Security and maintenance responsibilities across different e-commerce platforms typically involve a combination of tasks shared between the platform provider, the merchant (store owner), and sometimes third-party service providers. These responsibilities can be broadly categorized as follows:
| Responsibility Area | Platform Provider Responsibilities | Merchant/Store Owner Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Software Updates & Patches | Provide regular core software updates and security patches to fix vulnerabilities and improve functionality. | Ensure timely installation of updates and patches on their store, including plugins and themes, to prevent exploitation of known flaws. |
| Data Security & Compliance | Maintain infrastructure security and comply with data protection laws (e.g., PDPA) when processing personal data on behalf of merchants. | Ensure compliance with data protection regulations, manage customer data responsibly, and include clear contractual terms with data intermediaries if applicable. |
| User Authentication | Offer built-in security features such as Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) or support integration with MFA tools to strengthen login security. | Activate and enforce strong authentication methods like MFA for admin and user accounts to reduce risks of unauthorized access. |
| Vulnerability Management | Conduct platform-wide vulnerability assessments and provide tools or guidelines for merchants to identify security gaps. | Perform regular vulnerability scans and IT audits on their own store to proactively address security weaknesses. |
| Firewall & Network Security | Implement network-level protections such as firewalls and DDoS mitigation to protect the platform infrastructure. | May need to configure additional security layers or plugins on their store depending on platform capabilities. |
| Backup & Recovery | Provide automated backup services for the platform and merchant stores, ensuring data can be restored after incidents. | Schedule and maintain regular backups of store data and files independently as a precaution against data loss. |
| Security Awareness & Training | May offer security guidelines and resources for merchants. | Conduct employee training on cybersecurity best practices to reduce human error vulnerabilities. |
| Transaction Safety & Anti-Scam Measures | Implement marketplace-level anti-scam features and safety ratings to protect consumers and sellers. | Follow recommended safety practices and use platform tools to minimize fraud risks in transactions. |
Key points:
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Platform providers handle the underlying infrastructure, core software security, and compliance with data protection laws when acting as data intermediaries.
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Merchants are responsible for maintaining their specific store’s security by applying updates, managing user authentication, conducting vulnerability assessments, and backing up data regularly.
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Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a critical security measure that both platforms and merchants should implement to block over 99% of cyber threats related to login credentials.
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Regular security training for employees is essential to mitigate risks from human error, which is a common vulnerability in e-commerce security.
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National or regional standards and guidelines (such as revised technical references on e-commerce transactions) may impose additional responsibilities on both platforms and merchants to enhance transaction safety and consumer protection.
This division of responsibilities ensures a layered security approach where the platform secures the environment and infrastructure, while merchants secure their individual stores and data handling practices.
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