E-Business Security and Control

Taherdoost, Hamed

doi:10.1007/978-3-031-39626-7_5

Hamed Taherdoost^3,4

Part of the book series: EAI/Springer Innovations in Communication and Computing ((EAISICC))

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Abstract

E-business has revolutionized how companies conduct business, bringing numerous benefits such as cost savings, increased efficiency, and global reach. However, with the advantages come challenges, particularly in security and control. This chapter will discuss the various threats faced by e-businesses, as well as strategies for ensuring their security and control. First, an overview of e-business security and control will be provided, examining the different security threats faced by organizations conducting business online. Next, this chapter will delve into the specific threats to e-business security and control, such as hacking, phishing, malware, and denial of service attacks. It will also explore the consequences of these threats, including financial losses, reputational damage, and legal liabilities. To combat these threats, various strategies that e-businesses can adopt to ensure their security and control will be discussed. These strategies include implementing strong passwords, using encryption and firewalls, conducting regular security audits, and providing employee training on security best practices. Additionally, this chapter will examine the role of government regulations and industry standards in promoting e-business security and control. Finally, the legal and ethical considerations in e-business security and control will be addressed. E-businesses need to comply with various laws and regulations, including data privacy and protection laws, intellectual property laws, and consumer protection laws. Ethical considerations also come into play, such as balancing the need for security with customers’ privacy rights.

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Authors and Affiliations

Department of Arts, Communications and Social Sciences, University Canada West, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Hamed Taherdoost
Hamta Business Corporation, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Hamed Taherdoost

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Hamed Taherdoost
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Appendices

Summary

Introduction to E-Business Security and Control:

Definition: E-business security refers to the measures and practices implemented to protect electronic transactions, information, and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction.
Importance: With the increasing reliance on digital platforms for conducting business, ensuring security and control is crucial to safeguard sensitive data, maintain trust, and prevent financial losses.

Threats to E-Business Security and Control:

(A)
External Threats
1. 1.
  Malware: Malicious software designed to infiltrate, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems.
2. 2.
  Phishing: Deceptive tactics, often through emails or websites, trick users into revealing sensitive information.
3. 3.
  Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks: Overwhelming a system or network with excessive traffic, rendering it inaccessible to legitimate users.
4. 4.
  Hacking: Unauthorized intrusion into computer systems or networks to gain access, steal information, or disrupt operations.
(B)
Internal Threats
1. 1.
  Insider Threats: Employees or insiders with privileged access who misuse or intentionally harm the organization’s resources or data
2. 2.
  Social Engineering: Manipulating individuals into divulging confidential information or performing actions compromising security
3. 3.
  Data Leakage: Unintentional or intentional unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information

Strategies for Ensuring E-Business Security and Control:

(A)
Strong Authentication and Access Controls
- Implementing multifactor authentication, secure passwords, and role-based access controls to prevent unauthorized access
(B)
Secure Communication and Data Encryption
- Using secure protocols (e.g., SSL/TLS) and encryption to protect data during transmission and storage, ensuring confidentiality and integrity
(C)
Regular Security Audits and Updates
- Conducting regular assessments of security measures, identifying vulnerabilities, and promptly applying patches and updates to software and systems
(D)
Employee Training and Awareness
- Educating employees about security best practices, identifying potential threats, and promoting a security-conscious culture

Legal and Ethical Considerations in E-Business Security and Control:

(A)
Compliance with Data Protection Regulations
- Adhering to applicable laws and regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), to protect customer data and privacy
(B)
Ethical Handling of Data
- Respecting customer privacy, obtaining informed consent for data collection, and ensuring secure storage and proper usage of personal information
(C)
Intellectual Property Rights Protection
- Safeguarding digital assets, trade secrets, trademarks, and copyrights from unauthorized use, reproduction, or theft

Case Study

The XYZ Corporation is an online retailer that carries an assortment of products. Over the past several years, the company’s customer base and sales have expanded substantially. Due to its expansion, however, XYZ Corporation has become a prominent target for cyberattacks and data intrusions. Concerned about the security and control of their e-commerce activities, the management team desires to analyze extant practices and develop plans to ensure the security and protection of consumer data. They have hired a consulting team to thoroughly evaluate their e-business security and control procedures.

1.
Determine potential vulnerabilities in the e-business systems and networks of XYZ Corporation, considering the company’s unique business model and activities. How might cyberattackers exploit these vulnerabilities?
2.
Evaluate the importance of security and control in e-commerce for the XYZ Company. How would a significant security breach impact the company’s reputation, consumer trust, and financial performance?
3.
Examine the evolution of e-business security and control over time and how they have adapted to new threats. What emerging technologies and trends can XYZ Corporation use to enhance the security and control of its e-business?
4.
Based on best practices, recommend specific solutions for XYZ Corporation to protect its e-business systems and networks. How can businesses effectively integrate security measures and a consistent user experience?
5.
Evaluate the legal and ethical considerations that XYZ Corporation should have regarding e-business security and control. What are the potential legal and ethical repercussions if they fail to protect consumer data or use transparent security measures adequately?

Discussion

1.
What is e-business security and control, and how does it differ from traditional security and control measures?
2.
What are some examples of e-business security threats that businesses should be aware of?
3.
Why is it essential for businesses to prioritize security and control in their e-business operations?
4.
How has the evolution of e-business impacted security and control measures over time?
5.
What are some common threats to e-business security, and how do they differ from traditional security threats?
6.
How can businesses identify potential vulnerabilities in their e-business systems?
7.
What are some high-profile security breaches that have occurred in recent years, and what impact have they had on businesses and consumers?
8.
How can businesses protect themselves from cyberattacks and other e-business security threats?
9.
What are some best practices for securing e-business systems and networks?
10.
How can businesses implement security protocols and procedures to protect their e-business operations?
11.
What role does encryption and other security technologies play in ensuring e-business security and control?
12.
How can businesses stay up-to-date with the latest security and control measures for e-business?
13.
What laws and regulations are relevant to e-business security and control, and how do they impact businesses?
14.
What ethical considerations should businesses take into account when implementing security and control measures for e-business?
15.
What are some examples of companies that have faced legal or ethical consequences for inadequate e-business security measures?
16.
How can businesses balance the need for security and control with user privacy and transparency in their e-business operations?

Multiple-Choice Questions

1.
What is e-business security and control?
1. (a)
  Ensuring physical security of e-commerce websites
2. (b)
  Protecting electronic transactions and data from unauthorized access
3. (c)
  Monitoring employee productivity in online businesses
4. (d)
  Preventing online advertising fraud
2.
Why is security and control important in e-business?
1. (a)
  To prevent competitors from accessing sensitive information
2. (b)
  To comply with legal and ethical standards
3. (c)
  To increase website traffic and conversion rates
4. (d)
  To minimize the risk of financial loss and reputation damage
3.
How has e-business security and control evolved over time?
1. (a)
  It has become less important due to advancements in technology.
2. (b)
  It has shifted focus from physical security to virtual security.
3. (c)
  It has become more expensive and complex to implement.
4. (d)
  It has remained unchanged since the inception of e-business.
4.
What are common threats to e-business security?
1. (a)
  Competition from other online businesses
2. (b)
  Loss of customer trust and confidence
3. (c)
  Server downtime and website errors
4. (d)
  Cyberattacks and data breaches
5.
Which of the following is a potential vulnerability in e-business systems?
1. (a)
  Strong encryption methods
2. (b)
  Regular software updates and patches
3. (c)
  Weak passwords and authentication mechanisms
4. (d)
  Multifactor authentication
6.
Which of the following is an example of a high-profile security breach?
1. (a)
  Facebook’s Cambridge Analytica scandal
2. (b)
  Amazon’s acquisition of Whole Foods
3. (c)
  Apple’s introduction of Face ID
4. (d)
  Google’s search algorithm update
7.
What are best practices for securing e-business systems and networks?
1. (a)
  Sharing passwords among employees to simplify access
2. (b)
  Regularly backing up data and storing it off-site
3. (c)
  Allowing unrestricted access to sensitive information
4. (d)
  Disabling firewalls and antivirus software
8.
What is the purpose of implementing security protocols and procedures?
1. (a)
  To complicate the user experience and deter potential customers
2. (b)
  To ensure compliance with industry regulations
3. (c)
  To increase operational costs and reduce profitability
4. (d)
  To protect against unauthorized access and data breaches
9.
Which security technology is commonly used to protect data during transmission?
1. (a)
  Firewall
2. (b)
  VPN (virtual private network)
3. (c)
  Intrusion detection system (IDS)
4. (d)
  Antivirus software
10.
What are relevant laws and regulations in e-business security and control?
1. (a)
  Intellectual property laws
2. (b)
  Environmental protection laws
3. (c)
  Employment and labor laws
4. (d)
  Data protection and privacy laws
11.
What ethical consideration is important in e-business security and control?
1. (a)
  Maximizing profits at any cost
2. (b)
  Ensuring transparency and user consent
3. (c)
  Exploiting customer data for targeted advertising
4. (d)
  Obstructing access to competitor websites
12.
Inadequate security measures can lead to:
1. (a)
  Increased customer loyalty and trust
2. (b)
  Enhanced brand reputation and public image
3. (c)
  Legal and ethical consequences
4. (d)
  Higher conversion rates and sales
13.
Which law or regulation aims to protect personal data and privacy in the European Union?
1. (a)
  HIPAA
2. (b)
  CCPA
3. (c)
  GDPR
4. (d)
  FERPA
14.
Which of the following is an example of a case where a company faced legal consequences for inadequate security measures?
1. (a)
  Equifax data breach
2. (b)
  Amazon’s acquisition of Whole Foods
3. (c)
  Google’s search algorithm update
4. (d)
  Apple’s introduction of Face ID
15.
Which ethical consideration is important when collecting customer data for e-business?
1. (a)
  Sharing customer data with third parties without consent
2. (b)
  Providing customers with clear and accessible privacy policies
3. (c)
  Exploiting customer data for targeted advertising without disclosure
4. (d)
  Using deceptive practices to obtain customer data

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Taherdoost, H. (2023). E-Business Security and Control. In: E-Business Essentials. EAI/Springer Innovations in Communication and Computing. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-39626-7_5

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-39626-7_5
Published: 05 September 2023
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-031-39625-0
Online ISBN: 978-3-031-39626-7
eBook Packages: Intelligent Technologies and RoboticsIntelligent Technologies and Robotics (R0)

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