On Friday, February 25^th, computing security firm Symantec announced it has partnered with Adgregate Markets, a social commerce organization, to offer SSL certificates and the VeriSign Trust Seal to customers of ShopFans which is a Facebook application for creating ecommerce stores. ShopFans was programmed as a native Facebook platform application that ties brands directly into the infrastructure of Facebook. This includes:

• New feeds
• Wish lists
• Gift registries
• Likes
• Shares
• Flash sales
• Loyalty rewards
• Social badging

A recent study showed that over 92 percent of executives from leading retailers are focusing their marketing efforts on Facebook and subsequent applications. Furthermore, over 71 percent of users have confirmed they are more likely to make a purchase after “liking” a brand they find online.

Therefore, by combining shopping within Facebook, fans will receive the most secure solution available, which is exactly what Symantec and Adgregate provide as the leaders in social commerce security. Adgregate has found that ShopFans has combined total annual sales of over $8.5 billion.

Facebook as a platform for internet commerce is irresistible for online shoppers and social media enthusiasts. Therefore, online retailers must realize the importance of their Facebook presence as it establishes a necessary level of trust required to convert fans into customers. Symantec representatives are excited about working with Adgregate who is taking the Facebook experience into a whole new direction.

By adding the recognizable VeriSign Trust Seal from Symantec, Facebook stores developed using ShopFans will convert more browsers into buyers. The seal allows potential buyers to feel much more secure with all transactions they make across Facebook. Since Facebook is already a highly trusted organization, this added security will be a huge boost to consumers and stores alike. Its win-win for all parties involved.

The VeriSign Trust Seal independently authenticates the identity of the site operator through the Symantec system. All sites with the seal are automatically scanned each day for malware by Symantec. Therefore, search engines will display the seal next to the name of the site in the search results for better visibility. This, in turn, greatly improves traffic to a website while building relationships with customers.

The collaboration will prove to be highly profitable for the three business entities involved. Since Facebook is such a popular communication medium and Symantec is the most reputable online security system in the world, customers can now feel completely at ease when shopping in the Facebook marketplace.

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Original: Ecommerce Stores with a Social Networking Platform

Businesses using VeriSign are now covered throughout the buying process. From search to browse to purchase, customers are protected from the hazards of online shopping with the addition of new trust enhancements. The best aspect of this technology for businesses is that it’s free to use.

The new features include:

• VeriSign Seal-in-Search
• Daily website malware scans

These new features allow webmasters to deliver trust from the beginning of the process to the end while displaying the most trustworthy logo in the industry: VeriSign. With an ever-increasing number of malicious attacks, this technology is a huge advancement for internet security.

The VeriSign Seal-in-Search feature lets those sites that utilize VeriSign SSL stand out during search engine queries. Users will immediately see the VeriSign logo in the search next to the site in the search results, shopping sites and online listings to indicate their protection and give the consumer more trust. VeriSign is collaborating with comparison shopping sites, listings and many different consumer-based websites.

A recent study conducted by online shopping center, TheFind.com discovered that search engine results displaying the VeriSign logo saw just under a 19 percent increase in click through traffic than those without. This shows consumers recognize and trust sites that display the VeriSign logo.

In addition to the Seal-in-Search and trust logo, VeriSign has also added a much needed daily website malware scanning feature. This will further protect the consumer from malicious attacks and hijackers. On the other hand, the scan prevents website owners from being attacked. The malware scans lessen the chance of a website being blacklisted by sensitive search engines.

The process is that the malware prevention service will notify customers when VeriSign determines a website is infected. VeriSign will also prove websites to customers that are infected which will be an indication to steer clear.

VeriSign has provided the strongest SSL encryption available commercially for many years. This ensures private consumer information is completely protected. Numerous Fortune 500 companies as well as some of the top banks in the world use SSL certificates to guarantee protection.

VeriSign is already by far the industry leader in consumer security. With the addition of these much-needed, fantastic features, consumers can remain at ease knowing their information is full protected from hackers, hijackers and malicious attackers. Additionally with Seal-in-Search, customers have many more secure options to complete their shopping needs.

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Original: New Security Products for VeriSign SSL Users

All websites reside on a web server, which makes them available to internet users for browsing.  However, thanks to the web hosting industry, people don’t have worry about the complexities of setting up and maintaining their own.  In fact, most website owners lease their web server space and associated resources from either an Internet Service Provider or web hosting provider at a very reasonable price.  These companies offer a wide range of services that facilitate the hosting, development, design and promotion of your online presence.

Indeed, getting a website is easier and more affordable than it has ever been before.  When considering all the features and services that can help to make your site successful, you should never forget about one of the most important aspects – security.  If your plans involve creating a site that collectives sensitive information from visitors or customers, you need to know that this information is at great risk unless it is secured during the transmission phase.  The internet provides anyone who has a method of connectivity with access to the World Wide Web, hackers and other cyber criminals included.  Aware of all the scams and security breaches, customers are increasingly searching for signs of security before they decide to share sensitive data with a website.  If you want to instill trust within your visitors to the point where they feel comfortable handing over their user names, passwords, contact details and credit card numbers and other confidential information, it is a must that you make sure your website transactions are secure.  The solution – SSL encryption.

Why Verisign?

An SSL certificate is a security mechanism that provides website visitors with the ability to confirm that a particular site belongs to the organization or individual they intend to communicate with.  Most importantly, it provides exceptional protection for the sensitive data they transmit over the internet.  While there are a number of Certificate Authorities to choose from, Verisign is a leading provider and among the most reliable.  Certificates produced by this internet security firm offer a strong level of encryption and its VeriSign Secured Seal has become the must trusted mark on the World Wide Web.

VeriSign Products

VeriSign offers a number of products to ensure the security of your website transactions.  Two of its most popular offerings include:

Secure Site Pro with EV – You can give your customers the confidence they need to make purchases with VeriSign Secure Site Pro with EV, VeriSign’s most popular SSL product.  EV (Extended Validation) displays a green address bar in the web browser indicating the legitimacy of the site while true 128-bit ensures that their personal information is completely secure.

Secure Site Pro SSL Certificates – With this VeriSign product, you can transmit sensitive data with protection from the strongest SSL encryption possible.  Secure Site Pro SSL Certificates offers the option of 128 and 256-bit encryption to provide your customers with the utmost security.

You can get yourself an SSL certificate directly from VeriSign or request one from your web hosting provider.  Either way, you will be rewarded with the most rigorous authentication and security methodology in the industry.

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1. The Need for SSL in E-commerce

Original: Genuine Strong SSL Encryption with VeriSign

You don’t have to be all that familiar with the internet to be aware of online credit card fraud and identity theft.  Just like you, consumers grow more weary with each publicized security breach. This added consciousness results in more shoppers who are reluctant to provide their credit card details online.  Unfortunately, this reality also has a direct impact on any business with an online storefront.  Consumer confidence is declining rapidly but you can help maintain it by incorporating SSL into your site.

What is SSL?

SSL (Security Sockets Layer) is a security protocol used to enable secure communications online.  With an SSL certificate, you get the benefit of a proven method that creates an encrypted tunnel between the customer’s web browser on the client side, and your website on the server side.  Therefore, instead of traveling over the insecure internet in vulnerable plain-text, credit card numbers are encrypted and scrambled so they can’t be read by intruders.  Right now, 128-bit encryption is the standard for SSL certificates as previous versions have been rendered insecure.  The algorithm used to form this security level of security is virtually impossible to break, ensuring that the communications between you and your customers are safe.

Where to Get a Certificate

In order to get an SSL certificate, you must go through a company known as a CA or Certificate Authority.  Verisign is the most popular and trusted authority with GeoTrust and Thawte making up the next reputable options.  At the basic level, all SSL certificates provide the same type of security.  A 128-bit certificate from GeoTrust will encrypt the communications between the server and client just as one from VeriSign would.  This is good news for smaller needs as basic certificates are more affordable and provide adequate security.  You will find that the price soars when adding on additional services that you may or may not need.  Because some authorities will try to sell you whatever they can, it is important to do some investing before you go spending beyond your requirements.

Installing Your Certificate

In most cases, installing an SSL certificate is relatively easy regardless of your technical abilities.  Most hosting providers offer certificates as add-on products and generally provide guidance for installing it.  This process is usually a simple one that can be performed through an advanced control panel interface on your own.  If not, a good host will be more than happy to install the certificate for you.  Once installed, the certificate is immediately activated and starts protecting your website transactions right way.  Do yourself a favor by finding a provider that allows you to incorporate your own certificate should you choose not to purchase it from them.

Keep the Internet Criminals at Bay

There are some features your e-commerce site can do without but an SSL certificate isn’t one of them.  Consumers grow more conscious about shopping online everyday as internet fraud is at a record high.   Gather some information about the most reliable certificate authorities and choose one that can provide the best level of security for your site.   Remember this: your inventory will collect a lot of dust if no one feels safe purchasing it.

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Original: The Need for SSL in E-commerce