The Virtual Trading Post
We understand that many people are concerned about security on the Internet. We want you to know that we have taken every possible precaution to ensure a secure shopping environment:
- We use RSA security. This means that your private order information is encrypted before being transferred over the net.
- We use an RSA secure browser and encrypted email to access the orders from our site.
- We have a merchant account. This means we are authorized by the credit companies to accept credit cards as a merchant.
- We never email critical order information.
- All order information, including credit card numbers, is deleted from the server after the order is transfered to our local computers.
We take these precautions so that you can have peace of mind. Actually, despite some hype to the contrary, stealing credit card numbers on the Internet is not very common, and it is nearly impossible if you take certain precautions. Keeping your credit card numbers a secret is actually easier on the Internet than at the mall, on the phone, and at the gas station.
While anybody can go rooting through trashcans behind retail stores to find credit card receipts, there's a skilled few that can intercept email, and most of them have too little time and too much to lose by trying. Nevertheless, it is especially important that commercial Internet sites guard their data. Because they are prominent and people know that credit card numbers are being transferred there, they have to guard against theft in a way that private citizens do not. That is why good commercial sites use RSA encryption. This is a technology that encodes the information that you send as it is being sent and decodes it once it gets to the other end. If anyone in the middle intercepts it, it will look like a bunch of gibberish. This is how we at The Virtual Trading Post handle secure information.
When you bring up any page that asks you to enter secure information, a blue stripe will appear across the top of the display (if you are using Netscape or Microsoft Internet Explorer). This means that all information being transmitted will be encrypted first. If you are not using a browser that supports encryption, you should be. Download Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Exploder now.
You are much more likely to have your credit card number stolen from you in the real world than in cyberspace. However, if you take certain precautions you should never have a problem. To guard your number on the Internet, use a secure browser and never email your credit card number.
The most important thing to remember is that if your account number, but not the actual card, has been used by an unauthorized person, you are not liable for any amount. Once you've reported a problem with your card by phone, follow up in writing with your card issuer and keep copies of all correspondence. Even if your credit card number were to be stolen on-line, you are not responsible for the charges.
Send your questions and comments to: webdude@jabi.com
Viz E Turs
Copyright 1995-1998
The Virtual Front Porch
Last modified: 10/8/97