers.
DDoS Attacks
Distributed Denial of Service attacks overwhelm your website with traffic, causing it to crash or become unavailable. These attacks are often used as smokescreens for other malicious activities.
BigCommerce’s infrastructure includes DDoS protection, but additional monitoring can help you identify and respond to attacks quickly. Consider content delivery networks (CDNs) for extra protection against traffic-based attacks.
Data Breaches
Data breaches expose customer information including names, addresses, payment details, and purchase histories. The average cost of a data breach in the retail sector is $3.28 million, not including long-term reputation damage.
Implement data encryption, limit data collection to essentials, and establish incident response procedures. Quick response to potential breaches can minimize damage and demonstrate responsibility to customers and regulators.
Phishing Scams
Attackers may impersonate your store to steal customer credentials or payment information. These scams often use fake emails or websites that closely resemble your legitimate store.
Monitor for unauthorized use of your brand and domain. Educate customers about official communication channels and encourage them to report suspicious messages claiming to be from your store.
Building a Security-First Culture
Creating a security-conscious culture extends beyond technical measures. Start by making cybersecurity everyone’s responsibility, not just your IT team’s concern.
Establish clear security policies covering password management, data handling, and incident reporting. Regular team meetings can reinforce security best practices and address emerging threats.
Consider appointing a security champion within your organization – someone who stays current with threats and helps implement security measures across all departments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I update my BigCommerce security settings?
Review your security settings monthly and update them immediately when BigCommerce releases security patches. Major security audits should occur quarterly, with vulnerability assessments at least twice yearly.
What’s the biggest security mistake BigCommerce store owners make?
The most common mistake is using weak passwords or sharing login credentials among team members. This simple oversight can lead to unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
Do I need additional security tools beyond
Big Commerce’s built-in features?
While BigCommerce provides solid baseline security, additional tools like malware scanners, security monitoring, and advanced backup solutions offer enhanced protection. The investment is typically worthwhile for businesses handling significant transaction volumes.
How can I tell if my BigCommerce store has been compromised?
Warning signs include unexpected changes to your website, slow loading speeds, unfamiliar admin users, unusual traffic patterns, or customer complaints about suspicious activity. Regular monitoring helps detect issues early.
What should I do immediately after discovering a security breach?
First, change all passwords and revoke access for potentially compromised accounts. Document the incident, notify relevant authorities if required, and communicate transparently with affected customers. Consider engaging cybersecurity professionals for forensic analysis and cleanup.
Is cybersecurity insurance worth it for BigCommerce stores?
Cybersecurity insurance can provide valuable protection against financial losses from data breaches, system downtime, and legal costs. Evaluate your risk exposure and consider insurance as part of your comprehensive security strategy.
Stay Ahead of Evolving Threats
Cybersecurity isn’t a one-time setup – it’s an ongoing commitment that evolves with emerging threats and changing technology. The investment you make in protecting your BigCommerce website today will pay dividends in customer trust, business continuity, and peace of mind.
Ready to strengthen your store’s defenses? Start by implementing two-factor authentication and conducting a security audit of your current setup. Your customers – and your bottom line – will thank you for taking cybersecurity seriously.
Explore our comprehensive cybersecurity resources and tools to take your BigCommerce protection to the next level. Don’t wait for an attack to realize the importance of robust security measures.
