January 07, 2009
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News: On-line Credit Card Shopping Security.
So, here is some good news…with a few safety checks, your on-line credit card shopping is in the best hands – automated machines. First and foremost, as with shopping anywhere, make sure your dealing with a reputable business. On-line, a reputable business will almost always provide you with a highly secure connection to hide your vital login and credit card information, which cannot be compromised. You'll know you have that secure connection when you see that the URL (address line) starting out with ‘https://". The "s" in this protocol designation signifies that the connection is secure. The connection is actually a very sophisticated communication protocol layer called ‘Secure Socket Layer' which employs a nearly unbreakable encryption algorithm. It could take thousands of years to break this encryption, while the connection itself will only exist for the few minutes while you are making the credit card transaction.
Next, look for a ‘locked padlock' icon at the top of the browser. This signifies that the connection has been tested as safe. By clicking on that ‘padlock' icon, a window will open up which certifies who has deemed this connection safe. "VeriSign" are one of the most respected and most common certification companies is the world. The seal should say something to the effect: "VeriSign Class 3 Public Primary CA, has identified this site as [Ex.: www.wamucards.com]. This connection to the server is encrypted." There is even a hyper-link at the bottom which allows you to check the certificate in detail. Reputable businesses that take credit cards on-line realize the importance of a good name and are willing to go the expense and time of purchasing a certificate from VeriSign or other notable certifying agency. VeriSign has also done very well with protecting their name and have an excellent reputation of integrity. . So now you can know that your vital login, password and secure credit card information will not be compromised in this lifetime through by-way-of this connection.