Amazon selling challenges on cybersecurity are no joke. Hackers are out to steal your business – don’t be their next victim.
As an Amazon seller, you’re competing in a crowded market and also protecting your most valuable asset: your data. Cybersecurity breaches are becoming a growing concern, and if you’re not prepared, your business could be the next target.
Imagine this: everything you’ve worked for—your customer information, sales data, and business strategies—could be compromised in an instant by a single hacker.
The fallout? Lost revenue, damaged reputation, and possibly the end of your Amazon business.
So, how do you keep the digital wolves at bay? The key is implementing strong cybersecurity measures to protect your data and secure your Amazon business.
Our Amazon agency has created this definitive guide with actionable tips for managing and preventing cybersecurity data breaches that Amazon sellers commonly encounter.
Let’s dive into how to fortify your defenses and keep your Amazon store secure.
Amazon Selling Challenges Cybersecurity Data Breaches FBA Sellers Face
Unauthorized Access to Seller Accounts
A seller discovers that their product listings have been altered or deleted after logging into their account, causing significant disruptions in sales and inventory management.
Solution/Prevention – Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
Set up 2FA on your Amazon seller account to add an extra layer of security. This requires a second authentication factor, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password.
Here’s a Seller Central Two-Step Verification article you can read.
Phishing Scams
A seller receives an email that appears to be from Amazon, requesting account verification. The seller provides their login details, resulting in the hacker gaining access to their account and making unauthorized changes.
Solution/Prevention – Educate on Phishing Awareness
Train yourself and your team to recognize phishing attempts. Verify the authenticity of emails by checking the sender’s address and avoiding suspicious links.
Solution/Prevention – Implement Email Filters
Set up email filters to detect and block phishing attempts before they reach your inbox.
Identify A Scam
Is the email or text requesting my Amazon login information, such as my password or user ID?
Amazon never asks for your password via email. If they do, it’s a scam!
Are there any obvious typos, grammatical errors, or inconsistencies in the email or text?
Typos and grammatical mistakes can be red flags.
Does the sender’s email address look legitimate and official, or does it appear suspicious or unfamiliar?
Hover over the email address. If it’s suspicious (e.g., not from Amazon or has a string of letters/numbers), it’s likely a scam.
What To Do If You Receive a Phishing Text or Email
Avoid Clicking Links:
Do not click on any links in suspicious emails or messages.
Protect Your Information:
Never provide account or financial details via email or through websites you access from email links.
Report Suspicious Messages:
Notify your Internet Service Provider (ISP) about the message and also report any suspicious activity to Amazon.
Consider Email Separation:
Use different email addresses for your sign-in and customer contact purposes. For instance, if your sign-in email is myname@myisp.com, consider using a different email like info@myisp.com for notifications or customer communications.
Weak Passwords
A seller uses a simple password that is also used for other accounts. A hacker exploits this vulnerability to access the seller’s Amazon account, leading to unauthorized changes and potential financial loss.
Solution/Prevention – Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Create complex and unique passwords for your Amazon Seller Central account. Avoid using the same password across different accounts.
Solution/Prevention – Implement a Password Manager
Use a password manager to generate and securely store strong passwords.
Solution/Prevention – Regularly Update Passwords
Periodically change your passwords to enhance security.
How To Create Better Passwords
Avoid Common Words
Refrain from using dictionary words or common patterns. Opt for a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols to increase security.
Use Unique Passwords
Avoid recycling passwords across different sites. Each account should have a unique password to prevent a single breach from affecting multiple accounts.
Don’t Use Personal Information
Avoid using easily obtainable personal details, such as names or birthdays, as part of your passwords.
Secure Backup Options
For accounts that use security questions, choose questions and answers that are not easily guessed. Consider creating custom questions or using secure notes if allowed.
Data Breaches in Third-Party Tools
A seller uses an inventory management tool with weak security protocols. A data breach at the tool provider exposes the seller’s inventory details and customer information, leading to financial loss and reputational damage.
Solution/Prevention – Choose Secure Third-Party Vendors
Select vendors with robust security measures and regular updates.
Solution/Prevention – Review and Limit Tool Permissions
Regularly assess and adjust the permissions granted to third-party tools.
Some Third-Party Tools for Amazon Sellers:
- Helium 10 – Product research, keyword tracking, PPC management.
- Jungle Scout – Product research and competitor analysis.
- SellerLabs – PPC management and customer feedback.
- FeedbackWhiz – Automates customer reviews and feedback.
- AMZScout – Sales estimates and keyword tracking.
- Keepa – Price tracking and sales rank history.
- RepricerExpress – Automated price adjustments.
- Teikametrics – AI-powered Amazon PPC optimization.
- ShipStation – Shipping and order fulfillment.
- InventoryLab – Inventory management and profit analysis.
Sample Security Protocol:
- User Access Control: Limit access to sensitive data via role-based permissions.
- MFA: Require multi-factor authentication for all accounts.
- Regular Updates: Keep software and systems up to date.
- Employee Training: Train staff on phishing, strong passwords, and cybersecurity best practices.
- Regular Backups: Schedule frequent backups and test recovery plans.
- Incident Response Plan: Have a plan for handling data breaches.
- Password Management: Use strong passwords, a password manager, and regular updates.
Inadequate Security in Shared Workspaces
A seller provides access to their Amazon account to a virtual assistant. The assistant’s weak security practices result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, putting the seller’s business at risk.
Solution/Prevention – Implement Role-Based Access Controls
Assign specific access levels based on roles, ensuring that each user has only the permissions necessary for their tasks.
Solution/Prevention – Regularly Audit and Update Access
Frequently review and adjust access permissions, removing those for users who no longer need them.
Protect your business from unauthorized access. Learn how to manage user permissions effectively. Here is our blog post to guide you
Solution/Prevention – Hire the Right People
By investing in the right talent, Amazon sellers can create a secure shared workspace environment and protect their sensitive data.
Watch the video on te left to learn:
Gain Accurate Insights: Utilize Culture Index’s survey to match candidates’ traits with your company culture effectively.
Optimize Hiring: Analyze profiles to find the best fit and target new talent aligned with your needs.
Account Takeover Attacks
A seller notices unusual activity in their account, such as unexpected changes to banking information and product listings. This is due to a hacker who has gained unauthorized access, risking financial loss and damage to their reputation.
Solution/Prevention – Monitor Account Activity
Regularly review account settings and transactions for any signs of unauthorized changes.
Solution/Prevention – Set Up Alerts for Critical Changes
Enable notifications for modifications to sensitive information, such as banking details or key account settings.
- Double-check your login credentials: Ensure you’re entering the correct email and password combination.
- Avoid unnecessary spaces: When pasting your password, make sure there are no extra spaces.
- Two-Step Verification: If prompted for a verification code, make sure you use the most recent one; older codes won’t work. Refer to the Two-Step Verification FAQ for more details.
- Clear browser data: Delete your browser cookies and cache, or try accessing your account from a different browser or device.
- Verify your email: Use the Password Assistance page to confirm that the email you’re using is the one registered with your account.
- Log in with updated credentials: Try accessing Seller Central with your new email and password.
If you still can’t sign in after trying these steps, contact Seller Support using this form, providing a detailed description of the issue.
Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks
A seller connects to their Amazon account while using a public Wi-Fi network at a café. Cybercriminals intercept the connection, potentially capturing sensitive login credentials and compromising the seller’s account.
Solution/Prevention – Use Secure, Encrypted Networks
Always connect to secure, encrypted Wi-Fi networks when accessing your Amazon account.
Solution/Prevention – Employ a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi to encrypt your internet traffic and shield your data.
To protect your data on public Wi-Fi:
- Connect only to known, secure networks.
- Double-check the spelling of network names before connecting.
- Manually select networks; avoid auto-connect.
- Avoid entering financial details on public Wi-Fi.
- Activate Wi-Fi only when needed; turn it off when not in use.
- Encrypt your connection using a VPN.
- Encrypt your connection using a VPN.
- Manage your Wi-Fi connections manually; don’t auto-connect to hotspots.
- Ensure URLs start with “https:” before sharing personal information.
- Keep your firewall active to block potential threats.
- Add an extra layer of security with multi-factor authentication.
Failure to Regularly Update Software
A seller’s outdated operating system and browser are compromised by a hacker exploiting known security flaws. This breach provides the hacker with unauthorized access to sensitive business data and potentially the seller’s Amazon account.
Solution/Prevention – Regularly Update Software
Consistently update all software, including operating systems, browsers, and any tools connected to your Amazon account.
Solution/Prevention – Enable Automatic Updates
Configure software to automatically update where possible.
- Regularly Update Software: Keep your OS and apps current by installing updates promptly.
- Enable Automatic Updates: Turn on automatic updates where available.
- Schedule Manual Checks: For systems without automatic updates, set a regular time to check for updates.
- Use Official Sources: Download updates only from official OS features or trusted app stores.
- Avoid Suspicious Prompts: Be cautious of update prompts via browser pop-ups or email, as these may be phishing attempts.
Insufficient Backup and Recovery Plans
After a ransomware attack encrypts all business data, a seller finds they have no recent backups. This leads to complete data loss, affecting order history, customer information, and financial records.
Solution/Prevention – Implement a Comprehensive Backup Strategy
Regularly back up crucial files and data, and store backups securely offsite or in the cloud.
Solution/Prevention – Test Your Recovery Plans
Regularly test backup and recovery procedures to ensure they work effectively.
What files and data should you regularly back up?
- • Product Listings: Descriptions, images, specs.
- • Inventory Records: Stock levels, history.
- • Order History: Transactions, customer details.
- • Financial Records: Sales reports, invoices.
- • Advertising Data: Campaigns, performance metrics.
- • Customer Feedback: Reviews and communication.
- • Supplier Information: Contacts and agreements.
- • Fulfillment Data: Shipping details and tracking.
- • Account Settings: Seller Central settings and security.
- • Compliance Documents: Certifications and regulatory records.
Neglecting Employee Training
An employee, unaware of cybersecurity best practices, inadvertently clicks on a malicious link in a phishing email. This results in the exposure of login credentials, allowing hackers to access and compromise the seller’s Amazon account.
Solution/Prevention – Implement Regular Cybersecurity Training
Conduct ongoing training sessions for your team, covering key topics such as identifying phishing attempts, using strong passwords, and practicing safe internet habits.
Looking for free E-commerce Cybersecurity Training? Check out Amazon’s Cybersecurity Awareness Training
Amazon Selling Challenges Cybersecurity Data Breaches FBM Sellers Face
Website and E-Commerce Platform Vulnerabilities
FBM sellers managing their own e-commerce sites or using third-party platforms are at risk if their platforms have security flaws. Hackers can exploit these vulnerabilities, leading to data breaches, website defacement, or unauthorized access to customer information.
Solution/Prevention – Regular Software Updates and Patching
Ensure all software and plugins on your website are regularly updated to the latest versions.
Solution/Prevention – Strong Security Practices
Use secure hosting services, set up firewalls, and regularly perform security scans on your platform.
Solution/Prevention – Employee Training on Cybersecurity
Train your team on cybersecurity best practices, including safe browsing habits and recognizing phishing attempts.
FBM Sellers Protect Your E-Commerce Sites
- Monitor Checkout Pages: Regularly check for unauthorized code changes.
- Secure Your Site: Prevent malicious code injections on checkout pages.
- Apply Patches Quickly: Install security updates promptly.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with current security threats.
- Conduct Security Audits: Regularly review and address vulnerabilities.
Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks
A seller receives an email that looks like it’s from Amazon, urgently requesting account verification. The seller, believing it to be legitimate, provides their login credentials. The attacker then uses this information to access the seller’s Amazon account and make unauthorized changes.
Solution/Prevention – Regular Employee Training
Conduct ongoing cybersecurity training for your team, emphasizing how to identify phishing attempts and social engineering tactics.
Solution/Prevention – Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Enable MFA on all accounts to add an additional layer of security beyond just passwords.
- Urgent Requests: Be wary of emails creating a false sense of urgency to rush your actions.
- Personal Information: Avoid emails asking for sensitive details like addresses or payment info.
- Off-Site Transactions: Don’t send money through third-party sites or wire transfers as requested in the email.
- Gift Card Payments: Phishing attempts may ask you to buy and share gift card numbers or PINs.
- Unexpected Orders: Watch out for notifications about orders or deliveries you didn’t place.
Payment Fraud and Chargeback Scams
A seller processes a payment for an order that later proves to be fraudulent. The transaction results in a chargeback, causing the seller to lose both the product and the payment, which negatively impacts their revenue.
Solution/Prevention – Regularly Update Fraud Detection Tools:
Implement and maintain advanced fraud detection systems to identify and flag suspicious transactions before processing.
Solution/Prevention – Educate Your Team on Payment Security
Provide ongoing training on recognizing and handling fraudulent transactions and chargebacks.
Types of Payment Fraud and How FBM Sellers Can Protect Themselves:
Phishing
Fraudulent messages trick you into sharing sensitive info.
- Prevention: Avoid suspicious links and use antivirus software.
Skimming
Devices steal card info from payment terminals.
- Prevention: Inspect terminals, cover keypads, and use secure payment methods.
Identity Theft
Stolen personal info used for unauthorized transactions.
- Prevention: Secure data, train staff, and monitor accounts.
Chargeback Fraud
Customers dispute valid transactions.
- Prevention: Verify customer identity and keep detailed records.
Business Email Compromise
Fraudulent emails request payments.
- Prevention: Educate staff, use strong email security, and verify payment requests.
Card-Not-Present Fraud
Stolen card info used for online purchases.
- Prevention: Use fraud-detection tools and strong authentication methods.
Data Theft and Ransomware Attacks
A seller’s system is compromised by ransomware, which encrypts all customer and sales data. The attacker demands a ransom to decrypt the information, leaving the seller unable to fulfill orders or access essential business records.
Solution/Prevention – Implement Regular Data Backups
Schedule frequent backups of all critical business data and store them securely offline or in a cloud service with strong encryption.
Solution/Prevention – Conduct Employee Training on Cybersecurity
Provide ongoing training for your team on identifying potential ransomware threats and safe computing practices.
- Backup Regularly: Save backups on a separate, offline device.
- Update Systems: Keep applications and OS updated.
- Train Staff: Regularly educate employees on cybersecurity.
- Be Cautious with Links: Verify website addresses and email links.
- Handle Attachments Carefully: Avoid opening unexpected or compressed files.
- Protect Personal Info: Ensure websites are secure before entering personal data.
- Verify Emails: Confirm legitimacy by contacting the sender directly.
- Use Security Software: Install and update antivirus, firewalls, and email filters.
Insecure Customer Data Handling
A seller stores customer payment information in an unencrypted database. A hacker accesses the database, steals credit card details, and causes fraudulent charges on customers’ accounts.
Solution/Prevention – Encrypt Customer Data
Ensure all customer data, especially payment information, is encrypted both at rest and in transit.
Solution/Prevention – Implement Data Protection Policies
Develop and enforce strong data protection policies, including secure storage practices and access controls.
- Explore Encryption-In-Use: Implement encryption for data in use alongside data-at-rest encryption.
- Ensure Mobile App Privacy Compliance: Meet privacy standards for mobile apps to avoid delays.
- Educate Remote Employees: Train staff on security risks and data protection.
- Understand Vulnerabilities: Ensure software and DevOps teams are aware of potential vulnerabilities.
- Automate Digital Certificate Management: Manage digital certificates automatically to reduce errors.
- Implement Two-Factor Authentication: Use 2FA to enhance security and reduce unauthorized access.
Amazon Selling Challenges: Don't Get Hacked!
Cybersecurity threats are a real danger for Amazon sellers. A breach can ruin your business. But with the right security measures, you can protect yourself.
Don’t wait. Contact our Full Service Amazon Agency today for expert help securing your Amazon store. Let’s build a strong defense together.
