When performing online commerce transactions, it is very important to ensure that your clients feel secure and that they are assured that their information is 100% protected. The best way to assure clients that their information is safe is to ensure that all sensitive information is handled by SSL (Secure Socket Layer).

SSL ensures that the credit card and other information a client enters is encrypted and remains private and protected. As long a browser indicates a secure connection (usually by a graphic image of a lock in MS Explorer or a key in Netscape), the information will be encrypted. SSL provides a range of security services for client/server sessions, including:

Server authentication
The server is authenticated to the client by demonstrating possession of a Digital Certificate. This proves to the originator that he or she is actually communicating with the intended website and not a site that is posing as that website to fraudulently gather credit card or personal information.

For this very reason, ALTONet insists that each client who wishes to make use of SSL has their own individual Digital Certificate. Some hosting companies allow their clients to make use of a "general" server certificate, but this is not only unprofessional, but more importantly it does not assure your clients that they are dealing with a reputable business.

Client authentication
This service authenticates to the server that the client is who he or she claims to be, protecting the business from fraudulent users and over non repudiation protection.

Integrity
Data items transferred are protected against attempts to modify data.

Confidentiality
Users are assured that no unauthorised entity has access to the information being shared at the website. This protects sensitive information such as account numbers or credit card numbers against eavesdroppers.