One of the most important things an online store can do is teach customers how to avoid phishing.

A lot of people don’t know how to tell the difference between real and fake messages or websites. They click on things that look real. So the store needs to help them in a very simple and friendly way. They can tell customers to never click on links that seem fishy, never share passwords, and always double-check the website address before entering credit card information.

The online store also needs to keep customers safe on the technical side. This is when tools like alerts, filters, and anti-phishing checks come in handy. These tools help the store stop fake pages and harmful emails from getting to the customer in the first place.  Customers feel safe when they shop, which makes them feel better. This is where tools like Anti-phishing checks, filters, and alerts come in.

Good Email Verification Systems

A fake email that looks like it came from the online store is often the first step in a phishing attack. The email might tell the customer to update their account information or confirm a payment. When the customer clicks the link, they go to a fake website. Stores need to use strong email verification systems to stop this from happening. These systems make sure that only emails from the business get to the customer. Anything that looks fake or suspicious is blocked.

Stores can also make it clear in their emails that they are the ones sending them, so that customers always know. This stops people from getting confused, makes it harder for attackers to phish, and enhances cybersecurity.

Safe Login and Multiple Steps of Verification

Another very useful thing to do is to use secure login steps. Stores can add extra steps so that customers can’t just log in with a password. This could be a code sent to the customer’s phone or a number they have to enter only once. This is known as multi-factor authentication. Even if a criminal gets the password, they can’t get into the account without the extra code.

At first, a lot of customers think it’s an extra task, but later they realize how safe it feels. Customers will already know how common online threats are by 2026. So they will like stores that go the extra mile.

Warnings that are easy to understand about fake pages

When customers go to dangerous websites that look like copies of the real store, online stores can also show them warning messages. Modern security tools can find shady websites very quickly. Customers get a pop-up or warning when the store uses these tools that tells them not to continue. This is an easy but effective way to keep them safe.

These warnings are helpful even for people who don’t know much about technology. A customer might not know what a lot of technical terms mean, but they will know that a sign that says the page is unsafe is a warning.

Safe Payment Pages with Strong Encryption

The payment page is a big target for phishing attacks. This is where customers type in their card information. Hackers can easily steal data if this page isn’t safe.  To stop this from happening, online stores need to use strong encryption. This means that the store can read the information, but no one else can.

There should also be a clear lock icon in the browser on the payment page so that customers know it is safe. People trust websites that look safe in 2026. Customers feel safe making their purchase when they see these signs.

How to Teach Customers in a Simple Way

A lot of people fall for phishing scams because they don’t know how they work. So online stores need to teach them in a way that is easy to understand. They can give you small tips, banners, short videos, or messages inside the app to help you stay safe.

The store can also put anti-phishing resources on its help pages so that customers can read more if they want to. This shows that the store cares about its customers’ safety and builds trust. These simple steps make the customer more alert and help them to take better decisions while shopping online. 

Final Thoughts

Phishing attacks are getting smarter. Basic safety rules won’t apply to online stores in 2026. They need to do a lot to protect their clients and their own business. This includes showing customers how to use secure login methods, adding smart security tools, keeping systems up to date, and giving fast help.

When a store spends money keeping customers safe, it builds trust. For any online business, trust is the most important thing. Online stores can make shopping safe and easy by doing these things. Customers won’t have to worry about phishing threats of all kinds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is phishing and why should my online store care?

Phishing is a type of scam where criminals pretend to be your business to steal customer data or credit card numbers. If your customers get scammed, they will lose trust in your brand and likely stop shopping with you. Prevention is essential because building a reputation for safety is just as important as the products you sell.

How can I tell if an email is actually from a real store?

You should always look at the sender’s email address to see if it matches the official website domain exactly. Real stores will never ask you to send your password or full credit card details over an email. Most professional businesses also use verification systems that help your email provider flag suspicious messages before you open them.

What is multi-factor authentication and is it really necessary?

Multi-factor authentication adds a second layer of security, like a text message code, on top of your usual password. It is necessary because passwords alone are easy for hackers to steal through leaked databases or clever scams. Even if a criminal finds your password, this extra step keeps your account and saved payment methods safe.

Does a lock icon in the browser mean a website is completely safe?

The lock icon means the connection between your computer and the website is private, but it does not always mean the business is honest. While it protects your data from being intercepted by others, you should still check the website address for typos or strange characters. Combining the lock icon with a careful look at the URL is the best way to stay secure.

How do modern security tools automatically block phishing pages?

Security tools use large databases and smart filters to scan websites for known patterns used by hackers. When a tool finds a page that looks like a fake copy of a real store, it sends an alert to your browser or email. These systems act like a digital shield, stopping you from landing on a dangerous site in the first place.

Can I just use a strong password to protect my shopping accounts?

A strong password is a good start, but it is a myth that a password alone can stop all attacks. Hackers often use fake login pages to trick you into typing that strong password directly into their own systems. Using extra tools like login alerts and verification codes provides the real protection you need in today’s world.

What is the most important lesson I can teach my customers about safety?

The most valuable advice is to never click on links in unexpected emails or text messages that create a false sense of urgency. Instead, tell your customers to go directly to your website by typing the address into their browser manually. This simple habit removes almost all risk of being redirected to a malicious page or fake login screen.

Why is encryption so important on the checkout page?

Encryption turns your private credit card information into a secret code that only the store can understand. Without this technology, anyone sitting on the same network could potentially see your financial details as they travel across the internet. It ensures that your most sensitive data stays private from the moment you click pay until the transaction is finished.

How do I help customers who are not tech-savvy stay secure?

The best way to help is to use clear language and visual warnings rather than confusing technical jargon. Use bright banners or short videos to explain safety tips so that everyone can understand the risks regardless of their experience level. When security feels easy and helpful rather than scary, customers are more likely to follow your advice.

What should I do if I think a hacker already targeted my store?

You should immediately update your security settings, alert your customers about the potential threat, and check your systems for any unusual activity. Being honest with your audience builds more trust than trying to hide a problem. Providing fast support and clear instructions on how to secure their accounts will help minimize the damage and keep your community safe.