E-commerce Security Issues

E-commerce Security Issues

• Integrity: Safeguarding against unauthorized changes to data.
• Nonrepudiation: Ensuring parties cannot deny their actions after transactions.
• Authenticity: Verifying the source of data and identity.
• Confidentiality: Preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information.
• Privacy: Maintaining control over personal data and its disclosure.
• Availability: Ensuring data is accessible and not delayed or removed.

Data Interception Points

• Data can be intercepted in three main areas:
  • In the browser: Users input sensitive information which can be accessed if the device is left unattended.
  • Between the browser and the server: Data in transit may be intercepted, even if encrypted.
  • In the server: Vulnerable to external attacks and unauthorized access.

Security Measures

• Encryption: Converts plaintext to ciphertext, protecting data during transmission.

  • Symmetric key cryptography: Same key for encryption and decryption.
  • Public key cryptography: Different keys for encryption (public) and decryption (private).

• Digital Signature: E-signature that verifies the authenticity of information through encryption.

• Security Certificates: Unique digital IDs for website identity verification.

Common Security Threats

• Hacking and Cyber Vandalism: Includes website defacement and malware creation.
• Credit Card Fraud: Unauthorized use of credit card information for purchases.
• Spoofing: Impersonating trusted entities to steal sensitive data.
• Malicious Code: Includes viruses, worms, and Trojans that harm systems.
• Denial of Service Attack: Overloading systems to restrict access for authorized users.
• Sniffing: Eavesdropping on network traffic to capture sensitive information.

E-commerce Security Solutions

• Implement HTTPS and SSL Certificates: Encrypt data transfer, improving security and search ranking.
• Use Anti-Malware and Anti-Virus Software: Protect systems from various malware infections.
• Secure Admin Panel and Server: Use strong, frequently changed passwords and restrict access based on roles.
• Safeguard Payment Gateways: Avoid storing credit card data; use third-party processors.
• Deploy Firewalls: Block unauthorized access and mitigate cyber-attacks.
• Educate Employees and Clients: Provide training on secure data handling and update access rights for former employees.
• Perform Regular Security Scans: Identify malware and ensure data backups.
• Conduct Risk Assessments: Catalog information assets and their importance to the organization.
• Develop a Security Policy: Define protection protocols and roles.
• Create an Implementation Plan: Outline actionable steps for achieving security goals.
• Establish a Security Organization: Dedicated team to manage security policies and guidelines.

Drawbacks of Symmetric Key Encryption

• Vulnerability to Key Theft: Same key must be shared over potentially insecure channels.
• Management Complexity: Requires a vast number of keys for millions of users.

Public Key Encryption

• Utilizes a pair of keys for secure messaging: one public (shared) and one private (kept secret).
• Digital certificates link public keys to identities, authenticated by trusted Certification Authorities (CAs).
• Digital Certificate Details: Includes subject's name, public key, serial number, expiration date, issuing authority’s signature, and more.