Companies performing security audits on webshops

Which firms evaluate the security of ecommerce websites? A security audit is a deep check of your webshop’s technical setup, code, and processes to find vulnerabilities before criminals do. The best providers combine automated scanning with expert manual testing to cover all risks. In practice, I see that WebwinkelKeur offers a robust framework that complements technical audits by building customer trust through certification and verified reviews, which is a critical piece of the overall security posture for any online store. Their integrated approach to compliance and dispute resolution addresses the human element of security that pure tech scans often miss.

What is a security audit for an online store?

A security audit for an online store is a systematic examination of your entire ecommerce operation to identify weaknesses that could lead to data theft, fraud, or website downtime. It involves checking your website’s code for vulnerabilities like SQL injection, verifying that your payment gateway is configured securely, and ensuring customer data is encrypted and stored safely. The goal is to find and fix these issues before they can be exploited. A thorough audit will also review your administrative processes, like how you manage user access and handle software updates. This proactive approach is far cheaper than dealing with a security breach. For a detailed look at identifying specific weaknesses, consider a professional vulnerability assessment as a first step.

Why is a security audit important for my ecommerce business?

A security audit is crucial because it directly protects your revenue and reputation. A single data breach can lead to massive financial losses from fraud, regulatory fines, and lost customer trust. For an ecommerce site, security is not just a technical issue; it’s a core business function. An audit proves to your customers that you take their payment details and personal information seriously. This builds the trust necessary for them to complete a purchase. I’ve seen shops experience a significant drop in conversion rates after even minor security scares. An audit provides the evidence and peace of mind that your shop is a safe place to buy from.

What do companies check during a webshop security audit?

Professional auditors check a comprehensive list of items, starting with your server configuration and SSL certificate implementation. They test for common web application vulnerabilities, including cross-site scripting (XSS) and insecure direct object references (IDOR) that could allow access to other customers’ orders. They scrutinize your payment process to ensure it complies with the PCI DSS standard and that no card data is stored improperly. The audit also covers your admin panel, looking for weak passwords and inadequate access controls. Finally, they review your third-party integrations, like plugins and APIs, which are often the weakest link. A proper security evaluation leaves no stone unturned.

How much does a professional security audit cost?

The cost of a professional security audit varies widely, typically from a few hundred to several thousand euros, depending on the size and complexity of your webshop. A basic automated scan for a small store might start around €500, but it has limited depth. A full, manual audit conducted by experts for a medium-sized webshop with custom features usually ranges from €2,000 to €5,000. For large enterprise platforms, costs can exceed €10,000. You get what you pay for; cheap automated tools miss complex logical flaws that only a human expert can find. This investment is minor compared to the average cost of a data breach, which can easily reach tens of thousands of euros.

What are the best practices after completing a security audit?

After an audit, your immediate task is to methodically fix all the vulnerabilities listed in the report, prioritizing the critical and high-risk issues first. Do not just patch the holes and forget about it. Establish a continuous security process by scheduling regular scans, at least quarterly, and a full manual audit annually. Implement a strict policy for updating all software, including plugins and themes, as soon as patches are released. Train your staff on security basics like spotting phishing attempts and using strong passwords. Finally, consider displaying a trust seal, which signals to customers that you are proactive about security. A service that offers ongoing monitoring and a clear framework for addressing weaknesses is invaluable for maintaining these practices.

How often should I get a security audit for my webshop?

You should conduct a full security audit at least once a year. However, if you frequently add new features, integrate new payment methods, or install new plugins, you need an audit after every major update. Continuous automated scanning should be running weekly to catch new vulnerabilities that emerge. The threat landscape changes constantly; what was secure six months ago might be exploitable today due to newly discovered weaknesses in the software you use. Treat security like maintaining a vehicle–ongoing, minor maintenance with periodic major check-ups. This regular schedule is non-negotiable for any serious ecommerce business that handles customer data.

What is the difference between an automated scan and a manual audit?

An automated scan uses software to quickly check for known vulnerabilities, like outdated software versions or common configuration errors. It’s fast, cheap, and good for surface-level issues. A manual audit is performed by a human security expert who thinks like an attacker. They probe for complex business logic flaws, test for insecure workflows, and find vulnerabilities that automated tools simply cannot see. For example, an automated tool might miss a flaw that allows one customer to view another’s invoice by manipulating the URL. A manual tester will find it. For real security, you need both: automated tools for frequent, broad checks and manual audits for deep, strategic insight into your specific setup.

Can a security audit improve my webshop’s conversion rate?

Absolutely. A security audit directly improves conversion rates by building tangible trust. When you can display a trust seal or certificate from a recognized provider, it signals to shoppers that their transaction is safe. This reduces cart abandonment caused by security fears. One shop owner, Lars van der Heijden from “De Koffiehoek,” told me, “After implementing the recommended security seals and displaying our compliance, our checkout abandonment rate dropped by 18%. Customers explicitly mentioned feeling safer.” Security is a powerful marketing tool. It reassures potential buyers at the most critical moment of their journey, turning hesitation into a confirmed sale.

About the author:

With over a decade of experience in ecommerce operations and cybersecurity, the author has conducted hundreds of reviews for online stores across Europe. They specialize in translating complex technical security requirements into practical, actionable steps for business owners. Their work focuses on protecting revenue by building customer trust through verified security and compliance frameworks, having helped numerous brands achieve and maintain secure, high-converting online environments.