Is Online ordering really safe? By Scott Radin www.webpros99.com, online shopping consultant to Channel 2 News, Buffalo, NY.

Is it safe? My company currently represents over 30 Internet companies. In developing these companies, I have done thousands of hours in research. There are various levels of security (or non-security), but for the benefit of your readers I will only touch on the most widely used forms of online order placement.

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First it is important that we define security. In laymen's terms, a properly secured site "encrypts" data as it is being transferred. In theory, this means the information is transferred into security coding then decoded by the host. Is it fail proof? No, but neither is any other form of data transfer like ATM's, faxes, and credit report inquiries.

When you are shopping online it is first important that you determine if an order is going to be processed with a secure method of data transfer. Second it is important that the web site clearly outlines their "Security and Privacy" policy. Lastly, and I emphasize this point, the site should clearly reflect their location, phone number, and email address.

Thus, when you are shopping on a site, I recommend the following steps in the order as I have placed them.

1. Even before shopping, attempt to locate their contact information. If you do not find a location, phone number, and email address, then move on to a new web site. Don't mistake a P.O. Box as an address!

2. If the contact information is found, then look for a "Privacy" or "Security and Privacy" statement. If found, take a couple of minutes to read it and make sure you can live with its terms. If not you will find that your personal information may be shared or sold…legally. If you can't find such a statement or you don't agree with the terms of said statement, then move on to a new web site.

3. If all the above is satisfactory, move on; shop and begin placing your order. By the time it comes to enter any personal information, you need to make sure the page is secure. How? There are a few ways. Some browsers may show you the security information as you enter. If not, the address on the address bar should start with https:// not http://. Lastly, the page should show an icon (a gold padlock) that reflects a secure page. If you find this icon, take thirty seconds to click on it. A window will open showing the secure certificate information. Make sure the certificate is still active. If the site is not secure or the certificate is not active, then move on to another web site.

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Now, many have told me that they would never shop online. It is not safe. Well, if a site is not secure then, no. It is not safe. But if a site is properly secured, then shopping online is safer than shopping in the mall or eating n a restaurant. Why do you ask? Think about it. You are in a department store and pay for your new sweater with you VISA card. You sign the slip and off you go. Similarly, you pay for dinner with you MASTER card. Your hard copy stays behind, usually in an unsecured area for hours. Where is the security? Any employee or passerby could get your information.

Now consider the processing online. Your information is coded and received by someone who has a vested interest in the store you shopped in. Basically, the information is sealed and only accessible by one or two people.

For instance, on all of the e-commerce sites we manage, orders are received by that company's manager and by me, for backup purposes only. There is no copy sitting around for others to see. Our clients, and we take this security seriously.

Thus, shopping online through a properly secured site is safer than conventional means.

In conclusion, I wish to express my hope that you follow my steps toward security. It is not something to take a chance on. Shopping online is very safe if you understand what you are doing. Let's face it; there are hundreds of sites looking to rip you off if you do not know what you are doing. There are millions of sites that wish nothing more than to make your online shopping experience a successful one. Know the difference.

Scott Radin is the sales and marketing manager for A.S. Radin & Associates, 18 Breezewood Drive, Orchard Park, NY 14127; http://www.webpros99.com.

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