Guide for Security Testing for Ecommerce Websites in 2025

Security threats are a harsh reality of the digital world. The businesses done via ecommerce stores are also vulnerable to these threats. As per a report by CS-Cart on all the data and financial thefts online, around 75% are targeted at ecommerce businesses. Therefore, it is important to conduct security testing for ecommerce websites.

A laid-back approach towards ecommerce website security can cause losses and damage in the long run. As a wise businessman, you would not like to invite losses by negligence. Especially those kinds of losses that have the potential to shut down the ecommerce business. Security threats can trigger business-destroying losses. 

To avoid such issues, security testing for e-commerce websites is considered a standard best practice. At Provis Technologies, we take a comprehensive look at the types of threats that could impact your e-commerce business. Furthermore, we explore how security testing for an e-commerce website works and how it helps businesses stay protected and build customer trust.

Security threats for ecommerce websites in 2025

Security threats online are evolving at a rapid pace. Some major threats that can be the cause of concern for your e-commerce website are:

• Data breach: A Data breach is a typical cybersecurity threat that involves an attack on the website’s sensitive data. Theft of user information,  financial details, identification breach, etc, can happen due to a data breach.

• Phishing attack: Phishing involves sending of emails, messages, or other types of communication in a way that feels coming from a genuine and reputable source. The attackers trick the user by sending these malicious emails and messages and gain access to their information. An example of it can be a Phishing attack where a message is sent, which looks like it is from an e-commerce website, about a sale. However, it is a start to gaining access to the website by tricking its users. 

• DDoS attack: Denial of service attack (DDoS) crashes the website with a flood of malicious traffic. Attackers direct malicious traffic towards the website, preventing genuine users from accessing it. Heavy load of malicious traffic causes the website to crash down. 

• The SQL Injection: It is a more advanced level cyber threat that attacks the application code of the website. It involves the insertion of malicious SQL (Structured Query Language) queries on the website. The attacker targets vulnerable areas like the login box, forms, signing page, etc, on the website. By doing so, they get access to sensitive user data  on the website.

• Spyware:  Spyware is a malicious software that tracks the user’s activity and the device. It gathers the details of all the activities of the user and commits data theft. This sensitive user data is sold online on the dark web or is used by attackers to cause major losses to individuals and websites.

• Ransomware: It is a type of malware that takes control of the device. It encrypts the user’s data on the device and makes it unusable until a ransom is paid. That is where the name Ransomware comes from. 

These security threats create a lot of challenges for the ecommerce websites. Some of these are:

• Loss of reputation and credibility 

• Revenue losses 

• Cost of recovery from the attack

• Data losses 

Security testing for ecommerce website: Doing it the right way

To avoid the threats and losses, here is a simple and effective security testing guide for your ecommerce website:

• Penetration testing: Penetration testing is a simulated kind of cyberattack that you do on your ecommerce website. 

• It’s kind of a mock drill attack
• It surfaces out vulnerabilities which can sink your website in case of a real cyberattack

• Check the test result, and fixing vulnerabilities on time can help prevent damage

• Encrypted passwords: Passwords are the first line of defense for any website. Having a strong password can significantly reduce the chances of security threats.

• Use strong passwords that have alphanumeric characters, special characters, spaces, etc. Follow the password guidelines that are shared by tech majors like Google.

• Your password should be encrypted so that it becomes difficult to break during the time of an attack.

• Regularly change passwords as a standard best practice against security threats online.

• Use TSL Protocol: Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol is the latest and most secure protocol.

• It provides secure, encrypted communication between the user and the website. 

• Google’s SEO ranks websites using the TLS protocol higher due to safety standards.

• It ensures data integrity and data privacy across various kinds of communications from text to video calls. 

• Shield payment gateways: Payment gateways are the most vulnerable area of an ecommerce website. Since the majority of threats cause financial losses, securing the payment gateways becomes essential.

• Payment gateway testing is the standard test that exposes vulnerabilities and provides details of things to fix.

• Ensure compliance with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) requirements.

• Use the payment verification method to ensure the genuineness of the transaction between the user and the e-commerce website.

• Network security testing: Network security testing is another standard cybersecurity test. It involves:

• Assessment of the Firewall, the line of defence against malware.

• Network scan for surfacing vulnerabilities.

• Report assessment and fixing of loopholes.

• Regular monitoring: All the tests and techniques are effective only if you follow them as a practice. Thus, regular monitoring of the website is key to avoiding security threats. 

• Run the network, password, payment network, and other security tests at a regular interval.

• Create a holistic report of the tests and share it with the different departments handling the website.

• Create awareness among employees and users about cybersecurity measures.

Conclusion

Cyber threats are the reality with which we live by in the digital world. However, timely preparedness through security testing and implementation of standard practices can create a shield. The guide that we discussed here, if put into action, can significantly ward away the security threat. It is the idea that those who stick by the basics and rules would never see the back.