Secure Your Online Shopping from Cyber Crime.

If congested shopping centers and outlets horrify you away from buying this vacation time of the year, you might be liable to pay for gifts online. But, be warned. Shopping online can put your individual data at risk.

We all recognize there are threats to purchasing in congested shopping centers. Thieves may a go to thieve your wallet or purse, or smash into your car. We recognize how to protect ourselves there. So, we should in addition recognize how to protect ourselves from steals online.

The skilled population at Best Buy’s Geek Squad proposed the subsequent tips for online shoppers:

Only store the websites of respectable retailers If you don’t identify an online shop, manage some study to find out if they’re legit?
Legitimate retailers will show in public an “SSL” certification as long as the checkout process. Look for “https://” within the address bar, displaying you that the site is secured.

Make certain your anti-virus program is up-to-date.

Don’t shop your borrowing business card data any location online. “That’s absolutely a thing you don’t like to do.” The threat you run with it is that if everyone ever hacks that site, hack that retailer, that’s got that data out there. So, you like to be painstaking of that.

Experts declare you should also in addition compensate for your items using a credit card with a low credit limit. That way, whether the crooks do attack, they won’t be able to obtain much.

Any time purchase or provide personal information on the internet for the transaction it is transmitted over a publicly open/viewable connection.

This means every can view your personal information if they want to view and hackers always keep on eye like this information. So, further what happened, your information is stolen and misuse in any theft or hacking. And for online selling and buying there are always ask for your credit card, Account and personal information. Then after that Customer found that information is stolen or read than business would not be long because they have lost customer satisfaction.

For these reason online business sites must have SSL Certificates for the secure transaction.
SSL Certificates provide extended security to your website by encryption of your information with secure key and algorithms. You know secure website which start with “https://” or right corner of browser symbol of LOCK.

For more information visit: ClickSSL.com

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Secure Your Network from hackers and viruses.

If you’re connected to the Internet (especially with an “always on” connection such as cable or DSL), you’re at risk for intrusion from hackers or with infection from a virus or spyware. This can happen without your knowledge. You can be browsing, logging on and off various web sites, etc., and be compromised. However, you can protect yourself from this type of intrusion by following a few simple steps.

1.. Use a firewall to block all incoming connections from the Internet to services that should not be publicly available. By default, you should deny all incoming connections and only allow services you explicitly want to offer to the outside world.

2.. Enforce a password policy. Complex passwords make it difficult to crack password files on compromised computers. This helps to prevent or limit damage when a computer is compromised.

3.. Ensure that programs and users of the computer use the lowest level of privileges necessary to complete a task. When prompted for a root or UAC password, ensure that the program asking for administration-level access is a legitimate application.

4.. Disable AutoPlay to prevent the automatic launching of executable files on network and removable drives, and disconnect the drives when not required. If write access is not required, enable read-only mode if the option is available.

5.. Turn off file sharing if not needed. If file sharing is required, use ACLs and password protection to limit access. Disable anonymous access to shared folders. Grant access only to user accounts with strong passwords to folders that must be shared.

6.. Turn off and remove unnecessary services. By default, many operating systems install auxiliary services that are not critical. These services are avenues of attack. If they are removed, threats have less avenues of attack.

7.. If a threat exploits one or more network services, disable, or block access to, those services until a patch is applied.

8.. Configure your email server to block or remove email that contains file attachments that are commonly used to spread threats, such as .vbs, .bat, .exe, .pif and .scr files.

9.. Isolate compromised computers quickly to prevent threats from spreading further. Perform a forensic analysis and restore the computers using trusted media.

10.. Train employees not to open attachments unless they are expecting them. Also, do not execute software that is downloaded from the Internet unless it has been scanned for viruses. Simply visiting a compromised Web site can cause infection if certain browser vulnerabilities are not patched.

When it comes to doing business online, security is a two-way street. Safe online transactions demand smart behavior on the part of consumers and proactive security policies and procedures on the part of Web sites.

Businesses that sell goods or services online also have a responsibility to keep their transactions secure and private. And the more sites know about current e-commerce security threats, the better job they can do at protecting their transactions. Your browser should comply with industry security standards, such as SSL Certificate. SSL (Secure Socket Layer) is a security Protocol.

Original Source : mosotechnology.com

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Secure your Online Ordering with SSL Certificate.

Still this day and age people are very insecure about ordering anything online. Still though many people order and give their credit card data over the phone they still are doubtful upon ordering online. This stuff will show you what to look for to see if it is safe to order online, the common process on how things are processed online, and the securities required.

What The Web User Should Know:

Everybody recognizes to appear for the padlock on the bottom of the web browser. If not that says you that the web page is secure. Along with that padlock on the bottom of the web browser your web page should display https:// instead of http://. (The “s” points of view for “secured”)

How is a web page secure?

If you're going to run an online store or e commerce Web site, you should be aware of HTTPS - or Hypertext Transfer Protocol with Secure Sockets Layer. HTTPS is a protocol to transfer encrypted data over the Web.

There are two primary differences between an HTTPS and an HTTP connection work:

HTTPS connects on port 443, while HTTP is on port 80

HTTPS encrypts the data sent and received with SSL, while HTTP sends it all as plain text

Most Web customers know that they should look for the HTTPS in the URL and the lock icon in their browser when they are making a transaction. So if your storefront is not using HTTPS, you will lose customers. But even still, it is common to find Web sites that collect money including credit card data over a plain HTTP connection. This is very bad.

As I said above, HTTP sends the data collected over the Internet in plain text. This means that if you have a form asking for a credit card number, that credit card number can be intercepted by anyone with a packet sniffer. Since there are many free sniffer software tools, this could be anyone at all. By collecting credit card information over an HTTP (not HTTPS) connection, you are broadcasting that credit card information to the world. And the only way your customer will learn it was stolen is when it's maxed out by a thief.

What about types of Browsers?

Internet Explorer used to control 90% of the market for web browsers, so naturally hackers and cheaters were attracted to attacking that browser to obtain information. So the safe alternative was to use a different browser like Firefox that was not very popular. But as Firefox gains popularity they will become a target as well. Their goal was to gain 10% of the market, and they are now pushing 20% according to statistics of people.

You would be interested in knowing that with a properly configured web site with the correct shopping cart script for collecting credit card information that connects to a merchant account gateway, the credit card number is never seen by the webmaster. It's true! I cannot see the process of filling out the information, and when I visit my merchant account online to view transactions I'm not shown the full credit card number. "But be warned on how people can work around this!"

How can they process a credit card that is insecure and/or see my credit card number?

If the page is unsecured. (HTTP instead of https and the lock is open on the bottom of the browser)

If they use a simple online form to ask for the information instead of a script. (When the information is emailed out instead of processed) Even if the form is on a HTTPS page it would still be secured, but as soon as it is mailed it becomes unsecured and if anything happens the web site owner could lose his merchant account and not be able to apply for a new one EVER AGAIN! I've seen customers use this way to process cards and manually enter them at their store. Needless to say I refused to create a site that operates this way for liability issues.

What's the process involved for getting a SSL Certificate?

Fill out the required information of name, address, phone number, etc.
You will get a 'phone authentication' call recording your voice stating
your name for security and asking you to enter a 4 digit code that would be provided for you.
After that has been verified you can install the SSL Certificate.

After you’ve Got Your HTTPS Certificate

Your hosting provider will need to set up the certificate in your Web server so that every time a page is accessed via the https:// protocol, it hits the secure server. Once that is set up, you can start building your Web pages that need to be secure.

Here are some tips for using HTTPS:

Point to all Web forms on the https:// server. Whenever you link to Web forms on your Web site, get in the habit of linking to them with the full server URL including the https:// designation. This will insure that they always are secured.

Use relative paths to images on secured pages. If you use a full path (http://www...) for your images, and those images are not on the secure server, your customers will get error messages that say things like: "Insecure data found. Continue?" This can be disconcerting, and many people will stop the purchase process when they see that. If you use relative paths, your images will be loaded from the same secure server as the rest of the page.

Secure only the pages that request and collect data. It is possible to run your entire Web site on https://, but it slows down the connection and some SSL providers charge you on the bandwidth secured. You should only secure those pages that collect data.

For more information visit: ClickSSL.com

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5 step to Build a Successful E-Commerce Website.

Start selling on the web in 5 easy steps. Covering design, shopping carts, merchant accounts, SSL, and promotion- everything a budding online merchant needs to know.

Selling on the web is just a few steps away. Though setting up an online storefront may seem like a monumental undertaking, having a game plan can make it far easier. This article will briefly touch on 5 steps, from building your site, setting up your storefront, getting a merchant account and SSL, to promoting it.

Step 1: Website Creation

If you don’t have web design skills, you can hire a qualified web designer to create a website for you, or you can use an online site builder. Think of it as hiring an architect and an interior decorator compared to setting up shop in an existing store.

Using a web designer

With the services of a web designer, you can have a unique website template and website customized to your specific needs. A web development team can also add features such as Flash headers or any programming needed for your site. If your company image is critical, a custom-designed site that conveys the right professional image is a must.

Using an online site builder

An online site builder is the budget way to go. With site builder programs such as Site Studio, your website can be online within minutes. A step-by-step menu allows you to choose a layout and colors, and then add a site description, a logo, and content. Your template may not be unique, but your content will.

Step 2: Set up an e-commerce store

Your customers will browse at your website, select some items, and then pay for them. When you set up an e-commerce shopping cart, you’re providing a way for your customers to bring their purchases to the cash register. The program you choose will allow you to enter your products in the database and allow shoppers to choose products when they click on "Add to cart" or something similar.

Well-known shopping carts, osCommerce allow you to do these tasks:

• Add, edit, and delete product categories and other information
• Set tax rates and charge tax
• Receive payment via numerous online and offline payment processing methods
• Bill customers and much more

osCommerce

osCommerce is an open source program. Store owners can set up their online stores using osCommerce with no costs involved. For small stores, it has all the features you need for an online store. Drawbacks of osCommerce are that customization is not easy, and online stores using osCommerce tend to look similar.

Step 3: Get a merchant account and payment gateway

Having a store stocked with products means little if customers cannot pay for them. The most trusted way to accept payment on the web is with a merchant account and payment gateway. Merchant accounts allow customers to enter their credit card numbers into the shopping cart and have the merchant charge their cards directly, without the aide of a third party processor like PayPal. A payment gateway is the software used to facilitate and manage these transactions. Merchant accounts, like hosting packages and shopping carts, come in myriad forms, each suited to different needs. Always be sure the merchant account, payment gateway and shopping cart are compatible. If there's any doubt, the best place to inquire is with the merchant account provider.

Step 4: Create a secure payment environment

The store's potential customers have products to buy and a way to buy them, but they will be hesitant to do so if their personal and credit card information isn't secure. This is where SSL certificates enter the picture. Through an SSL certificate a customer's personal information and credit card number are encrypted when sent from their home browser, through the shopping cart, to the merchant account. This security gives customers peace-of-mind when doing business with the shop. With reports of identify theft and credit card fraud on the rise, there is simply no way an online store will be successful without a security certificate. There is little shopping to do here, as most security certificates provide an equal level of protection.

Step 5: Promote the Store

Your products are on display in your newly designed store, your shopping cart is set up and ready to use and you have everything in place to be able to receive payments securely. Now all you need are customers.

This is where marketing comes in.

• Submit your site to search engines.
• Advertise your site.
• Keep your company name in front of your customers with a regular email newsletter.
• Add more content to your website to keep it fresh.
• Monitor your website traffic to see where it’s coming from and how you can increase traffic for key content areas.

For more information visit: ClickSSL.com

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Secure Multi Domains on a Single Server

Wildcard certificates can cover all first-level sub domains of a domain. A single Unified Communications Certificate can cover many different domains within a single SSL certificate

Secure 5 to 25 Domains on Single SSL Certificate

Geotrust True BusinessID Multi Domain SSL secure a main domain, and up to 24 additional Subject Alternative Names, within a single certificate. Unified Communications Certificate (UCC) also known as Subject Alternative Names (SAN) certificate enable Up to 256 bit SSL encryption supports secure transmission of susceptible data.

Following are examples only would be secured by Multi Domain SSL certificate. You can secure anything along with Multi Domain SSL as it fulfills 99% of SSL requirements.

• www.yourdomain.com (Company Business Public Domain)
• mail.yourdomain.com (Business Domain Email)
• private.internaldomain.net (Internal Domain Name)
• payment.yourotherdomain.com (Sub Domain on Public Domain)
• anything.newdomain.com (Sub Domain Name)
• www.otherdomain.com (Company Public Domain)
• msexchange1 (Email Server Net-Bios Name)
• server.local (Internal Private Test Domain)
• 192.168.255.255 (Server IP Address)
• mailautodiscover (Auto discover name for SMTP server)
• www.anydomainown.com (Company another business Domain)

With a GeoTrust True Business ID Multi-Domain SSL certificate, you can add, edit, or delete up to 25 domain names over the lifetime of the certificate. Unified Communication products such as Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft Communication Server, Share Point and many more can be secured with this specially designed UC certificate.

With Multi Domain SSL Certificate, you can add, edit and delete up to 25 Domain Names. ClickSSL offers Multi Domain from 1 to 5 years at an affordable price. Every True Business ID certificate includes a dynamic GeoTrust True Site Seal with your company name and a real-time date/time stamp. When users of your online services see the seal and verify your name, they have more confidence to complete their transactions and trust your services. ClickSSL is a Geotrust authorized reseller Company, so you know that you are go with most trusted & reliable company in SSL Industries.

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How to look for a Cheap SSL Certificates.

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a protocol that protects your Web site and makes it easy for customers to transaction with you. SSL provides security and an encrypted link between a web server and a web browser to make sure that all data transmitted are private. Many consumers recognize the "golden padlock" which shows that they are viewing a secure web page.

SSL certificates can provide you with non-forge able proof of your website's identity, and customer trust in the integrity and security of your online business. Customers are aware of the advantages of SSL security and will often not purchase online from non-secure stores. All major online businesses use SSL security to encourage customers to buy online.

Security for your website

There are several SSL certificate vendor that offers Cheap SSL Certificates, the good thing of having one is that you will gain your customer’s trust and attract more buyers without hesitation of giving their personal information on your website for their payment process.

You can find cheap SSL certificates that cost $11, mostly it varies from $11 to as much $1,000 or more. Why does it have a big difference? The main reasons are some certificate authorities have been around longer than others, so you are sure that their certificates are worth it, because it is already working in older browsers. Some certificates are directly signed by a trusted certificate, while others are chained from another intermediate certificate. This is not really a problem, as long as the company selling the chained certificate really does own the root certificate. Chained certificates are usually cheapest SSL certificate. Different certificates give different levels of assurance to your website visitors about whom you are. This not really a major issue for more sites, because website visitors are generally happy as soon they see the lock icon in the lower left corner to the browser window. A few certificate authorities claim to provide enhanced security to customers with very old computers.

Different type of SSL certificate you should buy are:

• If your website is intended to sell products to the public, and you have no special interest in serving users with very old computers, you can get by just fine with a chained, domain-only certificate from a newer certificate authority.

• If your website are selling products to the public and have a much larger audience than the webmasters in the first group, then the thought of a "small number" of users who ca not use newer certificates will be setting off alarm bells for you.

• If your website offers financial services, or requires especially private information from users, such as social security numbers and tax identity number. Mostly users on such websites more likely to check the detailed certificate information.

Demand for reliable online security is increasing. Despite on increasing online sales, still many consumers continue to believe that shopping online is less safe than doing the old-fashioned shopping on stores. The key to establishing a successful online business or a website is to build customer trust. Only when potential customers trust that their private information and personal data is safe with your business, will they consider making purchases on the Internet.

Original Source : Article Base

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Explanation of SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and HTTPS

Processing transactions strongly on the web means that we essential to be able to transmit information between the web site and the buyer in a conduct that makes it testing for other people to intercept and read. SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer, takes custody of this for us and it plant through a combination of programs and encryption/decryption routines that survive on the web hosting computer and in browser programs (like Netscape and Internet Explorer) worn by the internet world.

SSL Overview from the Browser viewpoint:

Browser checks the SSL Certificate to make clearly that the situate you are connecting to is the real site and not somebody intercepting.

Determining encryption types that the browser and web place attendant can both use to understand one another.

Browser and Server send one another sole codes to use when scrambling (or encrypting) the information that will be sent.

The browser and Server open chatting with the encryption, the web browser shows the encrypting icon, and web pages are processed available.

Internet communication typically runs through several plan layers on an attendant before receiving to the requested numbers such as a web page or cgi scripts. The external layer is the first to be hit by the appeal. These is the high degree protocols such as HTTP (web attendant), IMAP (dispatch attendant), and FTP (sort convey).

Determining which surface layer protocol will market the appeal depends on the brand of demand made by the client. This high flattened protocol then processes the appeal through the Secure Sockets Layer. If the demand is for a non-stable connection it passes through to the TCP/IP layer and the attendant application or numbers.

If the client requested a fastened connection the ssl layer starts a grasp to begin the protected communication course. Depending on the SSL complex on the attendant, it may demand that an acquire connection be made before allowing communication to toss through to the TCP/IP layer in which case a non-protected request will transmit back a slip asking for them to retry steadily (or only deny the non-lock connection).

The handclasp is the most complicated advantage in the process and while our example specifically uses HTTPS (web based safety) the same stuff operate to other protocols.

The "handclasp" syncs the attendant and the client up with the encryption methods and keys that will be used for the remainder of the communications. This is also where the attendant authentication is determined (and client authentication if necessary by the attendant).

Typically it is enough to know that attendant and client determine a protected connection but the next is a rushed of what happens (again, with https and "web browser" for example):

The client's web browser sends the web position attendant it's methods of encrypting facts. This includes the encryption class, some chance facts that the encryption programs on both sides can use in the scrambling routines, and other ssl related facts.

The attendant takings it's own random data to be used for encryption as well as other safe sockets layer information (including it's ssl certificate with a long sequence of characters called a shared key) that the browser will penury.

The shopper's browser checks the information it recieved and compares it to the area it was tiresome to attach firmly with. If the fastened certificate information on the web locate doesn't contest the area name the browser will advise the consumer that there is a challenge. The certificate expiration courted and suitable certificate sureness also check at this crux.

The handshake finally creates the new key that the remainder of the connection will be with. The end invention is then a transmission encrypted based on a calculated key that is based on a combination of verified certificates.

The browser now creates a "premaster enigma" that encrypts the support of the meeting. This is a random key that it encrypts with the settled ahead encryption process combined with the attendant's broadcast key twine that it recieved and sends the new encrypted surprise sequence back to the server

If the server requires client authentication, it is done at this point with the same steps but looking for a certificate on the client margin sooner than on the server piece. Typically this is done in corporate environments.

With the new "premaster surprise" string, both the browser and the web locate server originate a new "master mystery" string and use it to craft gathering keys (long strings of generated characters) that their encryption programs use for the leftovers of the gathering to jostle and descramble (or encrypt/decrypt) all transmissions for the surplus of the gathering. With the Master Secret key in place, both sides are also able to verify that the data didn't change in route.

The browser now has the information it wants to determine steady communication and it sends a letter to the server maxim that it will depart using the new meeting key.

The browser (now chatting in the encrypted arrange) verifies to the web server that it is complete locking / securing it's part of the assembly.

The web server then sends a memo to the browser saying that it too will start using the new meeting key.

The web server (now chatting in the encrypted arrange) verifies to the browser that it is complete locking / securing it's part of the session. The remainder of the SSL session gets processed between the browser and the web server using the fixed leading encryption with the master secret verbalize as the key.

For more information visit ClickSSL.com

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SSL Certificate and Cyber Security.

Since last 20 to 25 years world is rapidly changed to cyber world. Cyber made all things fast and closest. Living miles away, people can see, speak, and live as sitting on coffee table. Cyber innovation changed the growth of world beyond imagination in last 25 years. When a computer was invented it was a giant and now people use it as notebook. Technology is developing rapidly with unmeasured growth.

A rapid growth of cyber required security and safety. People started talking online, shopping online, banking online even getting married online. Let's talk about cyber security, many online shoppers, sellers and bankers were abused by Hackers (Kind of thieves). These thieves were major problem on cyber invention. People started feeling unsecure started avoiding online dealings. Innovation is on growth and did not want to stop or running back to zero. Technology gurus found key to secure online data and this key is SSL certificate.

What are hackers and hacking?

Hackers are thieves who try to gain un-authorized access to your computer via network or program. Stealing data from computer or network is called hacking. Like as thieves Hackers do not knock your door. They get un-authorized access and start stealing your personal data. You realize once see loose of data, money and everything

Who invented SSL certificate?

SSL certificates are developed on protocol SSL (Secure Socket Layer) by Netscape in 1994. Netscape used encryption and decryption technology to make data unreadable for hackers. Incase hackers steal encrypted data then even he can not read get correct data.

Later technology established SSL certificate standards and authorized few organizations to work as SSL certificate issuer. They are called SSL CA - Certificate Authorities. Few of them are VeriSign, GeoTrust, Thawte, Equifax, Entrust, Global Sign, RapidSSL, Comodo. All these CAs are authorized for issuing Web Trust certificates. SSL technology started supporting up to 256 bit encryption to secure online data.

As online shopper, seller or banker trust only SSL certificate website. Real merchants always used SSL certificate securing customer credit card details and private information. Do not get abused with good web designs and words, as scammers always use such scamming ideas. Trust only SSL certificate secured websites.

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Effective SSL certificates solutions – energetic start to ClickSSL.com

ClickSSL is gallant to declare the official establish of their interactive website ClickSSL.com that will be offering authentic SSL Certificates to online businesses making them safe and secure. Having partnered with GeoTrust, RapidSSL, Thawte & VeriSign – which is SSL industry’s leading brand in providing online SSL Certificates, ClickSSL will contribute in the industry expertise along with its offering of cheap SSL certificate for online e-Commerce websites, web applications, and many more…

During 2009 there is vigorous progress in hacking activities, there in line of combat, and the unnamed sections they bull's eye for accessible e-Business fraud. We at ClickSSL contribute equivalent bold cyberspace surety solutions" said the spokes person from ClickSSL during their website go into.

ClickSSL is authorized reseller of VeriSign certificate authority. By its website, ClickSSL will appropriate owners of online businesses to buy SSL certificates or renew SSL certificates in a cost effective way. SSL Certificates from ClickSSL let have mention convenience to your website and make your online discovery transactions safe from hackers and prevent from documented access.

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protects your website and makes it uptown for your website visitors to trust you in three far-reaching behavior, such as SSL Certificate enables encryption of sensitive information during online transactions, SSL Certificate contains unique, documented information about the certificate owner and last but not least, the Certificate Authority verifies the identity of the certificate owner when it is issued.

ClickSSL is the square deal grasp for you to buy SSL certificates online. Whether it’s easy SSL documentation for the essential online businesses or EV SSL certificates, Code Signing SSL certificates, Wildcard SSL certificates and so on depending on your Business, ClickSSL is your one stop shop for all kinds of VeriSign SSL certificates.

For more information visit https://www.clickssl.com

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Fraud Alert: Phishing and Potential Business Impact

As one of the top cyber crime ploys impacting both consumers and businesses, phishing has grown in volume and sophistication over the past several years. The down economy is providing a breeding ground for new, socially-engineered attempts to defraud unsuspecting business people and consumers. With honest money-earning avenues less available, the cyber crime ecosystem is ready with off-the-shelf phishing kits. It no longer takes a hacker to enable and commit fraud on the Internet — anyone with a motive can join in.

The potential impact on a business can be great — whether an employee or its customers have been phished, or the company Web site has been compromised. Organizations need to stay current on the latest methods employed by cyber criminals and proactively take steps to prevent this type of fraud.

How Phishing Could Impact Your Business?

While the financial industry continues to be a primary target for phishers, it’s certainly not the only sector vulnerable to attack. Auction sites, payment services, retail, and social networking sites are also frequent targets. The APWG also reports a massive increase in attacks aimed at cell phone providers and manufacturers. In short, no business or brand is inherently safe.

Phishing attacks that pose as a company’s official Web site diminish the company’s online brand and deter customers from using the actual Web site out of fear of becoming a fraud victim. In addition to the direct costs of fraud losses, businesses whose customers fall victim to a phishing scam also risk:

• A drop in online revenues and/or usage due to decreased customer trust
• Potential non-compliance fines if customer data is compromised

Even phishing scams aimed at other brands can impact a business. The resulting fear caused by phishing can cause consumers to stop transacting with anyone they can’t trust.

Protecting Your Business

While there is no silver bullet, there are technologies that can help protect you and your customers. Many of the current phishing techniques rely on driving customers to spoofed Web sites to capture personal information. Technology such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Extended Validation (EV) SSL are critical in fighting phishing and other forms of cyber crime by encrypting sensitive information and helping customers authenticate your site.

Security best practices call for implementing the highest levels of encryption and authentication possible to protect against cyber fraud and build customer trust in the brand. SSL, the world standard for Web security, is the technology used to encrypt and protect information transmitted over the Web with the ubiquitous HTTPS protocol. SSL protects data in motion which can be intercepted and tampered with if sent unencrypted. Support for SSL is built into all major operating systems, Web browsers, Internet applications and server hardware.

To help prevent phishing attacks from being successful and to build customer trust, companies also need a way to show customers that they are a legitimate business. Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates are the answer, offering the highest level of authentication available with an SSL Certificate and providing tangible proof to online users that the site is indeed a legitimate business.

EV SSL gives Web site visitors an easy and reliable way to establish trust online by triggering high security Web browsers to display a green address bar with the name of the organization that owns the SSL Certificate and the name of the Certificate Authority that issued it. Figure 2 shows the green address bar in Internet Explorer.

The green bar shows site visitors that the transaction is encrypted and the organization has been authenticated according to the most rigorous industry standard. Phishers can then no longer capitalize on visitors not noticing they are not on a true SSL session.

While cyber criminals are becoming adept at mimicking legitimate Web sites, without the company’s EV SSL Certificate there is no way they can display its name on the address bar because the information shown there is outside of their control. And they cannot obtain the legitimate company’s EV SSL Certificates because of the stringent authentication process.

Consumer and Employee Education:

In addition to implementing EV SSL technology, businesses should continue to educate their customers and employees on safe Internet practices and how to avoid cyber fraud. Teach them how to recognize the signs of a phishing attempt such as: misspellings (less common as phishers become more sophisticated), generic greetings instead of being personalized, urgent calls-to-action, account status threats, requests for personal information, and fake domain names/links.

Also educate your customers and employees on how to recognize a valid, secure Web site before they provide any personal or sensitive information by:

• Looking for the green bar
• Making sure the URL is HTTPS
• Clicking on the padlock to match the certificate information with the Web site they intended to go to

Education is a key component of building the trust necessary to overcome phishing fears. By helping your customers understand how to confirm they are safe on your Web site, you can grow revenues, differentiate your offering, and/or benefit from operational savings by moving more transactions online.

Phishing will continue to evolve into new forms, while attempting to take advantage of human behaviors such as compassion, trust, or curiosity. Protecting your brand and your business from phishing requires constant diligence, but pays rewards beyond reduced fraud losses.

By educating and protecting your customers with the highest levels of protection provided by EV SSL Certificates, your business can ensure customers have greater confidence in your online services. By demonstrating leadership in online security, you can broaden your market appeal and in doing so, generate new revenue streams.

For more information visit: ClickSSL.com

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