The Hidden Security Risks of Running an Online Store

By 2026, ecommerce is expected to see over $8 trillion in sales worldwide. Hackers and scammers unsurprisingly use the opportunity to steal data and funds from shoppers. JavaScript-based sites are easy to hack because they don’t contain any integrated security permissions. E-skimming, customer journey hijacking, data breaches, fake returns, and malware are among the hidden risks online stores face.

E-skimming

Cybercriminals can steal credit card data as the customer engages with an online form by injecting malicious code into the site’s client side. In 2022, 45.6 million payment card records were available for sale on the Dark Web in the wake of e-skimming attacks. Experts predict that e-skimming and scam e-commerce will increase in 2025.

Hijacking

Up to 20% of online shopping sessions are exposed to invasive and unauthorized advertising. In customer journey hijacking, online store visitors see unauthorized popups aimed at diverting them from the store’s website and onto a different one. Hijacking starts with malicious JavaScript injections on the client’s side.

Online stores manage personal and financial data, which managed VPS hosting secures via multiple protection layers. VPS hosting providers give these platforms dedicated resources, reducing the risk of cyber threats. They make it possible to install SSL certificates, firewalls, and other custom security measures to ensure the website remains protected from hackers. These hosting providers also offer automated backups, ensuring that the website can be restored if a data breach or loss occurs. Finally, the service usually comes with server monitoring around the clock, which can help detect and combat security risks.

Data breach

On the subject of data breaches, 43% of these incidents involve small businesses, and organized crime groups cause 39%. Online stores must make sure they have the latest firewalls and consider cyber liability insurance.

Fake return requests

Cybercriminals can perpetrate refund frauds, where they make fake return requests. These inflict significant damage on ecommerce platforms. Integrating fraud detection software can enhance an online store’s ability to detect and prevent fraudulent activities.

Malware

Almost 200,000 malware attacks occur every second, and around 90% of cyber threats involve social engineering schemes like phishing. Encrypted threats more than doubled between 2023 and 2024, especially in the retail, education, and government sectors. Threat actors can use PDF files to transfer malicious code, often as part of the “expiring password” scheme. They may build malicious software and install it on the computer systems without the store manager realizing it. Malicious programs include viruses, ransomware, spyware, trojans, etc. Trojans easily swipe sensitive information on the infected systems.

Marketing and design risks

While these aren’t security risks in the strictest sense, they are prominent among hidden risks online stores face. It often happens that an online store’s logo is similar to another store’s copyrighted logo. Your store faces a trademark infringement lawsuit if a mug or T-shirt design is too close to another brand.

Another risk involves marketing. Your store might use an image it doesn’t hold the rights to on X or Facebook. Using the photo without permission could bring infringement accusations. Don’t copy other work to avoid this risk, even if you find the work online. Purchase content for marketing efforts, such as stock photos or videos. Your vendor contracts should include warranty and indemnity clauses.

Delayed shipments

You or your supplier might misplace an order, ship the wrong items, or lose a product in transit. Your store could be held liable for any funds the customer loses. Consider getting inland marine or transit coverage, depending on what your store is shipping. Clear communication with customers will help, especially about delivery timeframes. Keep thorough records and prepare for delays associated with high volume, adverse weather conditions, holidays, etc.

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Carla Schroder

Carla Schroder is a self-taught Linux and Windows sysadmin who laid hands on her first computer around her 37th birthday. Her first PC was a Macintosh LC II. Next came an IBM clone--a 386SX running MS-DOS 5 and Windows 3.1 with a 14-inch color display--which was adequate for many pleasant hours of Doom play. Then around 1997 she discovered Red Hat 5.0 and had a whole new world to explore.

Somewhere along the way she found herself doing freelance consulting for small businesses and home users, supporting both Linux and Windows users and integrating Linux and Windows on the LAN, primarily Linux servers and Windows clients. She is the author of the Linux Cookbook, Linux Networking Cookbook, and the Linux Cookbook 2nd Edition for O'Reilly, and has written hundreds of Linux howtos for various publications, .

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