What are the security issues of using the Internet for payments?
A. There are many but here are some safeguards: 1. Credit card details should only be provided if you can assure yourself that the web site is operating under British jurisdiction i.e. is operated by a UK registered company or trader. 2. Credit card details should only be submitted if the web page displays a secure sockets layer encryption icon (usually an unbroken gold key on the browser). Alternatively the site should display assurances that all details provided by customers are securely encrypted using 128-bit encryption. 3. All E-commerce packages and Bureau Services listed above provide this level of encryption. When using a Bureau Service requests for credit card details are actually presented to the client from the Bureau’s own web site having been forwarded there by your E-commerce package. 4. The internet is no less secure (and is usually more secure if the above points are followed) than giving your credit card details over the telephone to someone or a waitor in a restaurant
