Anyone who owns an e-commerce business knows that keeping their website running is a priority. But amidst the demands of product, delivery, and service, a crucial aspect often gets overlooked: digital security. It doesn't appear in sales reports, but it's what ensures that customer data is protected, that the system remains stable, and that operations aren't interrupted by an unseen attack. In Brazil, many online stores still believe that basic measures, such as enabling SSL or running an antivirus program, are sufficient to ensure protection. However, the threats have changed. Today, automated tools scan websites for simple flaws: weak passwords, outdated plugins, excessive permissions. A careless click, a poorly configured configuration, or a failed backup can lead to financial and legal losses. In this article, we'll discuss the elements that truly need to be in place if you want to keep your e-commerce business running securely.
Exposed data, direct loss
A leak of sensitive data—such as passwords, CPF numbers, or card numbers—isn't just a technical problem. It's also a legal, reputational, and commercial headache. Besides having to deal with notifications to the National Data Protection Authority (ANPD), e-commerce businesses can lose customers, face lawsuits, and see revenue plummet. This type of situation often occurs due to seemingly minor flaws: poorly configured servers, outdated plugins, nonexistent backups. All of these issues, in a constant sales environment, often end up being overlooked.
Digital security starts with configuration
The technical aspects of e-commerce protection are often invisible. But they need to be in order. This includes everything from the server hosting the website to the access permissions of the users who manage the store. Giving everyone the same password, using a default login like “admin,” or maintaining outdated plugins can open up loopholes that attackers are well aware of.It’s worth remembering that threats are constantly evolving. Therefore, simply installing an antivirus or relying on basic hosting solutions isn’t enough. It’s important to keep updates up to date, perform regular scans, and control who accesses what within the system.
SSL certificate is the minimum
Even small stores need to have SSL active and properly configured. This is what causes the browser to display the famous padlock next to the address. It ensures that the data transmitted between the visitor and your site is encrypted. Besides providing protection, it also impacts Google rankings and conversions, because no one will buy from a store the browser flags as “insecure.”
But it’s not just a case of activating and forgetting. The certificate needs to be renewed periodically, and configuration errors can prevent it from working properly.
Weak passwords are open doors
It may seem basic, but many online stores still operate with passwords like “123456” or “mystore2020.” Furthermore, it’s common for multiple employees to use the same login to edit products, change orders, or access the administrative area.
Ideally, you should use multifactor authentication to ensure access only occurs with a second confirmation (such as a code via SMS or app). And, of course, use long, unique passwords managed by secure tools.
Proteja os dados dos seus clientes
E-commerce handles personal data every day. Name, CPF, address, phone number, and in some cases, even bank details. This alone is enough to be covered by the LGPD. In other words, you are responsible for ensuring that this information is not accessed or shared without authorization.
This includes best practices such as:
Collecting only what is truly necessary.
Making it clear how the data will be used.
Allowing customers to view, correct, or delete their information.
Having an accessible and transparent privacy policy.
STWBRASIL provides direct audits focused on LGPD for e-commerce and digital businesses. We assess your store's compliance, identify risks, and advise on practical adjustments without complicating your daily operations.
Bot attacks are more common than you think
Many online store owners don't realize they're being attacked because the attacks aren't like the ones in the movies. They come in the form of automated scripts that attempt to hack into the site thousands of times per second. This is called a brute force attack, and it can crash your server, slow it down, or even take your store offline.
Bots are also used to test credit card combinations, steal form data, or exploit known flaws in platforms like Magento, WooCommerce, or Shopify.
Continuous monitoring, application firewalls, and login attempt limits are some of the measures that help contain this type of threat.
Backup is not a luxury
In the event of a failure, attack, or accidental deletion, having a backup can be what separates your business from irreversible loss. The problem is that many stores blindly trust the platform or hosting backup, without knowing whether it is complete, recent, or restorable.
Have a defined routine for automatic backups, stored in a secure location (preferably off-site). This allows you to recover orders, registrations, products, and transactions in a matter of hours—not days.
Vulnerability analysis: the step that many stores forget
Even with active security plugins and certificates, only a technical analysis can reveal what's truly vulnerable. This is where STWBRASIL's Vulnerability Analysis service comes in. It examines every layer of your system—from the server to the code—looking for exploitable flaws.
This analysis helps prioritize fixes, avoid penalties for non-compliance, and protect your business's reputation.
Companies that perform this type of audit frequently can detect risks before they become crises. And, if necessary, we also offer Penetration Testing, which simulates a controlled attack to measure your store's resistance to attackers.
Digital security isn’t an expense — it’s business continuity
Every online business depends on stable operations. If your website goes down, if an order disappears, if a customer is exposed, the impact is direct. It's no exaggeration to say that digital security is now part of the minimum structure needed to keep a store running.
What's more, it conveys professionalism, integrity, and respect for those on the other side of the screen.
Want to know if your store is truly secure?
The STWBRASIL team can help you understand your operational landscape, identify risks, and address any issues that may arise. We have experience with companies of all sizes and offer accessible, technical solutions without any hassle.
Contact us and see how you can protect your e-commerce business with simple, concrete decisions.
