Experts recommend online retailers consider these issues before hitting the busy shopping season to better ensure their security is running smoothly.
Proper Handling of Personal Data
Employee error is one of the biggest threats to data privacy for many industries, and that holds true for e-commerce, as well. That's why online retailers have to stress the importance of proper handling of personal data to all of those who actually handle the data, according to Sam Pfeifle, publications director at the International Association of Privacy Professionals. It's not just the security staff's responsibility, but everyone who works with a database or handles customer information in any way. They need to be able to recognize sensitive information – SSNs, credit card numbers, even email addresses – and know that it has to be handled properly. Employees need to be current on the company's security practices and policies, too.