Both Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) to encrypt your data before sending it over the Net. SSL scrambles your personal data - look for an unbroken key or lock to appear in the bottom of your browser window. This technology provides a secure connection that keeps data private during transmission over the Internet. However, this technology does not authenticate the parties at either end of the transaction.

Visa International and MasterCard International, with support from many of the world's top financial institutions, are presently working to develop a more advanced encryption process called Secure Electronic Transaction (SET). SET involves a system of digital certificates provided by card issuers, and encryption. SET enables the identity of both merchant and cardholder to be authenticated and also ensures that neither the merchant or cardholder's bank sees the purchaser's credit card number.

The Risk to the Consumer….none at all!

1. Risks are no greater than conventional methods of ordering. Remember that risks on the Internet are the same as in mail order. If you feel confident to buy by phone, fax or mail, you should be confident to buy on the Internet. In fact your rights are the same whether shopping on the Net or in the high street. They are covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 and the Trade Descriptions Act 1976. If you receive faulty goods you have the right to a full refund. The only exception is when buying from abroad.

2. The vendor takes the risk not the customer. Many people don't realise the extent of protection that their credit cards companies provide. It's simple. If you get transactions charged to your account which you didn't authorise, you can request a refund from your credit card issuer.

3. Where is the fraud? Despite all the press hype about Internet fraud, real life examples are amazingly hard to find. In a recent seminar with hundreds of people present, the question was asked "Who has suffered credit card fraud ?".. In response, a sea of hands went up. When asked "Who has experienced Internet credit card fraud ?", no hands went up.

4. Is the threat of fraud actually a con? Ask yourself whether the threat of fraud is in fact a con, perpetrated by people with something to sell. Rumour has it that the original fuss about Internet fraud was started by a company that was trying to push its own secure solution. Unfortunately for them, the press picked up on the potential for fraud because it made a good story, not on their proposed solution.

5. Credit card information is encrypted. Remember that credit card information is fully encrypted by virtually all vendors as it travels over the Net. Provide details of your security method. This could come from using Secure Socket Layer (SSL) or bank-approved software like Actinic Catalog (up to 256-bit encryption).

6. The risk of using a credit card on the Net is the same as in everyday life. The risk is actually no greater than using your card in Tesco – where the person behind can read it. The risk is no greater than in a restaurant, where the card often disappears and lots of copies of slips could be run off by any member of staff.

7. Web transactions are mainstream. Millions of pounds of transactions are now being conducted across the Internet every day. Thousands and thousands of purchases are taking place, and multi-billion pound companies such as Cisco are making the Web their main ordering mechanism. Would they do this if things were fundamentally insecure?

8. Fraud is at the vendors expense, not the buyers. The few cases of reported fraud on the Net have been at the sellers expense, not the buyer. Vendors need to be beware of orders coming from jurisdictions where it is particularly hard to take action against fraud. Countries outside Europe and North America seem to pose the main risk.

9. Provide a connection with the physical world. As a vendor, you should list your actual address and phone number and provide some contact details for a real person at your Web site. Say on the site : "If you're concerned about security, call us to make sure that we exist". Provide facts, and maybe pictures, about your business, as it will promote confidence.

10. Provide alternative ordering methods. As a vendor, even if you are pushing web sales hard you should give alternative ways of ordering such as by fax. A few people will take advantage of the facility but for the rest it shows that you are fully confident.