Do you have a secure internet server?
Most Internet shopping sites use some sort of shopping cart - this is your virtual trolley into which you can place items, then take them to the checkout when you want to pay. The checkout must be in a secure server in order for your transaction to be secure. Before entering personal information make sure you are using a secure server. Here is how to tell if you are using a secure server to transmit information.
When you go into a secure server the key or lock in the bottom of your browser will appear locked or highlighted. Depending on your browser and window set up, the security symbol may be different, but generally speaking, look out for a padlock or similar icon to be displayed. It is a good idea to familiarise yourself with your specific browsers security lock icons, messages and pop up notifications before you start shopping online.
The address of the web site will also change from http://www... to https://www... signifying that the site is secure.
If you can't see a secure server lock in your browser window and the web address does not change, then this is not a secure server. Don't enter your credit card details. If in doubt, email the company or seller and make some enquiries about their security and/or data protection methods. It is better to stick on the cautious side.
As a last resort, if you do feel uncomfortable with sending your credit card details online, request to set up a phone order.
Actinic Sites
Shopping sites using the Actinic software don't use standard secure servers as mentioned above, but use 128-bit encryption using a Java applet to safely encrypt credit card information. Barclays Bank, HSBC and the Royal Bank of Scotland approve Actinic software for their merchants to use. Again, if you have any doubts email the merchant.
1. If you get a warning window that the certificate has expired when you enter a secure server, do not enter your personal information.
2. When in doubt, do not enter personal information.
3. Only use companies that you are familiar with because anyone can set up a secure server.
When you go into a secure server the key or lock in the bottom of your browser will appear locked or highlighted. Depending on your browser and window set up, the security symbol may be different, but generally speaking, look out for a padlock or similar icon to be displayed. It is a good idea to familiarise yourself with your specific browsers security lock icons, messages and pop up notifications before you start shopping online.
The address of the web site will also change from http://www... to https://www... signifying that the site is secure.
If you can't see a secure server lock in your browser window and the web address does not change, then this is not a secure server. Don't enter your credit card details. If in doubt, email the company or seller and make some enquiries about their security and/or data protection methods. It is better to stick on the cautious side.
As a last resort, if you do feel uncomfortable with sending your credit card details online, request to set up a phone order.
Actinic Sites
Shopping sites using the Actinic software don't use standard secure servers as mentioned above, but use 128-bit encryption using a Java applet to safely encrypt credit card information. Barclays Bank, HSBC and the Royal Bank of Scotland approve Actinic software for their merchants to use. Again, if you have any doubts email the merchant.
1. If you get a warning window that the certificate has expired when you enter a secure server, do not enter your personal information.
2. When in doubt, do not enter personal information.
3. Only use companies that you are familiar with because anyone can set up a secure server.
