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| People are becoming more comfortable purchasing over the Internet, because they are becoming more educated about secure transactions. And according to Susan Grant, of Internet Fraud Watch, it really IS okay to buy over the Internet: |
| "Paying with a credit card is the safest way to shop online. Federal law protects credit card users if they don't get what they were promised or if unauthorized charges are made on their accounts." |
| Unfortunately, there are still many businesses on the Internet which do not offer secure transactions! |
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| Internet security is a critical component to selling over the Internet. One of the most secure types of transmissions and certainly the most popular is SSL (Secure Socket Layer) technology. |
 To ensure the highest security for all transactions on our and your websites, we are currently running Apache SSL Web Server. This software provides SSL technology for high level security when transmitting sensitive information like credit card numbers. Your customers can rest assured that their orders are safe with you. In addition, we combine this with PGP encryption. |
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| SSL technology is extremely secure. It was developed by the US Government, and even the developers of the technology are unable to break the encrypted code. It is estimated that it would take numerous years to break the code of even one session data using SSL technology. Its as if the computers develop a different language every time they connect securely! |
| WARNING: During a sales transaction, there are three areas sensitive data can be put at risk. First, from the purchasers computer to the host computer. Second, on the host computer. Lastly, when the merchant retrieves the order. |
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| Securing these steps in a transaction we call 3-WAY ENCRYPTION. |
| The following scenario depicts how SSL purchase transmission works over the Internet: |
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| Let’s say you are a professional golfer looking for a specialized putter. You log on to the Internet and start searching for golf clubs. You promptly find a manufacturer of custom made clubs. You find the size and more importantly the style of putter that you like. You click on the button that says "Order Secure". |
| (Note: This is the first key. Make sure that your customers know that the order system you are using is secure. Make several statements identifying that the order is secure. Make it obvious. The more obvious the better). |
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| An order form comes on the screen with "Secure" posted again, increasing your comfort level. You enter your name, address, and then your CREDIT CARD NUMBER. |
| (Note: This is when many people stop. They have heard that their personal information can be captured by techno-vandals, and they hesitate to take the risk with their credit card or check information.) |
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| You remember seeing "Secure Transactions", and you notice the paddle lock icon on your computer screen is in a locked position. You feel more comfortable and then click on the "Submit" button. The manufacturer retrieves the order, charges the credit card, and sends the product to you. |
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| Here is what happens technologically behind the scenes: When you click on the "Order Secure" button, your computer and the server computer lock onto each other. They recognize that a secure session is requested, and they begin transferring data in an encrypted (secret) manner. As long as the paddle lock icon is in the "locked" position, data is encrypted between the two computers. |
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| The following diagram outlines the 3-Way Encryption process, which we use on our system: |
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| Remember, transactions are only secure when information is encoded or "encrypted" in three areas: Information is first encoded between the customer and our server. Second, the information is encoded on our own hard drive. At this point an order-notification e-mail is sent to the merchant. Finally, when the merchant retrieves the order, the third encoding takes place. |
| If you are not using our system, make sure the secure server you use encrypts in all three places. |
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