What's the best way to encrypt your e-commerce site?

1 What is encryption?

Encryption is the process of transforming data into a secret code that only authorized parties can read. It uses mathematical algorithms and keys to scramble and unscramble the data. Encryption helps you protect your site from unauthorized access, interception, modification, or theft of sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, passwords, or personal details.

2 Why do you need encryption?

Encryption is essential for e-commerce security for several reasons. First, it helps you comply with the legal and ethical standards of data protection and privacy, such as the GDPR or the PCI DSS. Second, it helps you prevent data breaches and cyberattacks that could damage your reputation, customer loyalty, and revenue. Third, it helps you increase your conversion rates and sales by showing your customers that you care about their security and trust.

3 How to encrypt your e-commerce site?

There are two main types of encryption you need to implement on your e-commerce site: encryption in transit and encryption at rest. Encryption in transit means encrypting the data that travels between your site and your customers' browsers or devices. Encryption at rest means encrypting the data that is stored on your site's servers or databases.

4 Encryption in transit

The best way to encrypt your e-commerce site in transit is to use HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure). HTTPS is a protocol that adds a layer of encryption to the regular HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) that powers the web. HTTPS uses SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security) certificates to establish a secure connection between your site and your customers' browsers or devices. HTTPS encrypts the data that is exchanged between your site and your customers, making it unreadable for anyone who tries to intercept it.

5 Encryption at rest

The best way to encrypt your e-commerce site at rest is to use encryption software or tools that are compatible with your site's platform, hosting, or database. Encryption software or tools can encrypt the data that is stored on your site's servers or databases, making it inaccessible for anyone who tries to access it without the proper keys. Encryption software or tools can be either built-in or third-party, depending on your site's needs and preferences.

6 How to get started with encryption?

If you want to get started with encryption on your e-commerce site, you need to do some research and planning. You need to choose the right encryption software or tools for your site, obtain and install the SSL or TLS certificates for HTTPS, and configure and test your site's encryption settings. You also need to monitor and update your site's encryption regularly, and follow the best practices of e-commerce security.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?