In an online world, protecting your product can make or break your business. Today, companies are making the switch to online stores and products to keep up with the consumer demand. As a company without an online presence, you will be seen as behind the times and the demand for your product will go elsewhere. Here are a few ways to be sure that your business, online service, or product are safe.
Trademark
One of the most important rules in your online business (or any business) is protecting your trademark. The name of the products, name of your company and the logo will need to be registered. This way, the business and the product have extra legal tools to go after competitors that are imitating your brands and/or products. Federally registered trademarks can even lower legal fees in the event of a lawsuit. Once you have an idea, logo, and product you should trade market to make sure it’s yours as quickly as you can. Delay can result in another company registering a similar trademark which has not even been used as long as yours. Unfortunately, once your competitor has obtained such a trademark, it can cost much more to invalidate their registration and then register your trademark..
Hosting and Website
This tip is geared towards those that have an online store or a product that is sold only online. As a site owner, it is in your best interest to make sure that you use a known and trusted host for your store. These hosts will provide adequate security for both you and your purchasers. They can also provide meaningful reports about traffic and purchases that can help improve your online store.
Keeping your site updated with the newest software and security patches is essential. Your website could be a target for hackers if you don’t maintain the latest updates. While hosting platforms automatically apply updates and patches, if you are hosting your own site be sure to read all of the release notes and apply them to your system appropriately.
HTTP with SSL
Secure Sockets Layer is the security technology used for establishing a safe and secure link between the website and the browser. SSL ensures that all information passed between purchaser and seller remains private, such as credit card and personally identifiable information. While almost all hosting platforms support HTTPS, it is best to confirm it is enabled when you set up your store.
PCI DSS Compliance
For your own protection and protecting your product and your customers, it is a good idea to use a third party payment integrator that is PCI (Payment Credit Card Industry) compliant. This eliminates the need for you to include these safeguards for purchases should you wish to process payments directly. PCI DSS (Data Security Standard) is a comprehensive set of requirements followed by the major credit card companies to protect customer information.
Require Strong Passwords
A password is the key to protecting your product and your customers’ access to your online store. A long password is one that will be less easy for a hacker to figure out. Along with that, using random letters and numbers in combination is the best way to create a strong password. Most online stores allow you to define password criteria, which will force your customers to create strong passwords.
Watch For Signs of Fraud
Beware of emails, website names and the customer orders for signs of fraud to protect your product or service. Hackers can ship products to an uncommon address overseas. While this might not always spell a fraud attempt, you should cross check where the package will go. An Address Verification System or AVS is a service you can use to make sure that the address the buyer inserts as the billing address will be the same as the one on file with the bank. A hacker will most likely not have their real address on file with a bank, offering you an added method of protection.
Of course, problems can always arise and should you have a problem, it is best to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. If you need anymore information or advice when it comes to protecting your intellectual property, contact Garcia-Zamor today.
