Ecommerce Security & Compliance: Safeguarding B2B Transactions in 2025

Written By Joshua Warren

B2B eCommerce security in 2025 is more important than ever. By the end of the year, 80% of B2B sales will be conducted onlinenconstructor.com. That’s a massive digital shift – and with it comes massive responsibility to keep those transactions safe. In B2B, a single order can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars and involve sensitive contract terms. These high stakes make B2B eCommerce platforms a prime target for cybercriminals. B2B transactions often contain sensitive pricing, contracts, and financial data that must be zealously protected to maintain client trustconstructor.com.

At the same time, cyber threats are escalating. Ninety percent of companies say their cybersecurity risk increased in the last year pymnts.com. Global eCommerce fraud is surging too – losses were an estimated $41 billion in 2022 and are projected to exceed $48 billion in 2023 b2b.mastercard.com. The cost of a breach is staggering (the average breach now costs about $4.9 million ibm.com), not to mention the reputational damage that can permanently erode hard-won B2B client relationships. In this climate, security and compliance aren’t “IT problems” – they’re mission-critical business issues. If your B2B eCommerce site goes down from an attack or leaks data, large contracts and customer trust are on the line.

So how do you safeguard B2B transactions in 2025? First, it’s important to understand the major security and compliance concerns facing B2B eCommerce businesses today. Then, we’ll dive into a 5-step checklist of actionable measures you can take this quarter to boost your security. Let’s get into it.

Major Security & Compliance Concerns for B2B eCommerce

B2B eCommerce comes with unique security challenges. Here are the biggest areas to watch:

  • Data Breaches: A data breach is every eCommerce manager’s nightmare. Breaches can result from malware infections, SQL injection attacks, or employee account takeovers – any opening that hackers exploit to steal data. The fallout is costly: lost revenue during downtime, breach notification expenses, potential lawsuits, and loss of customer confidence. The global average breach costs nearly $5M now ibm.com, and it could be even higher for B2B firms due to larger deal sizes. Preventing breaches (and detecting any intrusion fast) needs to be a top priority.

  • Payment Security & PCI DSS Compliance: If you accept credit card payments on your site, you must adhere to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). PCI DSS provides a baseline of technical and operational requirements to protect payment data pcisecuritystandards.org. In practice, that means things like using strong encryption for cardholder data, never storing sensitive authentication data, and having proper network firewalls. Compliance isn’t optional – failing to meet PCI standards can lead to heavy fines and even losing the ability to process cards. More importantly, compliance drastically reduces the risk of payment data breaches. Secure payment processing is non-negotiable for B2B eCommerce constructor.com. Larger transaction values in B2B mean a lapse could be disastrous.

  • Data Privacy (GDPR, CCPA, etc.): B2B sellers often handle personal data – whether it’s a client contact’s information or end-customer data passed through. Regulations like the EU’s GDPR and California’s CCPA give individuals strong rights over their data and impose strict rules on businesses. GDPR in particular has teeth: failure to comply can mean fines up to €20 million or 4% of global turnover europa.eu (whichever is higher). These laws require you to protect personal data, be transparent about its use, and honor deletion or access requests. For B2B, you may be dealing with contacts across many regions, so you need to know the rules that apply. Non-compliance can result not just in fines, but in lost business – many companies will only partner with vendors who meet data protection standards. Protect privacy as rigorously as you do security.

  • Integration & API Vulnerabilities: B2B eCommerce platforms rarely operate in isolation. You’re likely integrating with ERP systems, CRMs, payment gateways, shipping providers, maybe even client procurement systems. Each integration – often via APIs – is a potential entry point for attackers if not secured properly. Ensuring secure ERP integration in B2B environments is critical to avoid creating a backdoor into your data. That means using strong API authentication (keys, tokens), IP whitelisting, and encryption for data in transit. It also means limiting what data each integration can access (principle of least privilege). Many big breaches now originate from API weaknesses or third-party integrations. In fact, over half of organizations have experienced an API-related data breach in the past two years cybersecurity-insiders.com. A composable, integrated commerce architecture is great for flexibility, but it demands vigilant security on every connection.

These concerns make it clear that B2B eCommerce security and compliance is a multifaceted challenge – from technical safeguards to legal requirements. The good news is there are concrete steps you can take to address each of these areas. Below is a five-step checklist of practical actions you can start right now to significantly improve your security posture.

Actionable 5-Step Checklist to Boost Ecommerce Security This Quarter

1. Enable and fully leverage Adobe Commerce’s built-in security features (firewalls, WAF, admin ACLs). Make sure you’re using all the security tools at your disposal on your eCommerce platform. If you’re on Adobe Commerce (Magento), that means turning on its built-in Web Application Firewall (WAF) and configuring it properly. Adobe Commerce’s cloud infrastructure includes a managed WAF powered by Fastly, which filters out malicious traffic based on known threat patterns experienceleague.adobe.com. This can automatically block a wide range of attacks – SQL injection, cross-site scripting, malware uploads – before they hit your site. Verify with your hosting provider or Adobe support that your WAF is active and tuned. Next, lock down your admin panel and backend: use a custom admin URL (not /admin), set up IP allowlisting or VPN access for the admin if possible, and enforce strong unique passwords. Most importantly, follow the principle of least privilege with admin accounts. Give each user the minimum access needed for their role – Adobe Commerce lets you configure fine-grained Admin ACL (access control lists) for this. For example, your content editor shouldn’t have access to payment settings. Limiting privileges minimizes damage if an account is compromised experienceleague.adobe.com. Additionally, enable CAPTCHA on login pages and consider rate-limiting or IP blocking to thwart brute force attacks. These built-in features are low-hanging fruit; it’s critical to actually turn them on and configure them correctly. If you’re not sure how, work with your developers or a security-focused agency. (At Creatuity, we ensure every Adobe Commerce build has these defenses in place from day one.) Taking full advantage of your platform’s security features creates a strong first line of defense.

2. Commit to regular patching and updates (stay current, or use Adobe’s SaaS auto-update model). One of the simplest ways to get hacked is running outdated software. Many attacks succeed by exploiting vulnerabilities that have already been fixed in later updates. Don’t give attackers that opportunity. Keep your eCommerce software, extensions, and server OS up to date at all times. Adobe releases security patches for Adobe Commerce on a routine basis (usually quarterly, with hotfixes as needed). Make it a habit to apply those patches as soon as they come out experience league. Adobe.com If you’re using open-source Magento, follow the Magento release announcements. For Adobe Commerce Cloud customers, take advantage of any tool that alerts you to new patches (Adobe’s Security Scan service can notify you of available updates experienceleague.adobe.com). Even better, Adobe Commerce has introduced a new “versionless” SaaS cloud model where the platform is always up to date for you – no more manual upgrades. With this cloud service, retailers are automatically kept on the latest version with all security patches applied by Adobe ranosys.com. In other words, Adobe handles the heavy lifting of updates so you don’t fall behind. Whether you’re on that model or not, you must also update any custom code or third-party integrations regularly. Designate a consistent patch schedule (e.g. monthly or quarterly maintenance windows) and stick to it. It helps to have a partner responsible for this; for instance, Creatuity prioritizes managed updates for our clients, applying patches often within days of release. The faster you patch, the smaller your window of vulnerability. Bottom line: update, update, update – it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent breaches.

3. Enforce two-factor authentication (2FA) for all admin users. If you do only one thing to secure user accounts, do this. Two-factor authentication adds an extra one-time code (from a mobile app or SMS) on top of the password for login. It’s a simple step that stops the vast majority of automated account hacks. Why? Even if an attacker steals or guesses an admin password, they can’t get in without that second factor. Adobe Commerce has built-in support for 2FA on admin accounts and even requires it by default on newer versions experienceleague.adobe.com. Make sure every single person with admin access is using 2FA, no exceptions. This includes developers, integrators, or anyone with an account on your eCommerce backend. It only takes a few minutes for each user to set up a 2FA app (like Google Authenticator or Authy), and it dramatically improves security. Yes, it’s an extra step at login, but admins don’t log in that often – and the trade-off in protection is absolutely worth it. Many high-profile breaches start with an admin credential compromise. 2FA renders those credentials almost useless to attackers. Along with 2FA, remind your team never to reuse passwords and ideally use a password manager. At Creatuity, we mandate 2FA on all client sites we manage because we’ve seen how effective it is. It’s one of the cheapest, easiest security wins, so deploy it everywhere you can (including other systems like your ERP, CRM, or any SaaS tools connected to your store). Your future self will thank you.

4. Conduct regular security audits and penetration tests. You can’t fix what you don’t know is broken. Regular security audits – both automated and human – are essential for finding vulnerabilities in your eCommerce environment before the bad guys do. Aim to conduct a thorough security audit at least annually, and ideally once a quarter given the pace of new threats. This should include code reviews (to spot things like SQL injection flaws or unsafe file upload functions), configuration checks, and vulnerability scanning of your site and servers. Equally important is penetration testing: hiring security professionals to simulate attacks on your system. They will use the same techniques hackers would, probing your site for weaknesses. Pen testers often discover logic flaws or edge cases that automated scanners miss. According to the latest PCI DSS 4.0 standard, businesses handling credit cards must do internal and external pen tests at least once a year and after any major changesdatadome.co – so consider that the bare minimum datadome.co. Many experts recommend quarterly scans and annual pen tests for eCommerce. If you had a significant code update or integration, do an extra test afterward. Also, don’t neglect simple things like regularly reviewing user access logs and setting up intrusion detection alerts. If something does slip through, you want to catch it fast. In practice, it helps to partner with specialists for this. Our team at Creatuity conducts routine security audits for the stores we build, and we work with certified third-party auditors for independent penetration tests. The outcome of each audit is a report of concrete fixes – maybe a misconfigured server setting, an outdated library, or overly permissive admin access – which we then resolve. By proactively auditing and testing, you stay one step ahead of attackers and continuously strengthen your defenses. It’s an ongoing process, but it’s far better than waiting until after an incident to find out where your weaknesses are.

5. Ensure compliance with accessibility and data regulations (ADA/WCAG, GDPR, CCPA, etc.). Security isn’t just about keeping hackers out; it’s also about following rules that protect your users and your business. Two key compliance areas to focus on are web accessibility and data protection:

  • ADA/WCAG Web Accessibility: Make your B2B storefront usable for all customers, including those with disabilities, by adhering to accessibility standards. In practice, this means following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at the AA level (the current widely accepted standard for accessibility). Ensure things like proper alt text on images, form labels, keyboard navigation support, sufficient color contrast, and captioning/transcripts for multimedia. Why does this matter for security/compliance? First, it expands your potential customer base and provides an equal experience – which is simply the right thing to do. But also, lack of accessibility has become a legal risk. In 2023, more than 4,600 ADA web accessibility lawsuits were filed in the U.S. against companies large and small adasitecompliance.com. E-commerce websites are a common target for these suits. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) doesn’t explicitly list technical standards for web pages, but the U.S. Department of Justice has indicated that WCAG 2.1 Level AA is an appropriate benchmarkada.gov. In other words, if your site meets WCAG 2.1 AA, you’re likely in good shape compliance-wise. If it doesn’t, you’re exposed to demand letters or lawsuits for discrimination. Don’t wait for that to happen – conduct an accessibility audit now (there are free browser plugins that catch many issues) and fix what’s needed. Treat accessibility fixes with the same urgency as security patches. It’s part of being a trustworthy, compliant online business.

  • Data Protection (GDPR, CCPA, etc.): Know the data privacy laws that apply to your customer base and make sure your practices align. If you have any users or clients in the European Union, GDPR is a big one. GDPR mandates strict controls on personal data usage, storage, and consent. You should only collect what you need, use it for stated purposes, and protect it from unauthorized access. Under GDPR, individuals can request copies of their data or ask to delete it, and you must comply in a timely manner. The law has serious penalties – up to 4% of global annual revenue for major violations europa.eu. Even for smaller infractions, fines can be steep and enforcement has been increasing year over year. Meanwhile, in the U.S., California’s CCPA (and the updated CPRA) gives residents similar rights to know, delete, or opt out of the sale of their personal information. Other states are following with their own laws. For a B2B site, “personal data” might include your customers’ employees (user accounts on your site), newsletter subscribers, or even tracking data from site analytics. Make sure you have a clear privacy policy and cookie policy. Implement a consent banner if required (for example, EU cookie consent). Provide a way for users to contact you about their data, and have a process to respond. Also, secure that data – many privacy laws overlap with security requirements (like needing to encrypt personal data and disclose breaches). If you’re following the earlier steps (patching, access control, etc.), you’re already reducing the chance of a data leak, which is crucial for compliance. Finally, ensure any third-party services or integrations you use (marketing platforms, CRMs, etc.) are also compliant – remember, under laws like GDPR, you are responsible for how your partners handle the personal data you share with them. Compliance may not be glamorous, but it will save you from legal headaches and build confidence with your clients. Plus, once your site is both accessible and privacy-compliant, you can proudly highlight that in sales conversations as a competitive advantage.

By focusing on both security measures (steps 1–4) and compliance measures (step 5), you create a holistic shield around your B2B eCommerce business. These efforts go hand in hand – for example, keeping software updated (step 2) helps prevent data breaches that could cause GDPR violations, and accessibility improvements (step 5) can enhance site usability for everyone. It’s all part of being a mature, trustworthy online B2B vendor.

Conclusion: No Time to Wait on Security

The rising importance of B2B eCommerce in 2025 means security and compliance can’t be an afterthought. Threats are growing, and so are the expectations from clients and regulators. The good news is that by taking action now – following the checklist above – you can dramatically reduce your risk. Each of the five steps is doable with a modest investment of time and resources, especially when compared to the cost of a security failure or compliance penalty.

Remember, security is an ongoing process, not a one-and-done project. It might feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to tackle everything at once. Start with the basics (like enabling 2FA and applying any outstanding patches) and build from there. In our experience at Creatuity, making security a habit – part of your regular website operations – is the key. We prioritize security and compliance in every Adobe Commerce project through managed updates, routine audits, and development practices that bake in protections from the ground up. The result is Adobe Commerce compliance with industry standards and peace of mind for our clients.

B2B eCommerce is booming, and with the right security posture, you can seize that growth safely. Use the next quarter to implement these steps. Assign owners, set deadlines, and get it done. Your future self (and your customers) will thank you. In an era of larger transactions and heightened cyber threats, a secure and compliant eCommerce platform isn’t just prudent – it’s a competitive advantage. So strengthen your defenses now, and move forward with confidence that your B2B transactions are safeguarded in 2025 and beyond.

Stay safe, stay compliant, and happy selling!

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Joshua Warren
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