If you’re using Squarespace, you know it’s easy to use with a variety of customizable website templates for e-Commerce businesses to create beautiful digital storefronts. Yet, this convenience can obscure important security weaknesses. Squarespace ecommerce stores are an attractive target for cybercriminals who exploit outdated plugins, insert malicious code, and find other ways to breach security.
Since Squarespace powers millions of websites globally, we wanted to address the top five tips for helping to secure your online business. According to Governing, “There were more data breaches and other compromises of personal information and consumer data in 2023 in the U.S. than ever before.”
Example: Technology Turns Against You
An example small business, “EcoGoods,” relies on Squarespace to manage its online presence. One day, an innocent-looking email appears in the owner’s inbox. With a single click, chaos ensues. The compromise includes customer data, payment information, and sensitive business details. Hackers act quickly and exploit the breach, leaving EcoGoods scrambling to limit the damage and notify affected customers. Sadly, a recent Security Magazine article quotes, “More than 60% of retail sector consumers expressed that they would likely avoid shopping at a recently-breached retailer.”
Although the above scenario is fabricated as an example, this scenario isn’t hypothetical; it’s a reality for many e-commerce businesses that neglect their day to day cybersecurity efforts. As an example, two recent breaches inlcude eBay and WannaCry. The eBay breach involved 145 million user accounts compromised due to a phishing attack. WannaCry experienced a ransomware attack impacting their systems globally. Hackers took advantage of software vulnerabilities that had not been patched.
Other ways that cyber criminals attack eCommerce is by email bombing and other types of attacks that harm sites’ reputation and SEO. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks is one type of cyberattack strategy. Another is when hackers flood the website with spam emails. These types of attacks overload servers and disrupt normal operations. Customers become frustrated and will leave the site without completing purchases, but DDoS attacks also lead to search engines penalizing the website, harming its search rankings and visibility. The result is lost revenue and a tarnished brand image.
Squarespace Built-in Security Features
Squarespace offers a few security features.
Pros:Automatic SSL certificates and compliance with PCI standards are significant advantages.
Squarespace provides SSL certificates for all websites and meets PCI DSS standards for secure payment processing.
The Squarespace platform also includes regular security updates and monitoring to protect against threats.
Cons:
Squarespace’s security features are not as customizable like those of open-source solutions, which might limit advanced users looking for more security control.
Caveat: Website owners are required to learn about and set up their limited security features properly. Just because a feature is available doesn’t mean it’s turned on or set up by default.'
These are the five tips you should know and immediately set up to maximize your Squarespace website security:
Enable SSL and Use HTTPS: Make sure your website has SSL (Secure Socket Layer) enabled. This setting will encrypt data transferred between your website and its visitors in order to protect sensitive information such as card details. Go to the “Settings” tab, then “Security & SSL” and ensure that SSL is set to “Secure.”
Regularly Update Passwords and Use Strong Authentication: Use strong and unique 16 character passwords for your Squarespace account and any associated email accounts. Make sure to implement two-factor authentication (2FA) for an added layer of security. Sometimes you get the option to pass (2FA) upon setup but it’s a better outcome to get the (2FA) set up from the start. To do this on Squarespace navigate to “Settings,” then “Account & Security,” and enable 2FA.
Keep Software and Plugins Updated: Ensure that all software and plugins used on your Squarespace site, including all third-party plugins or integrations, are up to date with the latest security patches. Taking time to update is something that should be done regularly. Squarespace handles most updates automatically, but regularly check your connected services for any updates or security notices.
Use Secure Payment Gateways: Only use reputable and secure payment gateways that comply with PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) to handle transactions. Make sure to check this before signing up for a particular payment gateway. Integrate only with trusted payment processors like Stripe or PayPal, which are available through your Squarespace’s commerce settings.
Monitor for Suspicious Activity and Perform Regular Backups: Frequent monitoring of your website for any unusual activity or potential security breaches will help keep ahead of attacks. For example, if you have unusual spikes in website visitors all from one country, or state, it’s a good idea to update passwords immediately. Also, regularly backups of your site’s data so you can restore it in case of a cyber incident. Use Squarespace’s built-in analytics to monitor traffic and activity. Although Squarespace automatically backs up your site data, consider exporting your product and order data regularly as an extra precaution.
Securing your Squarespace website can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not well-versed in technology or busy trying to run other aspects of your business. However, the effort to safeguard your site is minimal compared to the potential consequences of a breach.
Cyber Pop-up is available to help with any, or all, of your cybersecurity e-commerce concerns. Our affordable plans provide protection and a safety net to keep your business secure.
Cyber Pop-up starts with a consultation with a cybersecurity expert who will diagnose your site’s vulnerabilities. You’ll be presented with a customized security plan tailored to meet the needs of your business. We also provide you with access to user tools and ongoing monthly guidance so you can take proactive steps to safeguard your business promptly.
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