(A Guide to E-Skimming/Digital Skimming in eCommerce) Ecommerce is quickly becoming the preferred purchasing method for many consumers, with recently published data revealing over 55% of US customers would rather shop online than in traditional brick-and-mortar stores. This continued growth of the ecommerce industry has led to some experts predicting almost 25% of all retail sales will take place online by 2026.
While many factors have contributed to this increased confidence in online shopping among consumers, improvements made to website security practices have surely played some role. However, with global cyber-attacks increasing by a staggering 125% in 2021 alone, online retailers and ecommerce consumers may not be quite as safe as they previously believed.
Provided ecommerce businesses adhere to strict cybersecurity practices and commit to regular site maintenance routines, many common cyber-attacks can be mitigated, but some hacking attempts are harder to defend against than others.(E-Skimming/Digital Skimming in eCommerce) E-skimming can be a particularly difficult form of cyber crime to identify and address, that is without the advice covered below.
A Guide to E-Skimming/Digital Skimming in eCommerce
Contents
What is e-skimming?
E-skimming is when bad actors steal your credit card or personal information while you’re making online purchases. These thieves secretly place malicious software on websites or payment pages. When you enter your details, like your credit card number, the software captures and sends that information to the hackers.(E-Skimming/Digital Skimming in eCommerce) It’s like someone sneaking into an online store and taking a peek at your payment details without you knowing. To stay safe, it’s important to use secure websites and regularly check your bank statements for any unusual transactions.
Common digital skimming tactics
Digital skimming, also known as e-skimming, involves sneaky tactics by cybercriminals to steal your personal information online. One common method is when they inject malicious code into websites or payment pages. (E-Skimming/Digital Skimming in eCommerce) This code secretly collects the details you enter, like credit card numbers, and sends them to the hackers. Another tactic is using fake forms that look real but are designed to capture your sensitive information. It’s like a hidden trick to snatch your data while you think you’re making a safe online transaction. To protect yourself, it’s essential to be cautious about the websites you use, make sure they’re secure, and keep an eye on your accounts for any suspicious activities.
Common warning signs associated with e-skimming attacks include:(E-Skimming/Digital Skimming in eCommerce)
- Complaints regarding fraudulent activity from customers
- Noticing a new domain not registered to the targeted site
- Identifying unverified changes to a site’s JavaScript code
How to prevent e-skimming attacks
To stop e-skimming attacks and keep your information safe online, there are a few simple steps you can take. First, make sure to only use trusted and secure websites when making purchases. Look for “https://” in the website address, as it indicates a secure connection.(E-Skimming/Digital Skimming in eCommerce) Additionally, keep your devices and antivirus software up to date to defend against potential threats. Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unfamiliar transactions, and report them immediately if you spot anything suspicious. Be cautious about entering personal information on unfamiliar or questionable websites. By staying vigilant and taking these precautions, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to(E-Skimming/Digital Skimming in eCommerce) e-skimming attacks.
Use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates
Using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates is like adding a special lock to keep your online information safe. When a website has SSL, you’ll see “https://” in the web address, indicating a secure connection. This helps protect your personal details, like passwords or credit card numbers, from being snatched by hackers. It’s like making sure your online conversations are private and only between you and the website.(E-Skimming/Digital Skimming in eCommerce) So, whenever possible, choose websites with “https://” to ensure your information stays secure during your online activities.
Enable Card Not Present (CNP) notifications
Turning on Card Not Present (CNP) notifications is like getting a heads-up when someone tries to use your credit or debit card without physically having it. These notifications alert you when a purchase is made online or over the phone where the card isn’t physically present.(E-Skimming/Digital Skimming in eCommerce) It’s like having a digital guard that warns you if someone tries to use your card in a way that could be risky. To stay in the know and quickly catch any suspicious activity, it’s a good idea to enable CNP notifications through your bank or credit card provider. That way, you can take action if something doesn’t seem right with your card transactions.
Implement network segmentation techniques
Implementing network segmentation techniques is like organizing a big building into different sections, so if someone gets into one area, they can’t easily access everything. In the same way, on computer networks, (E-Skimming/Digital Skimming in eCommerce) segmentation divides the network into smaller parts, making it harder for cyber attackers to move around. It’s like having separate rooms with locked doors in a house – if someone manages to get into one room, they still can’t reach the other rooms easily. This helps protect sensitive information and limits the damage in case of a cyber-attack. So, by using network segmentation, you’re adding an extra layer of security to your digital space.
Perform regular payment software updates
Regularly updating your payment software is like keeping your computer or phone apps up to date. Just like you get new features and fixes for your apps, payment software updates include improvements and security fixes. (E-Skimming/Digital Skimming in eCommerce) It’s like making sure your payment tools are strong and ready to protect your information. These updates help guard against cyber threats and keep your transactions safe. So, whenever you see a notification for a payment software update, it’s a good idea to install it – it’s like giving your digital wallet a little boost to stay secure.
Making sure your business complies with PCI DSS standards is like following important rules to keep your customers’ payment information safe. PCI DSS stands for Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. It’s a set of guidelines that helps businesses handle credit and debit card information securely.
Think of it like a safety checklist for handling payments – it includes things like using secure networks, protecting customer data, and regularly checking for vulnerabilities. (E-Skimming/Digital Skimming in eCommerce) By following these standards, you’re making sure that the way your business handles payment information meets high-security standards. This helps build trust with customers and reduces the risk of data breaches or theft. So, it’s important to stay on top of PCI DSS requirements to keep everyone’s financial information protected.
Drawing on information and research published by major payment card companies and cybersecurity experts, the 12 primary requirements for PCI DSS compliance are as follows:
- Install and maintain firewalls to protect cardholder data
- Do not use default passwords for internal systems or security applications
- Protect stored cardholder data using access control solutions
- Apply encryption to all transmissions of cardholder information
- Use and frequently update antivirus and fraud prevention software
- Restrict access to cardholder data using access control models
- Monitor access to all network resources and cardholder information
- Frequently test all security systems and cybersecurity processes
- Maintain a considered cybersecurity policy accessible to all personnel
Providing ongoing social engineering training is like teaching your team how to recognize and defend against tricky online scams. Social engineering is when cyber attackers use tactics to manipulate people into giving away sensitive information or access to systems. (E-Skimming/Digital Skimming in eCommerce) Regular training sessions are like practice sessions to help your team spot these tricks and respond wisely.
It’s like learning to identify when something seems fishy in emails, messages, or phone calls and avoiding falling into traps. By offering continuous training, you’re helping your team stay alert and making it harder for cybercriminals to succeed in their deceptive tactics. So, think of it as a regular update on how to stay smart and safe in the digital world.
Final TakeAways:
In wrapping up our exploration of E-Skimming or Digital Skimming in eCommerce, it’s clear that staying savvy in the online shopping world is crucial. Just like you’d lock your front door to keep your home safe, understanding and implementing security measures are like digital locks for your online transactions. From using SSL certificates for secure connections to enabling CNP notifications and keeping your payment software updated, these steps act as your personal guards against cyber threats.
Think of it as creating a shield for your sensitive information. By ensuring compliance with PCI DSS standards and offering continuous social engineering training, (v)you’re strengthening this shield even further. So, the next time you shop online, remember these tips – it’s like having a trustworthy guide to help you navigate the eCommerce landscape securely. Stay secure, shop smart, and enjoy the convenience of online shopping with confidence!
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