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A BPO company in Phoenix can help protect your e-commerce store from hackers and other unauthorized groups aiming to steal critical business information. It has the cybersecurity expertise, tools, and resources to deal with web adversaries.
This article discusses why you must secure your Phoenix e-commerce business in the digital landscape and the advantages of outsourcing cybersecurity operations.
Stay on this page to learn helpful tips on outsourced cybersecurity.
Why Secure Your Phoenix E-commerce Store?
Cyberattacks mainly target online retailers; the recent study by cloud security provider Akamai Technologies backs this up. Research shows retail cyberattacks are among the most common and represent nearly 14 billion or 34% of detected intrusions.
A similar study states that online attacks on e-commerce sites grew in 2022. Data analytics provider LexisNexis found a 195% rise in automated bot strikes and a 29% hike in human-launched assaults on online stores.
A bot attack occurs when a computer application conducts targeted repetitive operations to interfere with a website and perform unauthorized activities. The purpose is to steal confidential information or destabilize the online store. On the other hand, human-staged attacks involve identity theft, social engineering, and phishing.
The LexisNexis report attributes the growth in e-commerce cybercrime to the boom in digital transactions amid the pandemic and global economic slowdown. It examined about 80 billion digital transactions in 2022 and discovered a 17% increase in e-commerce transactions.
Cyberattacks are one of the major threats to your Phoenix e-commerce business in the digital landscape. You depend on web software to improve customer service and online sales. Hackers can target its security flaws to impact your store and customers. How should you resolve security concerns?
Harness Outsourcing to Guard Your Phoenix E-commerce Store
Cyberattacks are a reality in the digital world, and incidents increase annually. Organizations plan, deploy, and run cybersecurity solutions to protect their operations from intruders, but doing so costs considerable resources. This especially applies to startups and small and medium businesses (SMBs).
Why not delegate these processes to a business process outsourcing (BPO) company instead of performing them in-house?
Outsourced cybersecurity is when a BPO company manages the network security and related systems of your Phoenix e-commerce business, protecting it against threats in the digital landscape. Security management can range from tracking information technology (IT) platforms and maintaining computer systems to examining suspicious transactions and removing threats.
Reputable offshore and onshore BPO firms have the technology, tools, and personnel to manage e-commerce customer service outsourcing and cybersecurity operations effectively.
Check out the benefits of outsourcing online security to defend your Phoenix e-commerce company in the digital landscape.
Accessible Third-party Security Professionals to Combat Cybercriminals
An established service vendor can provide you with skilled cybersecurity personnel, including:
- Security administrator
- Network security engineer
- Security consultant
- Machine learning (ML) engineer
- Computer forensic analyst
- Information security analyst
- IT security specialist
- Malware analyst
- Database administrator
- Incident manager
These dedicated professionals have extensive experience across various industries. They have deep knowledge and understanding of cybercriminals’ tactics, techniques, and procedures.
Startups, SMBs, and large organizations need help forming an internal cybersecurity team of varied IT experts. Building an in-house department nowadays is a challenge, human resources-wise.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) reports a web security workforce shortage of over 2.72 million roles. It adds that the segment’s overall labor force should grow by at least 65% to meet the demands of businesses worldwide.
Even using the most modern, cutting-edge technology, a secure environment can only be realized with adequately educated, talented, and experienced staff. Outsourcing gives you access to top-notch cybersecurity professionals to secure your Phoenix e-commerce store in the digital landscape.
Heightened Data Compliance to Avert Heavy Regulatory Penalties
Outsourcing cybersecurity to a service provider ensures the proper usage of technology and security measures to improve your online store’s compliance. This strategy secures your Phoenix e-commerce company in the digital landscape and helps you avoid severe monetary repercussions.
The BPO partner aids your e-commerce company in observing different government policies and industry standards. Examples of these include:
- The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA)
- The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
- The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)
- The Federal Information Security Management Act (FIMA)
- The Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Act
- The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
- The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)
Compliance violations might lead to fines, lawsuits, unfavorable media coverage, and other legal, financial, and reputational harm.
Here is how outsourced cybersecurity accelerates your compliance efforts to safeguard your Phoenix e-commerce store in the digital landscape:
- Discover and report possible violations quickly. Third-party professionals are skilled in using relevant technologies to comb through massive amounts of data and analyze discrepancies or anomalies that can signal regulatory infractions.
- Speed up procedures. An established BPO provider combines the latest technology and third-party specialists to streamline document evaluation and data analysis techniques. This feature accelerates compliance operations while maintaining reliance.
Minimal Salary and Training Costs for Better Budget Management
One primary benefit of outsourced cybersecurity is lower operating costs for your Phoenix e-commerce firm. Starting and sustaining internal customer service operations powered by artificial intelligence (AI) can be expensive and time-consuming.
Uncover how cybersecurity outsourcing leads to more efficient operating costs:
- Physical and digital infrastructures. Outsourcing reduces upfront capital costs. You are not obligated to invest in additional computer systems, applications, equipment, or office spaces. The BPO partner utilizes its physical and digital resources for your services.
- Personnel. Engaging with a service provider specializing in customer-centric outsourcing and cybersecurity management reduces payroll expenses. The third-party company performs lengthy and costly tasks. These tedious activities include distributing employment ads, screening and testing applicants, and onboarding new hires.
- Wages. Recruiting more personnel means higher salary costs. Wage and related expenses are no longer a major issue when outsourcing cybersecurity operations to secure your Phoenix e-commerce business in the digital landscape. The service provider covers these costs, including bonuses and medical insurance.
- Upskilling. To refine the expertise of third-party professionals, the service provider spends on talent growth and upskilling. Keeping abreast of technological advancements, regulatory requirements, and business practices are reasons for workforce development. Retraining staff internally requires significant funding.
Inexpensive, Dependable Remote Professionals to Increase Earnings
Offshoring providers in the Philippines and nearshoring vendors in Costa Rica and Mexico supply accessible, competent, and affordable remote workers. Talent is one of the main advantages of outsourcing cybersecurity functions to protect your Phoenix e-commerce business in the digital landscape.
These remote professionals can fulfill their obligations and have the proper education, personality traits, and technological qualifications to deliver outsourced cybersecurity support for your Phoenix e-commerce store.
To give you an idea of the significant cost savings when offshoring or nearshoring cybersecurity functions, below is a basic comparative salary figure for an information security analyst (ISA) in the Philippines, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Phoenix (Arizona, U.S.).
| Country | Average Salary of Information Security Analyst (in U.S. dollars) |
|---|---|
| The Philippines | $920.66 |
| Costa Rica | $5,142.55 |
| Mexico | $2,291.16 |
| Phoenix, Arizona (U.S.) | $6,326 |
Salary Explorer supplied statistics for the Philippines and Mexico, while World Salaries and Indeed provided data for Costa Rica and Phoenix, Arizona (U.S.), respectively.
Note: Salaries were converted from Philippine pesos (PHP), Costa Rican Colón (CRC), and Mexican pesos (MXN) to U.S. dollars ($). As of March 17, 2024, the currency rate was PHP55.61 to $1, 509.48CRC to $1, and MXN16.72 to $1.
According to the data above, you can save $5,405.34 ($6,326 less $920.66) monthly by hiring an ISA professional from a BPO company in the Philippines rather than recruiting the same worker in Phoenix. Keep in mind that the compensation and computations provided are rough estimates. Contact a BPO provider for exact pricing and other information.
Scalable Cybersecurity Processes for Effective Cost Management
One way to revitalize your Phoenix e-commerce operations in the digital landscape is to leverage outsourcing’s ability to increase or decrease operations, team size, or functionality to meet your cybersecurity requirements.
The BPO provider can scale up or down the number of third-party professionals, features, or procedures without compromising the company’s operations. It assists you in balancing growth and spending by efficiently allocating financial resources.
Consider some of the positive attributes of scalable outsourced cybersecurity activities:
- Flexibility. Scalable solutions allow you to rapidly respond to changing needs and expectations. It enables business operations to swiftly adjust to the required levels to maximize opportunities.
- Cost-effectiveness. Being scalable when outsourcing e-commerce services, cybersecurity, and other processes enables you to acquire the precise number of agents needed for decreased staff expenditures. The BPO partner can recommend suitable third-party team sizes for specific duties to enhance productivity and reduce operating expenses.
- Hybrid setup. Scalability spreads cybersecurity activities between the service provider and the in-house IT support team to strengthen your Phoenix e-commerce enterprise in the digital landscape. Third-party professionals manage the operations when your internal staff is unavailable. This means 24/7 network monitoring and incident response.
More Focus on Customer Service to Gain Customer Loyalty
Delegating cybersecurity processes to solidify your Phoenix e-commerce company in the digital landscape means the BPO provider handles all online attacks. It assures you and lets you concentrate more on improving customer service.
Total focus allows your e-commerce sales and service teams to consistently deliver excellent customer experiences (CX). CX is the buyer’s whole experience with your online store. It encompasses every interaction, from the shopper’s first product purchase to returns and refunds, which all contribute to establishing a loyal and satisfied customer base.
Below are some perks of better CX when you have worry-free and secured Phoenix e-commerce transactions in the digital landscape:
- Enhanced brand image. More CX activities help the organization differentiate itself from its competitors. A strong brand image allows a product or service to gain an industry edge. It also gives the organization the potential to improve its market position.
- More favorable feedback. Positive experiences to promote brand loyalty are one advantage when achieving solid Phoenix e-commerce operations in the digital landscape. Customers return to your e-commerce store to buy more or new items, leading to higher customer retention and reduced marketing costs.
- Higher sales. Focusing on CX activities can translate to more sales. A better shopping experience results in more purchases. Shoppers may also share their excellent encounters with your service, attracting new customers to your store.
Best Practices When Outsourcing Cybersecurity Processes
Use the following tips when outsourcing cybersecurity functions to secure your Phoenix e-commerce company in the digital landscape:
Assess Prospective Outsourcing Partners
Prioritize evaluating potential service providers. You will entrust your future partner with confidential and critical business and customer information. Screening each prospect and determining its degree of safety and security is vital.
Use these pointers to vet BPO providers:
- Check industry experience. Look for a third-party provider well-versed in your sector. Inquire about the prospect’s records, project backgrounds, and the team’s credentials. Also, connect with previous and present clients to obtain their experience collaborating with the service provider.
- Validate technical expertise. Favor prospects that can provide compelling answers to your most challenging technical questions, especially those related to cybersecurity, networks, and data management. Ask about their business continuity and disaster recovery strategies for your Phoenix e-commerce firm in the digital landscape.
- Probe physical and digital assets. Check to see if the partners for consideration are technologically equipped. Prefer those with the most recent and dependable IT infrastructure. Their networks must also be interoperable with yours for a seamless connection.
- Review communication and client management procedures. Select prospects that support various communication channels for rapid, smooth, and integrated interactions.
Determine Security Needs
You have concluded that the best option is to outsource cybersecurity operations. Determining the exact data or network protection level your organization needs should be your next step. To avoid overspending, you must adequately match your security needs with your current budget.
Check out the following advice to find the correct degree of cybersecurity protection for Phoenix e-commerce ventures in the digital landscape:
- Analyze the current online security condition. Before transferring cybersecurity functions to a service provider, establish the extent of data protection required. Examine your security configuration thoroughly, from minor to major concerns. Review present internal standards and decide which parts of the systems should remain online.
- Specify security objectives. List the goals and motivations for outsourcing cybersecurity. Is safeguarding online shoppers from data theft or fraud a headache in your operations? Do you want to reduce the number of ransomware events that have affected some of your personnel?
- Work with the BPO partner. Communicate with your service provider. It can provide outsourced customer service tips, cybersecurity advice, and other relevant points to help protect your Phoenix e-commerce functions in the digital landscape.
Develop and Execute a Solid Cybersecurity Agreement
To secure your Phoenix e-commerce enterprise in the digital landscape, draft and approve a BPO contract with data protection terms. It must be as comprehensive as possible to cover every potential cybersecurity issue with recommended solutions. It must also cover compliance with relevant laws and industry guidelines to avoid infractions and costly penalties.
Your BPO partner should be financially or legally responsible for any violation so you maintain a certain level of control over outsourced cybersecurity.
Check out sample data protection and compliance clauses for your IT outsourcing contract:
- Data protection. The BPO Company shall execute and maintain a comprehensive written data safety plan that includes appropriate security measures to protect the personal information of the Company’s workers, directors, officers, and shareholders that the BPO Company manages, archives, and acquires in connection with the outsourced cybersecurity services.
- Data compliance. The BPO Company shall follow the Data Protection Act of 1998 and any other data protection law that may be relevant.
Implement Security Awareness Programs
Launch organization-wide security awareness training to strengthen your Phoenix e-commerce company in the digital landscape. This initiative considerably helps in preventing and managing cybersecurity attacks and data intrusions. Educating all workers about online threats and how to avert them can minimize human errors and negligence.
Adopt the following methods for effective security awareness training:
- Involve all staff. Managers and executives are just some team members who benefit from security awareness training. Participants should also include in-house staff and third-party personnel (e.g., data encoders, technical support agents, and customer service representatives) to cover all bases.
- Learn the fundamentals. Assist all participants in understanding and recalling the basic principles of data security. These guidelines include password security rules and efforts versus phishing, scamming, and ransomware.
- Put learning to the test. Short assessments, simulations, and group games effectively test workers’ knowledge. After the session, you and the BPO provider should assess if security awareness has improved or remained unchanged. Additionally, training should be performed regularly.
Encrypt Confidential Information
Capitalize on data encryption to safeguard your Phoenix e-commerce operations in the digital landscape. This step protects the company against unlawful and unethical use of information by internal and external threat actors.
Discover some data encryption techniques for your Phoenix e-commerce company below.
- List the files to encrypt. Decide which data is most important to safeguard. Client and customer identities, contact information, bank accounts, credit card numbers, and bank accounts must be encrypted first.
- Limit information access. Users can receive encryption keys depending on their needs. Control access to the files. Employee information, for example, should only be accessible to personnel in the human resources unit. Yet, your personnel staff must not have access to the employees’ financial information.
- Make a backup plan. In the event of accidental deletion or fraud, ensure you can recover the files or keys to encrypt the data. Prepare a backup of all decryption keys and information. Separate the decryption codes from your backup. This helps reinforce your Phoenix e-commerce organization in the digital landscape.
The Bottom Line
At this point, you should better understand why you need to secure your e-commerce business, the benefits of outsourcing cybersecurity processes instead of doing them internally, and helpful ways to delegate your online security operations.
As part of the outsourcing strategy, your company and the BPO provider must integrate dynamic and flexible cybersecurity systems and policies in your e-commerce operations. The reason is that hacking and data intrusion methods evolve. Require all workers to participate.
