Account security is critical when running an online business.
Regarding account security, you can also take simple but important steps to protect yourself and your business. Use the checklist below to review best practices and tips for online data security.
Protect Your Password
Password exploitation is a common method used by hackers to access accounts. Here are some tips for creating a strong password and keeping it safe:
- Passwords should be at least eight characters long, preferably more.
- Passwords made up of letters, numbers, and special characters are the most secure.
- Try not to use the same password for multiple accounts. A reliable password manager can assist you in keeping track of them all.
- Every six months, you should change your password.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication protects your Etsy account by adding an extra layer of security. When you sign in with two-factor authentication enabled, you must enter your password and a verification code sent to your phone or tablet. This means that even if someone obtains your password, they will still require your physical device to access your account.
Keep Your Financial Information Up to Date
Regularly reviewing your payment and billing details ensures that you are aware of any suspicious or unfamiliar information in your account.
Additionally, ensure that your taxpayer ID is complete and accurate. Periodically reviewing and verifying tax information throughout the year is a good practice for when sellers must file taxes on their earnings. Verifying this information will help to keep your account from being flagged by Etsy’s payment controls, which will result in fewer surprises for you.
Enable Email Notifications for Unusual Activity
It’s critical that you have access to the inbox of the email addresses associated with your account and any custom domains. This not only confirms to us that you have a valid Etsy account when you contact support, but it also means you’ll receive important emails from Etsy about activity alerts (such as logins or account changes) when needed—even if you’re not selling.
It’s also a good idea to restrict account access to only those who truly need to use it. This will safeguard it against unauthorized changes, such as password resets.
Use Etsy Channels for Communicating
Keep in touch with buyers by using Etsy Messages. This allows Etsy Support to assist you if an issue arises with another member. If something doesn’t seem right, we encourage you to ask questions directly to your buyer or through Etsy Support.
Avoid Suspicious Messages
Scammers frequently use a sense of urgency or alarming language to persuade you to share your information as soon as possible. If you receive a message from Etsy, whether via email or Etsy Messages, we will always explain why we are requesting this information and when you must act.
Etsy will never request personal or account information from you via Etsy Messages, email, or social media. If Etsy needs to notify you of missing or required information, they will always provide an Etsy.com link or instructions on completing the requirements on our site, so you will not have to share any information in response.
Use Etsy Payments
Etsy Payments provides your buyers with various payment options and allows them to pay in their local currency. It all ends up in your bank account according to a deposit schedule you set up.
Furthermore, orders placed through Etsy Payments will be eligible for Etsy’s Purchase Protection program, which means Etsy will refund buyers, and you will keep your earnings for orders up to $250 (or the equivalent of your local currency) if a buyer does not receive their order or if an order arrives damaged for the first time in a calendar year.
Safeguard Your Devices
Regularly maintaining your phone, tablet, and computer will help protect you from hackers and viruses:
- Change the name of your wireless network and any default passwords provided by your router to something memorable.
- When switching to a new device, it’s a good idea to delete any personal data and reset the device to factory settings.
- Maintain the most recent versions of all software and virus protection.
Know Who You Are Talking To
Avoid clicking on links from untrustworthy sources. A simple click on a link can result in account compromise. By clicking on a maliciously crafted link or installing an application from an unknown site, an attacker may gain access to your account. When managing your Etsy account, make sure to use official and up-to-date Etsy apps or Etsy.com on the web.
Now that you know how to make your Etsy account secure, learn how to fulfill your Etsy goals here!
