SSL & Security

Confidence an Obstacle to Online Commerce
Online security is all-important for consumer confidence. More likely that not, the store builder you select will use SSL (secure socket layer) security. Research has indicated that the other major concern of business and the public (apart from Privacy) is the security of on-line communications and payments. Everyday many millions of electronic messages are directed through the worldwide web, from general communications, on-line orders with credit card details, commercial contracts and payments to the banking system. There are many types of encryption techniques available to business and the public to ensure that these communications remain confidential

SSL Transaction Security
SSL works by using a private key to encrypt data that's transferred over the SSL connection. Both Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer support SSL, and many Web sites use the protocol to obtain confidential user information, such as credit card numbers. By convention, URLs that require an SSL connection start with https: instead of http:.Another protocol for transmitting data securely over the World Wide Web is Secure HTTP (HTTPS). Whereas SSL creates a secure connection between a client and a server, over which any amount of data can be sent securely, S-HTTP is designed to transmit individual messages securely. SSL and HTTPS, therefore, can be seen as complementary rather than competing technologies.

For example, banks already employ encryption devices to ensure the integrity and security of their Internet payment mechanisms. Similarly, many thousands of businesses do the same with their on-line ordering or payment systems. This security section discusses some of the terms and methods that are common to on-line security from different viewpoint, consumer, business, etc.If this is implemented properly, the closed padlock symbol on Netscape and Internet Explorer browsers will be highlighted. This is probably the most important thing you can do to reassure your customers that ordering online is secure and safe. Select an online store builder that implements this automatically. You shouldn’t have to do anything to bring about this action. A page of explanation regarding the security used on your site is also a good idea.

Payment Gateway
In order to accept credit cards online, you will need a merchant account. Usually, you can open an account with your local bank. In addition, you will need an online merchant account and a payment gateway (which is a software connector) so monies from your store may be authorized in real time and deposited in your bank account immediately.

Fraud Management.
Our Merchant System recommended protocols include …

• Use of a firewall
• Keeping our security patches up-to-date
• Encrypting all stored and transmitted data
• Avoiding repeating, forwarding or sending credit card, payment or order information via e-mail
• Use and regularly update anti-virus software
• Restrict employee access to sensitive data to a need-to-know basis.
• The system requires unique IDs to everyone with access to data We track access by ID
• Avoid using default settings for passwords
• Regularly test security systems

It is expected that these security initiatives may reduce Internet transaction disputes by up to 50%.

At Computer eCommerce we know how to return a profit on your technology investment. Make one phone call or send us an email today to receive more information on this topic.