Is it safe to Shop Online?
The
aspect of online shopping which scares consumers most is the
possible theft of their credit card number. SSL (Secure Socket
Line) practically eradicates this possibility. SSL involves the use of
a firewall
to stop access outside of the Ethernet.
When you use Internet Explorer and Netscape you will be informed of a secure site by a Lock in the right hand corner of the browser package. This is presented whenever the browser detects a security certificate for which the company involved has to pay a small fee. Encryption is then used and this is usually 128bit encryption to make sure your Credit card number is safe when sent through cyberspace.
How should I go about shopping on-line?
1.Shop with prudence - use your common sense when shopping.
2. Shop high tech/Pay low-tech - Many Internet merchants offer the option of shopping on-line then phoning faxing or sending a check so it never travels through the Net unsecured.
3. If you have access to a sky digital box this offers a secure way to send your credit card details online.
4.Set up an account - merchants may allow you to make payment arrangements prior to purchase. You establish an account registering your credit card information by Fax , phone or mail. You are then given a Unique ID. When you enter the ID it is cross referenced in encrypted form with the encrypted version at the other end. No credit card details are transmitted electronically.
Remember , never under any circumstances
1) Provide your credit card number to an Internet merchant who does not use SSL and has the appropriate security certificate.
2) Send your credit card number via Email ( Emails can be hijacked and your Email account can be hacked.)
3) Give your credit card number to an internet merchant without checking with Internic and a whois query they are who they really say they are.
