Online Payment Security: 4 Ways to Protect Consumer Data
Consumers are gravitating to eCommerce for its ease and accessibility, leading to rapid growth that shows no signs of slowing down. As internet usage expands and connected devices become more embedded in daily life, the Internet of Things (IoT) is projected to reach 35 billion connections by 2028—further fueling the momentum behind eCommerce and the broader digital economy.1
As eCommerce transactions increase, merchants face new challenges, particularly when it comes to safeguarding online payments. With the global cost of cybercrime projected to reach $13.82 trillion by 2028, securing digital transactions has becoming an increasingly critical priority.2 In this landscape, knowing how to recognize and respond to cyber threats can help businesses stay a step ahead.
To reduce security risks, merchants are looking to payment enablers to provide security measures that will safeguard their online transactions. However, the value that enablers can provide doesn’t stop there—merchants are also eager for them to share expertise and guidance by identifying additional opportunities to help ensure online payments are more secure.
From fundamentals like SSL certificate integration and PCI compliance to newer innovations like tokenization and digital wallet acceptance, here are four security measures payment enablers can help merchants take.
1. SSL certificate integration and TLS data encryption
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) are important steps to ensure consumers’ data is protected during online purchases. Both play a key role in internet security by using public key cryptography for safe data exchange, relying on asymmetric cryptography methods to establish secure connections.3
Although SSL certificate integration isn’t typically a service payment enablers provide, there’s value in understanding its purpose and function to better advise merchants when evaluating their security measures holistically.
Integrating SSL certificates into an eCommerce website can help protect data integrity and confidentiality by reducing the risk of posed threats.3
2. PCI compliance
In the same vein, enablers can advise their merchant partners to ensure all online payment technology complies with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS). Such compliance is crucial to protecting consumer financial information. on eCommerce platforms.5
Discover® Network co-formed PCI in tandem with other networks to help keep payment technology, including eCommerce, secure.4 An easy way to support PCI DSS compliance is to attend a training event. These events offer practical guidance and resources to help businesses stay up-to-date.5
For more information, and to access resources, visit the Discover PCI Compliance page.
3. Tokenization
One way to create a more secure online transaction is through tokenization, the process of replacing sensitive payment data, such as a customer’s primary account number (PAN), with a unique identifier or "token." This token serves as a substitute for the actual data, has no intrinsic value, and cannot be used outside the merchant’s environment.
By using tokenization, businesses can process payments without exposing sensitive customer information, reducing the risk of fraud and data breaches. Even if the token is intercepted, it cannot be used by attackers because it lacks any connection to the original data.
4. Digital wallet and bank transfer acceptance
Some of the most secure online payment methods tend to incorporate multiple layers of authentication.Multi-factor identification (MFA) is a security process that requires users to verify their identity using two or more independent factors—for example, a password and a one-time code sent to their device. The idea behind this layered approach is that it can help prevent unauthorized access even if one factor, such as a password, is compromised.6 Currently, digital wallets are considered to be one of the most secure ways to pay online—partly due to the fact that MFA is often required when using them.7
Digital wallets, which make it possible for consumers to make payments using their smart device or through third-party services such as PayPal, have become increasingly popular in recent years. They are not only convenient for consumers to use, but also difficult for malicious third parties to compromise. This is crucial given than 51% of consumers consider security of personal information to be a critical factor in determining whether to use an emerging payment technology.8
Several factors go into making digital wallets more secure. Digital wallets store card details through tokenization, replacing card information with tokens during transactions, which blocks malicious third parties from seeing sensitive card details. Additionally, they are often linked to specific devices that require passwords or biometrics, such as fingerprint scanning or facial recognition, to unlock and use. Finally, they employ multi-factor authentication, such as a one-time password sent to the user’s device, to validate that the specific wallet belongs to the user.
Online bank transfers, also known as bank redirects, are another well-regarded payment method for eCommerce—if a less popular one. Bank-to-bank money transfers are facilitated and secured through payments networks that help support smoother and more reliable transactions. And, like digital wallets, banks require multi-factor authentication and advanced fraud detection for this type of transaction to prevent unauthorized use during the payment.9
It’s important to note that bank transfers can also present hurdles, such as delays or incomplete payments. This is often due to human error and may result in a consumer having to contact their bank to complete the transaction. Still, payment enablers can advise merchants that accepting this payment method provides those customers who prefer it with a relatively secure option.
Enablers can guide merchants into a more secure future
Many merchants understand the risks associated with doing business online, and that motivates them to implement greater security measures. In fact, a recent survey conducted by Discover Network found that improving fraud prevention processes across the customer journey is currently top of mind for merchants around the world.10
Because of this, more and more merchants will be looking to digital enablers to help them ensure online payment transactions stay secure—not only through their own offerings, but by acting as security expert advisors. Enablers are perfectly poised to provide such guidance—building trust and further cementing their partnerships with merchants. To find APIs for security and more, visit the Discover Developer Center.
- United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. (2024). 2024 Digital economy report. Retrieved 10 July, 2025.
- Feck, A. (2024, February 22). Cybercrime Expected To Skyrocket in Coming Years. Statista. Retrieved 10 July, 2025.
- Rangwala, Z., Neskovic, S., Kompanizare, A. (2025, January 22). A Comparative Analysis of SSL/TLS and Blockchain-Based Approaches Web-based Transactions. Innovative Journal of Applied Science. Retrieved 10 July, 2025.
- Discover Network. Discover® Information Security & Compliance (DISC). Retrieved 10 July, 2025.
- Discover Network. PCI Compliance Education and Training. Retrieved 10 July, 2025.
- Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency. More than a Password: Protect Yourself from Malicious Hackers with Multifactor Authentication. Retrieved 10 July, 2025.
- (2024, March 29). Are digital wallets safe? Microsoft. Retrieved 10 July, 2025.
- 451 Research and Discover Network Global Consumer Survey, 2024. Retrieved 10 July, 2025.
- American Bankers Association®. Protecting Customers. Retrieved 10 July, 2025.
- 451 Research and Discover Network Global Merchant Survey, 2024. Retrieved 10 July, 2025.
The information provided herein is sponsored by Discover® Global Network. It is intended for informational purposes, and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice.