How to Allay Security Concerns to Get More Sales

Javelin Strategy and Research found out in January 2009 that paying with a credit card is the top mode of payment for online purchase. According to the Javelin data, credit cards were used in 59% of all online purchases in 2007 and 55% in 2008. The researchers also say that all the way to 2013, payments made using a credit card will dominate all other payment methods.

The most telling of the results from the data gathered by Javelin Strategy and Research, however, is not what we have all known all along, which is how credit cards offer a convenient way for paying online. But the fact that credit card usage online is seen to fall. Jupiter Research and Ipsos Insight conducted a study that involved those who did not use cards to pay for online purchases in 2007. They found that more than 37% responded that they do not use cards because of security concerns.

Think about it. If you have a Web site that only allows for credit card payments, you are already missing out on a little less than half of the people buying online. You certainly do not want to lose any more of the half that do use credit cards. Instead, you would like to assure the 37% of those people who do not want to use their credit cards for security reasons that it is okay to buy from you.

Yes, you can assure them that you can offer them security when they give you their cards numbers.

Encrypt with SSL

One way is to use secure sockets layer encryption that allows your site to encrypt card details and personal and financial details so that it is not intercepted by other people when in transit.

Secure Your System

Installing anti-virus software and firewalls are two of the many countermeasures you can take to fortify your systems.

Prevent Break-ins and Hacking with Web Site Security Software

A Web site security software like a Web application firewall can further protect your Web site from hacking attacks and viruses. A protected system running a Web application firewall can filter data coming into their Web site and instantly block viruses from entering their systems. What is more, this real time protection can analyze incoming Web traffic and alert you when an attempt to exploit a vulnerability in your system has been carried out.

Stop turning away customers and buyers at your Web site. Implement these strategies and give them the peace of mind to buy from you!