SECURITY

How secure is a secure server?

Anyone can claim to have a secure server. Everyone will ask you for your credit card details. Before you release any details to any vendor regardless of their size and standing you need to be aware of a few things.

Is it secure?

When you go into a secure server, it should be apparent from your browser's display that you have entered a secure server. You should get an alert, informing you of the site's status, and your key or lock in the bottom left hand corner of your browser will appear locked of highlighted. You should also get a blue line across the top of the browser window.

If none of this happens, then DO NOT enter your credit card details.

OK, lets suppose all of the above works for you. One question still remains.

IS IT SECURE?!

Quite simply it might be, it might not. Depends on the vendor and how they have set their systems up.

At the end of the day, there aren't many reportings of credit card fraud, although it’s a growing business.

The rule of thumb is to exercise caution. But its probably no more risky than handing your credit card over at a restaurant, or dictating it to an operator over the 'phone.

Don't be afraid to email the vendor and ask them a few questions. It might put your mind at rest!