In the world of e-Commerce, perception matters just as much as reality. That means that it’s not enough to have a secure site – your customers have to perceive your site as safe, too. It’s hard to make money and build lasting relationships, when consumers don't feel secure executing a transaction on your website.
Remember, you are responsible for security of the customer’s proprietary information – virus protection and a firewall are basic requirements for a secure site.
That’s why SSL (Secure Socket Layer) can make a huge difference. Since its introduction in 1994, SSL has been the ultimate standard for e-Commerce and transactional security. SSL encrypts every bit of data that is transmitted from the server to the customer and vice versa.
And if you intend on taking credit card payments on your site, you’ll have to take some extra steps for security. First of all, you’ll probably need a merchant account –a contract between banks and merchants so they can accept payment card transactions.
Another big part of maintaining security on your site is by getting a digital certificate to establishes your credentials. If you accept credit card payments online, you face four situations in terms of security:
- Relying on a service bureau to handle the security of sensitive information.
- Obtaining an e-Commerce merchant account but using the digital certificate supplied by your hosting company.
- Using an e-Commerce merchant account and obtaining your own digital certificate.
- Getting an e-Commerce merchant account, and running the business from your own server.
If you have an e-Commerce merchant account and decide to run the business from your own server, you’ll need a trained IT staff to maintain all aspects of security — firewall, SSL, and a digital certificate for the server.
Maintaining your site’s security can be complicated, but it’s absolutely crucial to establish relationships with your customers. The positive return for the customer will ensure the return on your online security investment and boost your credibility.
