Securing Online Transactions with Best Practices and Quality Engineering

Since the first legitimate instance of an online transaction in August 1994, the world of online transactions has evolved exponentially. The convenience and efficiency offered by online transactions today are unparalleled. The ease of handling our finances with just a few clicks seems like a fairy tale.

However, the risks of security breaches, identity thefts, and cyberattacks are also soaring with the increasing number of online transactions.

Apart from the best security practices that we must follow to keep our online transactions secure, Quality Assurance Engineers play an essential role in making sure that our application itself is secured by implementing rigorous testing mechanisms and validations to mitigate security threats.

QA Teams simulate real-world scenarios for the applications to test their integrity to make sure that the applications hold up well against such threats and breaches.

In this article, we will go through some of the best practices that we must follow while performing online transactions.

We will also go through some of the battle-tested techniques implemented by Quality Engineers to ensure that our applications are safe while performing online transactions.

Table of Content

1. Best practices for secure online transactions
2. Role of Quality Testing in Safeguarding our online transactions
3. QAble has proven to be a beacon of trust and security in the realm of online transactions
4. FAQs

Best practices for secure online transactions

#1 Using strong passwords:

This is one of the most effective techniques to keep our online transactions secure. Most businesses have their own set of rules to follow while setting up passwords when we log in to the application.

The rules usually ask us to create or use a password consisting of a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Another thing to keep in mind is that we must use different passwords for different applications for maximum security so that even if a single account is compromised, others are marked safe.

#2 Enabling Two-Factor Authentication:

With the rise of online frauds, identity thefts, and security breaches, even if a user’s password has been compromised or leaked, Two-Factor Authentication helps to stop unauthorized access and prevents bad actors from putting our payment method or account at risk. This authentication is usually SMS-based, which adds a secondary layer of security to our transactions.

#3 One-Time-Password for Authentication:

This is another method of authentication that can be seen implemented in online transaction/payment applications.

Doing transactions with this layer of security lets us perform online transactions/payments based on OTP received on only the registered devices or email accounts. Also, the OTPs are valid for a short duration making them unusable after the fixed time, ensuring the security of our transaction.

#4 Checking for SSL Certificate:

We need to make sure that the website where we are performing online transactions must contain the SSL certificate. It's a padlock icon attached to the website's address or domain name that must start with https:// instead of http://.

This ensures that information like credit card numbers, credentials, or any other sensitive pieces of information are sent over the network in an encrypted format. This makes for a secure online transaction.

#5 Using Trusted Applications:

The internet is flooded with innumerable apps through which we can perform online transactions. We must make sure that we only download or use apps/software that are known to us.

While performing transactions on new applications, we must research them first. Checking for application ratings and online reviews from the users helps us decide the credibility of such apps.

#6 Avoid using Public Wifi Networks:

Using a WiFi connection that is unknown to us while performing online transactions can pose a security risk as well. Hackers and bad actors can exploit vulnerabilities and pose a security threat using public Wifi networks.  VPN services are a good option to mask your IP address while performing online transactions using public WiFi Networks.

#7 Staying Away from Clicking Unknown Links:

We should avoid clicking any unknown links over the internet or links posing as some freebies on our emails, chat apps, and messages. This technique is widely used by scammers to lure users into making fraudulent transactions.

Role of Quality Testing in Safeguarding our online transactions

Quality Assurance Engineers play a pivotal role in our defense by protecting us and our applications from online security threats. The QA Teams make sure that our applications are safe enough by performing comprehensive tests and quality checks to secure us against bad actors.

Also Read: Software Tester Roles and Responsibilities: A Detailed Overview

Below are some of the critical areas on which the QA Teams focus for safeguarding our online transactions:

• Identifying Vulnerabilities and Threats: QA Teams subject applications’ networks, hardware, and software to comprehensive and rigorous testing. This helps to identify and resolve potential vulnerabilities and security loopholes that expose the application to cybercriminals and fraudsters for exploitation. The early detection and resolution of such issues help in safeguarding our online transactions.
• Ensuring Compliance with Security Standards: QA Teams ensure that our application follows the security guidelines and remains compliant with the defined regulatory standards when it comes to online transactions.
  Security standards and regulatory frameworks, namely PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) and GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), have provided these guidelines to secure online privacy and transactions. QA Teams test applications for their compliance with these industry standards making our online transactions safe.
• Threat Detection and Mitigation: QA and Software Testing teams simulate scenarios for the application to mimic real-world attacks. This helps in detecting the weaknesses and vulnerabilities of the application that could have been overlooked during the development phase.
  Additionally, this enables the QA teams to counter such threats by taking necessary precautions to mitigate the risk to make online transactions secure for users.
• User Experience and Trust: While performing online transactions, users expect a smooth, error-free, and responsive experience. Apart from security tests, QA Teams make sure that the entire user experience is seamless while performing online transactions.
  By eliminating bugs, glitches, and optimizing performance, QA Teams aim at building a trustworthy relationship with the users. This instills confidence in customers while conducting online transactions.
• Continuous Monitoring and Regular Security Updates: The QA Teams make sure that the applications are continuously monitored during online transactions. They keep track of the activities and behavior of the application to keep an eye on potential security risks. They are also responsible for keeping the applications updated and fixing the bugs as soon as possible, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.
• Incident Response and Recovery: In the case of any security issues, the QA Teams take charge and handle those in the shortest possible timeframe. Their expertise in identifying and implementing recovery measures to minimize the disruption in online transactions is very critical in these applications.
  QA Team’s swift response helps in restoring the system’s security and builds trust with users when it comes to providing online transaction services.

QAble has proven to be a beacon of trust and security in the realm of online transactions

By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and employing meticulous testing mechanisms, QAble is committed to making sure that your online transactions and exchanges are fortified with the best digital defenses.

Listed below are some of the invaluable and diligent methods implemented by QAble to ensure your safety while you go forward with your online transactions:

• Rigorous Testing and Validation: The expert Engineers at QAble meticulously analyze the scope and horizons of your software by subjecting it to thorough testing and validating the functionalities. These testing mechanisms expose the vulnerabilities and shortcomings of your software which can be rectified promptly, delivering a seamless experience while transacting online.
• Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing: By emulating the strategies used by hackers and bad actors, the QAble Team makes sure that your application holds up well in real-world scenarios while users perform online transactions. With the aid of advanced penetration testing techniques, we also provide a comprehensive evaluation of your application’s or system’s security, assess potential vulnerabilities, and enable proactive measures against potential threats.

Also Read: What is Penetration Testing and How Does It Work?

• Compliance and Regulatory Adherence: The QAble Team makes sure that your application follows the best practices and complies with industry standards. QAble Teams understands the importance of adhering to industry standards by aligning your application with relevant frameworks for safe and secure transactions. By following such strict guidelines, your organization instills confidence in your product, partners, users, and regulatory bodies.
• Continuous Monitoring and Threat Intelligence: QAble recognizes the need for constant vigilance. Our proactive monitoring and threat intelligence services keep a watchful eye on your online transaction environment, detecting any suspicious activities or emerging threats. This enables swift response and mitigation, safeguarding your transactions from potential breaches.
• Security Awareness Training: QAble provides comprehensive training to its members. They make sure that the entire team follows strict guidelines when it comes to the quality of the product and deliverables. This ensures the security and safety of your online transactions through continuous improvement at all phases of development, testing, and deployment.
• Incident Response and Recovery: In case of an unfortunate event with your application, the experienced teams at QAble swiftly identify the root cause, contain the incident, and implement remedial measures, minimizing the impact on your online transactions and swiftly restoring normalcy.

By partnering with QAble, you gain a steadfast ally in the relentless battle against cyber threats. Our unwavering commitment to security, comprehensive approach, and industry-leading expertise provide the foundation for a secure online transaction ecosystem.

Trust QAble to protect your digital assets, ensuring peace of mind for you and your customers in an increasingly interconnected world.