Internet shopping is both safe and secure, if you know what to look for…
Both the Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer browsers give you the information you need to know to insure the credit card information you submit to a merchant is secure. The necessary information takes one of two forms. Some web pages may use both forms at once, but only one needs to be present to assure your credit card information is kept from prying eyes.
First Form: Both browsers have a small lock icon at the bottom of most screens. When present in Navigator, the lock is often in the lower left. When present in Explorer, it is often in the lower right. On most pages the lock is in an open position. When you enter a page on which secure information is to be entered (as when you are asked to type in your credit card number) the lock snaps to a closed or locked position. If the lock is not closed, then it is not safe to submit your credit card information. If the lock is closed, then it is safe to send the information. The closed lock means your credit card information and any other information on the page will be transmitted in a scrambled code that is not readable by anyone other than the merchant to whom the code is sent.
Second Form: Generally, web addresses begin with http:// When a page is secure
for transmission of confidential information, the browser adds an "s" and
http:// becomes https:// If the "s" is not present, then it is not safe to
submit your credit card information. If the "s" is present, then it is safe
to send the information. Your credit card information and any other information
on the page will be securely coded for transmission.
