A version of this article was published on Robotics Tomorrow. Contributed by Yoav Kutner, CEO, and co-founder of Oro, Inc.
Using Access Control Lists (ACLs) to establish rules that grant or deny access to different data types includes sensitive data. Every user in an application has a role, and every role has a set of permissions configured to perform or restrict actions to entities and system capabilities. Organizations choose to limit data access and control permissions on a level as small as an individual employee. All B2B companies must control what actions a user is permitted, whether it is just to view the latest sales report or entirely modify a customer’s order or authorize a payment. Restricting sales to work with leads and opportunities is distinct from marketing which has access to manage marketing lists and campaigns; administrators access all systems globally. Maintaining complete control over access to data and records without the need for developer assistance is essential.
To achieve trusted application and data security, a B2B eCommerce solution must be prepared and recognize potentially vulnerable areas of the operation. Few B2B eCommerce applications are built from the ground up to support sizable B2B enterprises and complex, multi-level organizational hierarchies with thousands of employees and millions of website customers.
Application security features
B2B eCommerce solutions must provide unparalleled control and customizable access by user and support for complex hierarchies. Customers must take advantage of the latest in encryption and customize login best practices.
Layered configuration
Unlike B2C sellers, B2B structures and processes are usually very complicated. A single enterprise may offer both goods and services through multiple sub-organizations, with each having dedicated websites for different regions or countries. Many applications are built to tame the complexity of B2B enterprises.
B2B solutions want to set up and configure any application from the application configuration user interface to specifically fulfill each company’s needs. This should be able to be applied at global, organization, website, and user levels.
Tailor Organization settings to configure options specifically for each organization and configure each website to conform to the features needed at each level of the business.
The user-level configuration provides employees the ability to customize certain application settings to their preferences.
Global enterprises with multiple websites in various countries can set up the appropriate currencies and languages for each site. The ability to add different local warehouses, manage inventory options, control the products displayed, and even how they are arranged on each website is critical.
A multi-layered configuration allows B2B businesses to adapt the application to fit virtually any need. This provides the flexibility necessary to keep data and applications secure in complex B2B, B2C, and B2B2C businesses with multi-level hierarchies, numerous organizations, and multiple websites.
Encryption
To prevent security breaches, B2B eCommerce applications must encrypt original data to keep it secure. The company constantly reviews new technologies to support the latest and most robust encryption solutions.
Password and session protection
B2B eCommerce products must incorporate the best password practices to help prevent unsafe passwords and motivate users to create strong credentials. Administrative personnel can customize password and login restrictions for application users to:
- Configure the desired password length and complexity
- Enforce password change policy and password history
- Limit the number of login attempts
- Lock accounts after several failed logins to prevent brute force attacks.
Businesses must verify their enterprise software is secure
Application security processes must include PCI DSS and SOC2 compliance. These are a must-have for any software dealing with credit card info and sensitive data. It assures that the application does not just claim to be secure, but it was thoroughly audited by an unbiased third party and their ability to maintain the highest security standards.
Data security is critical for any eCommerce company. B2B eCommerce applications frequently store customer personal data, credit card numbers, and support online payments. Adhering to the latest security best practices to prevent potential security threats, and constantly refines and improves security to remain on the cutting edge to safeguard customer data.
