The question that was asked was: What are the major limitations on the growth of e-commerce? Which is potentially the toughest to overcome? Her, the student Stephanies response or answer (post) to that question is below.
While there are several advantages to using e-commerce, the largest set back would have to be cyber security. In a world that relies so heavily on the internet to conduct business, just one hacker can destroy a company. When considering e-commerce, it is essential to make sure all precautions are taken to prevent any cyber-attacks from hackers. In order to provide the most secure protection, there needs to be a multi-tiered strategy for this client-server environment. This is to provide a business with a lower risk of threats by limiting the secondary and tertiary parties involved. The first piece of this strategy is to protect the client/customer. This can be done by making sure the client's computer programs are updated and that they have access to software to prevent viruses, malware, and spyware. What a business can do is develop a program that provides quick scans of the client's programs and immediately detect any possible threats among their systems. This can also be done by outsourcing to certified safe networks (such as Paypal) to further reduce risk, and provide the client/customer with a sense of security when working with your company.
The second tier of this plan is to protect the server. Like the client, this can be done by making sure all software is up to date and complete in protecting against viruses, malware, and spyware. Another way to protect the server is to consistently reset passwords (every 30-90 days) and to make sure all parties privy to the main server use the space only for work-related operations.
The third tier to ensure protection is to protect the networks. This can be done by keeping the servers up to date, as well as making sure that the latest firewalls are in place to prevent hackers from entering the network.
Finally, the last tier of this plan is to ensure physical security. While e-business is done electronically, one of the easiest ways to upset a system can come from within the company itself. Be extremely restrictive with server information by only permitting necessary employers access to "administrative" roles within the server and networks. Another thing a manager can do is to make sure foot traffic in and out of the building/area is monitored and only those needed are able to enter. A manager also needs to make sure that all computers and programs are shut down ( or password protected) when an employee is not at his/her desk. If it is a solo operation, make sure no one has access to your computer (even close friends) and keep all business information on a separate hard drive under lock and key.