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Ecommerce Tutorials from Allied Wallet

Art — Tue, 17 May 2011 22:30:31 +0000

Allied Wallet recently published their first online ecommerce guide on their website. This is the first of many video tutorials to come. These manuals are targeted for those clients and users to understand the inner-workings of Allied Wallet and methods of easily accepting credit cards. The first video highlights the primary differences between their two payment systems: Business Pro and QuickPay.

The QuickPay Solution

The QuickPay solution targets the smaller to medium size business clients searching for a simple system to accept credit cards online. The QuickPay interface makes the integration of an online retailer’s website to the Allied Wallet payment system easy with only a tiny amount of programming required.

The Business Pro Solution

The Business Pro solution is geared toward larger organizations in search of a seamless checkout process. During the QuickPay checkout procedure, the client is transferred to an Allied Wallet payment page and redirected back to the online retailer’s website upon completion of the transaction. On the other hand, with the Business Pro version, the customer remains on the retailer’s website where all payment processing is performed by Allied Wallet in the background.

Instant Credit Card Processing

Furthermore, these two services allow online retailers to instantly accept a credit card from any location across the globe at any time. Also with ACH processing, online paperless checks can be processed to save on business expenses and ease implementation. Additionally, ACH processing allows for debit, credit and recurring credit payments based on a predetermined increment.

Video Tutorial Series

The upcoming video tutorial series will help users find exciting new uses of Allied Wallet’s payment gateway. The tutorial series is applicable to both the QuickPay and Business Pro versions. With so many uses and other functions, these two payment software tools will assist in many other areas of ecommerce. These videos intend to present these functions that most users are not aware of.

About Allied Wallet

As an internationally-based merchant services provider, Allied Wallet specializes in ewallet services, online payment solutions and ACH processing. The release of these new tutorials is sure to drive many more customers to the software solutions once they see the power of the payment gateway.

With so many additional features besides payment processing, QuickPay and Business Pro are two of a kind and should be reviewed by every online retailer in the industry. Based on the number of features, it appears as if this could be the solution for you. Stop by the Allied Wallet website to view the video tutorials for more information.

Web Hosting Instructions

Dmitry — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:21:07 +0000

Web domains. Hosting. Content. These are the three top priorities for any webmaster, regardless of how experienced they are. Unfortunately, these three essentials often leave people in the dark, as there are dozens of companies offering the “same” packages for different prices. With an overflow of routes you could take, it can get mind boggling to figure out the appropriate steps. For this reason, instructions are essential if you are looking for a smooth path.

The first thing you should do is make a list of what your current goals are. If you are making a professional site, you’ll need a secure and reliable host. For instance, if you know that your website will reach thousands of people within a few months, perhaps you should find a web hosting package that includes extra bandwidth. You need additional space, especially if visitors are constantly going to be accessing your website. On the other hand, if you are just experimenting, you should stick to the free hosting packages. Geocities or Angel Fire certainly provides a basic package, which will leave you satisfied. After all, you do not need bells and whistles if you aren’t serious about the website in the long run. If you do end up changing your mind, you can always switch services and transfer your website.

Once you have made your decision, you need to find a reputable service. While searching for hosting companies on Google may seem appropriate, it often stems bad results. It is important to remember that just because it is listed on a search engine, doesn’t mean it is 100% safe and legit. Therefore, if you do find a potential company, you should get a second opinion. It is usually smart to join a webmaster related forum like SitePoint to discuss such matters. This way you can hear about other people’s experiences and what companies to avoid. Additional references from friends or family would also be ideal.

After picking a host, you will need to provide your credit card information. For many users, 3ix.org is a favorite, as it rarely charges you much. Surprisingly, there are discount coupon codes you can acquire through the internet, to also help you with your initial fee. Due to the fact that you have to include your private information, it is absolutely crucial to make sure you find a legit business. The last thing you want is to lose any money. Therefore, you should google their name and check out the reviews from fellow users. This will most definitely make all of the difference, especially if you find out that they are a fraud.

For website beginners, web hosting doesn’t have to be difficult or even too time consuming. As long as you find reputable sources, second opinions, and a great easy to use package, you are well on your way to website success. With these instructions in mind, there should be no frustrations or year long debates on what company to use. It is quite simple, once you get in the webmaster’s frame of mind.

Top 3 Important Aspects of Web Hosting Security

Art — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:44:52 +0000

With so many choices in the web hosting industry, it can be confusing at times when browsing through potential candidates for your next web hosting provider. Most people are searching for web hosts that offer particular features, such as ample bandwidth and disk space. However, many forget the importance of a secure web hosting solution. Everyone knows how important security is in any online endeavor, yet most people seem to overlook it when considering a web hosting solution. If you’re wise then you will consider the following three aspects of web hosting security when choosing your next web hosting plan.

SFTP

SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) is an updated secure variation of FTP(File Transfer Protocol). Basic FTP is not fully secure, in that the files being transferred could possibly be intercepted by an outsider. In fact, the perpetrator can even change the data within the files, and view the files discreetly without disrupting their path. With SFTP you’ll have an extra layer of security since the files will be encrypted using government standard 128-bit encryption.

SSL

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is extremely crucial for any ecommerce site. With SSL all private information such as credit card/bank account information, phone numbers, addresses, and email addresses are kept private. Without this kind of security measure in place, you and you’re customers are being left susceptible to credit card fraud and identity theft. In many cases the credit card information can be stolen instantly, and online purchases can be made before the cardholder even knows what hit them. Aside from the lack of security that is associated with not having SSL enabled on your server, you’re also going to lose business. Every site with SSL enabled receives an SSL certificate which is then placed on the checkout page. Many customers look for this when shopping online, and will refuse to shop with you if you do not have this certificate.

Data Backups

Many people realize the importance of backing up their personal computer, however the importance of backing up your websites files is often overlooked. A lot of work is put into building a website, as I am sure you are probably aware of, and you may find it shocking to learn that all of this information can be wiped out and lost forever in just one hour. If you do not backup your data, this data loss would be permanent, and you would literally have to start back at square one! If you want to keep this from happening then you will need to make sure you choose a web hosting plan that automatically conducts routine server backups.

Overall Network Security

When choosing a web hosting plan, the above factors are definitely of great importance. However, there are many more important aspects to consider in regards to overall server and network security. To ensure the safety of your website and your online business, you’ll need to choose a web hosting solution that is reputable and known for having top notch security.

Establish Credibility and Trust with Private SSL

Art — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:05:11 +0000

E-commerce has become an integral part of today’s business economy. To no surprise, a number of web hosting companies have emerged to cater to the demand. These firms specialize in services that are specially designed for people who want to sell goods and services online. They generally offer features such as shopping carts, merchant accounts and payment gateways. However, those looking to indulge in e-commerce need to be far more selective when it comes to choosing a web hosting provider. With credit card numbers and personal data involved, the consequences of a security breach can be far more catastrophic than someone running a personal website. For this reason, the use of security features such as SSL is a must.

SSL is one of the most widely used tools for website security. Short for Secure Sockets Layer, SSL is a protocol that protects transactions between the buyer and seller with a cryptographic technology known as encryption. Anyone who sells products or services online is required to implement SSL or higher for security. This is why you see online services such as PayPal and various e-commerce sites with security seals representing that they are protected by SSL encryption.

Shared vs. Private

Most e-commerce hosting companies provide their customers with shared SSL certificates. This basically means that a company purchases their own private SSL certificate, and shares it with all customers residing on its server. While this does not mean that your site is lacking in security, it can be make potential customers very suspicious. When someone visits your site and checks for an SSL certificate, they will see that the certificate is owned by the web hosting company. This could either cause the visitor to question your credibility, or conclude that your site has been compromised by a hacker. You have to keep in mind that many consumers have no idea about web hosting, what company provides you with service, or the difference between shared and private SSL.

Although a private SSL certificate isn’t exactly cheap, it can be very advantageous for your online store and web presence. Once you purchase it from a CA (Certificate Authority), the certificate is yours and yours alone. Now when potential customers visit your site, they will see that you own the certificate, giving them reassurance and the confidence they need to feel safe when shopping on your site. There are fewer questions about whether your website is secure and no questions about who owns the certificate. And because it requires a dedicated IP address, you can ensure that you do not endure penalties as a result of sharing a server with spammers that cause trouble for the shared IP.

Summary

Almost all web hosting companies that specialize in e-commerce solutions offer support for private SSL certificates. As we mentioned above, there is nothing wrong with the shared variety, but having your own certificate can work wonders for your credibility. It could be considered a small investment that shows your audience that you are a serious business owner who can be depended on. Rewards for this investment could be customer loyalty and long-term profits.

The Top 3 Web Hosting Security Issues

Art — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:59:41 +0000

Security is by far one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a web host. With so many possible threats online, it is not as hard as on might think for a security lapse to occur. Security is not something that should be taken lightly by the consumer or the web host, as there are several threats that could result in serious financial turmoil. The following are three threats in particular that are becoming increasingly common, and that are responsible for a large portion of the security issues involved with web hosting.

Credit Card Fraud

The internet is a massive virtual marketplace, swarming with merchants, customers, and people who would like to take advantage of both the merchant and the consumer. The people looking to exploit any security fault they can are commonly referred to as “hackers.” Hackers see the web as an opportunity to prey on the weaknesses of other individuals and companies. A vulnerable website makes an ideal target for these hackers, especially if the website is engaged in daily e-commerce. Many of them have access to highly advanced applications that are capable of telling them if there any “loopholes” they can exploit. Any online store they can find with a single security lapse will become a feeding ground for them, resulting in thousands of dollars stolen form your customer’s credit cards. Once the hacker has the credit card details of your customer’s, the situation becomes progressively worse. Of course, the customer is going to be inclined to believe that you are the thief, and they will not want to accept the fact that you are actually the victim. This kind of situation can result in lawsuits, and even the loss of your online business!

Bot Rings

Then there is the possibility of a horrid “DDoS attack.” A DDoS attack is a security exploit that is normally employed by criminals that are members of or have control of “botnets.” DDos stands for “Distributed Denial of Service.” A bot ring is a group of hackers, or programmed computer’s that are set up to carry out a specific task. A DDoS attack is executed by a botnet that continually floods the network with DDoS requests. As the network is flooded with requests, it slows down until ultimately traffic screeches to a halt. Even though the DDoS attack is one of the oldest online security exploits, it is still extremely difficult to prevent because of it’s organic and seemingly genuine nature. Once the server’s traffic has been affected the hacker then takes control of the server, using it as a puppet to find other vulnerable servers. Once the hacker has gained control over several servers, they then begin their attack on the target of their choice. To prevent your business from being a victim of one of these attacks, make sure you discuss this threat with any prospective web hosts, to be sure they are aware of this threat.

Malicious Software

Then there are the threats that pose a virtual risk to the web hosting providers. Hackers may attempt to attack a web hosts server or network with a malicious application designed to retrieve crucial information. This malicious software is called “malware” ( a combination of the two words). While server’s generally have more stringent security measures in place, they are still susceptible to the same threats that a personal computer may be faced with. You can avoid these kind of security lapses by ensuring that your prospective host takes the proper precautions to defend against all forms of malware. Do not be afraid to ask questions about the security measures they have in place, before hand. It is important to remember that once the web host’s server is compromised to malware, every bit of information on the server can be accessed, including your web site’s financial data.

The Importance of PCI Scanning

Art — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:57:13 +0000

Formed in 2004, the PCI SSC (Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council) was established to provide a universal set of security standards that is to be adhered to by merchants who process and transmit credit card data. The council was founded by five of the top credit card companies: American Express, Discover, JCB, Mastercard and Visa. In order to become a PCI compliant company, your business must comply with the standards set in place by PCI Security Standards Council. There are currently 12 standards across six categories that must be met. These standards are as follows:

1.) Create and Maintain a Secure Network

1. Protect cardholder data by implementing and maintaining a reliable firewall configuration.

2. Never use manufacturer-supplied default passwords as means for security mechanisms.

2.) Protect Cardholder Data

3. Protect cardholder data on servers and other storage mediums.

4. Encrypt cardholder data traveling over public and other open networks.

3.) Maintain a Vulnerability Management System

5. Install, use and regularly update malware protective software on all systems commonly affected by malicious programs.

6. Create, deploy and maintain secure systems and applications.

4.) Implement Strong Access Control Polices

7. Restrict access to cardholder data to authorized personnel on a need-to-know basis.

8. Assign each individual with access to cardholder data a unique set of login credentials.

9. Restrict physical access to cardholder data.

5. Test and Monitor Networks Regularly

10. Track and monitor user access to cardholder data and all network resources.

11. Perform regular tests of policies and security systems.

6. Maintain a Policy for Information Security Purposes

12. Implement and upkeep a policy that addresses information security issues.

How PCI Scanning Works

PCI scanning is performed by approved vendors that help online merchants become PCI compliant by providing services that enable them to meet the standards set forth by the Council. The actual scan itself refers to the process of the vendor going through firewalls and other security elements a business has in place to determine if vulnerabilities exist. In the end, PCI compliance benefits all parties involved, including the consumer, retailer and credit card company. After the scanning has been performed, its ensures that your website is free of infection and less vulnerable to threats. When shoppers see that your site is PCI compliant, they will be more comfortable that their personal and financial information is protected from web criminals. Not only is this good from a regulatory standpoint, but from a public perspective as it can help lead to more conversions and sales for the retailer. For the credit card company, it means less reports of fraud and identity theft, thus resulting in fewer headaches.

The market for PCI scanning is growing rapidly, with McAfee and Trust Guard being among the leading service providers. There are also a number of web hosting firms that offer services with security features to help organizations become PCI compliant. A wider variety enables small scale retailers to leverage the best of both worlds in regard to PCI scanning and traditional website security.

Securing Your Business Website in Three Easy Steps

Art — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:29:27 +0000

Whether it’s the local shopping market, airport or online, thieves are lurking and just waiting for you to make a critical mistake. In fact, much of the internet community is in a state of panic as data theft is at an all-time high. Credit card numbers, bank account information and identities are being stolen from companies who don’t know how to properly secure their website and transactions. Assuming you don’t want to be the next victim, we have provided three simple tips to keep you one step ahead of the attackers.

1.) Make Use of Encryption

In order to protect the monetary transactions occurring on your site, you at least need to have an SSL certificate with no less than 128-bit encryption. This security tool can be installed and managed by a third-party vendor such as VeriSign or you can choose to handle the configuration yourself. What SSL does is scramble the data being sent over the internet in a code that is unreadable to hackers. Thus, when sales on your website are made, the financial details of your customers is encrypted, securely transmitted and then decrypted by your payment processor. By placing an SSL certificate seal on your website, you can calm the nerves of consumers and encourage them to shop your store in confidence.

2.) Check Your Buyers

Although you don’t want to look as if you are suspicious of everyone, the prevalence of credit card payments increases the probability of a customer using someone’s financial information without their knowledge or approval. To minimize situations like this, you should check the identity of your customers. This can be done by not only obtaining their name and credit card number, but also their home address, telephone numbers and the security code located on the back of the actual credit card. By doing so, you can better assure that the financial details submitted actually belong to the individual making the purchase. If the card comes back as stolen, you could end up playing a role in helping authorities track down the criminal.

3.) Research Your Merchant

To ensure that financial information will not be stolen following the transaction, it is imperative that you run a thorough check of the merchant account provider processing your credit card payments. You can start by reading reviews to learn if they have a history of fraud or security issues. Don’t hesitate to speak to the company directly about the security measures they employ and most importantly, to make sure you are completely confident in their services. If you have any doubts about the provider, follow your instinct and move on to the next option.

Security is a hot topic in seemingly every industry these days. If you are using the internet as a medium for your business, these certainly are not times when you can just sit back and simply hope for the best. Hackers and their attacking mechanisms grow more advanced everyday, so it is critical that you take the appropriate actions to keep both you and your customers out of harm’s way.

The Need for PCI Compliant Hosting

Art — Fri, 29 May 2009 13:48:06 +0000

More web hosting providers are offering services that provide customers with the help they need to achieve PCI (Payment Card Industry) compliance. Achieving compliance requires the use of numerous security tools and policies to meet the standards that apply to any business that accepts, processes and stores credit card information. Those who do not adhere to these requirements are subject to penalties and may eventually lose their privileges to accept credit card payments, which is the most common method of payment on the web. If you sell products or services online, investing in a PCI compliant hosting solution may be worthy of your consideration.

Though PCI standards were introduced to protect consumer information and ensure integrity across various industries, they have also introduced a new level of frustration for the smaller business that has a need to sell products or services online, but doesn’t possess the resources to meet compliancy. There is a lot that goes into protecting sensitive card data and unfortunately, one too many organizations are not equipped to provide this protection. Everyday, companies are scattering in attempts to gather the necessary resources to not only fend off attackers, but also keep the government out of their business. Difficulties aside, PCI compliance is needed as threats are growing rapidly in terms of numbers and sophistication.

PCI-Friendly Hosting Features

Achieving compliance requires a multitude of security components. Some of the essentials include:

Malware Protection – Malicious software such as viruses, worms, Trojans and keyloggers pose a direct threat to card data stored on any computer or web server. Businesses are strongly advised to keep their systems protected with reliable solutions capable of detecting and eradicating the latest malware programs.

Firewall - A firewall provides an organization with the ability to control inbound and outbound traffic going to and from the system. With the right configurations, it can halt malicious traffic and also help to prevent basic hacking attacks.

Intrusion Detection – Though very effective, a firewall can only do so much. An intrusion detection system enables PCI compliance by detecting the presence of malicious activities that pose a potential threat to card data resting on the system.

Network Monitoring – Even with all the right security mechanisms, card data can still be at risk due to a wide range of circumstances. This could related to hardware failure or a problem with a backbone provider. Network monitoring allows companies to stay one step ahead of such issues by watching over the network and reporting its status to system administrators.

SSL Certificate System - SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a must-have security feature for any business that sells goods or services over the internet. Credit card data is in jeopardy whenever transactions are made on any website that isn’t protected. With an SSL certificate, businesses can ensure the protection of sensitive information as the protocol creates an encrypted tunnel for which credit card details to travel through.

Not all hosting providers make the commitment to aid in PCI compliance but more are getting onboard with the concept. Those who are should be commended for their efforts to aid in business-friendly solutions that take the stress out of meeting these demanding standards.

What You Should Know About Merchant Accounts

Art — Wed, 06 May 2009 15:34:28 +0000

If you want to delve into the world of e-commerce and sell your own products or services online, you will need way to collect credit cards, which is the preferred method of payment for most customers. There are numerous ways to accomplish this but the most practical and effective is a merchant account.

Why a Merchant Account?

A merchant account is the easiest way to accept both credit and debit card payments on your website. Sure, you could sign up for a free PayPal account, but there are disadvantages that could hinder your success. It may not be fair but some customers feel like PayPal isn’t credible enough and they will look down on your inability to process payments like other larger corporations. There are other options you can take but most charge up to 10% of the transaction along with other fees that cut into your profits. These factors make the merchant account the best option.

Considering the level of importance, you might think that obtaining a merchant account is a smooth and painless process. Simply find a provider, sign up for an account and get an approval in a matter of days, right? Unfortunately, the process isn’t quite that seamless for most applicants. In fact, getting a merchant account can prove to be lengthy, complex process, especially for the new or small business owner enduring the process for the first time. In order to ensure as few complications as possible, one should no one to expect when applying for an account.

How Long Does it Take?

Obtaining a merchant account can actually take anywhere from a few days to a couple of months, with the latter mainly applying to a situation where mistakes were made. It is these mistakes that lead to delays that could end up costing you in sales, forcing you to wait it out when customers are reading to buy now. This is why you need to initiate the process as soon as possible. Don’t just assume that because someone you know got approved in a matter of days that the same will hold true for you. When compared to the fast paced internet world, some banks are incredibly slow at processing merchant account applications. The sooner you get on it, the sooner you can get rolling with your plans.

Tricky Numbers and Fine Print

Merchant account providers have been known to introduce complex fees that don’t necessarily match up with the offers from other banks. More unscrupulous ones will even throw in a bit of trickery that hike up the fees when you least expect. Others might come at you with ridiculous fees up-front, suggest that you wait an ungodly amount of time to receive your money and the list goes on. To avoid a rude awakening, you need to make yourself familiar with the numbers and go over all the fine print before turning in your application. Rates aren’t all difficult to understand so the most important thing is finding out how long you have to wait for your money. As an online business owner, consistent cash flow is the key to longevity.

In Closing

Going through the merchant account process can be a real nightmare the first time. However, it doesn’t have to be. As with most services, the best advice is to research providers, compare services and most importantly, ask questions and gather all the information you can. If not, you may never get a merchant account or at best, end up with a terrible service.

SSL For Your E-commerce Site

Art — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:55:02 +0000

With credit card fraud and identify theft on the rise, consumers are more cautious than ever about shopping online. If you are running a store online, this means that potential customers are more reluctant to buy products and services from your site. In order to boost consumer confidence and make them feel safe, you need a reliable security mechanism that keeps their personal information secure. What you need is an SSL certificate.

What is an SSL Certificate?

Secure Sockets Layer or SSL, is a security protocol that enables encrypted communications between the customer’s web browser and the server your store is hosted on. This is accomplished by what is known as a handshake, a process where the server’s identity is confirmed and a secure connection created. SSL typically offers 128-bit encryption, formulated by an algorithm which generates a key that is virtually impossible to crack. An SSL certificate shows that your site is secure and safe for shopping.

How to Get a Certificate

SSL certificates are offered by entities known as Certificate Authorities, with the most popular being GoeTrust, Thawte and Verisign. For the most part, these authorities provide certificates that give you the same level of security. A single certificate can encrypt the data traveling between the server and each of your customers’ web browsers. The average online storefront can get adequate protection from a basic SSL certificate. You also have the option to purchase additional services to strengthen the level of security.

Installing the Certificate

Although many web hosting providers offer SSL certificates as add-on products, you typically have the freedom to incorporate one purchased from a third-party vendor as well. In most cases, you can learn how your SSL certificate is to be installed via the instructions in the control panel software or by contacting the host’s technical support department. Some of the most advanced control panels even allow you to incorporate an SSL certificate directly from the interface. Once installed, the certificate is automatically enabled. You will know it is activated when noticing “HTTPS” in front your URL rather than “HTTP”.

Designing for SSL

The design of your site is very important when implementing an SSL certificate. In order for your web pages to be viewed as secure, all scripts, graphics and media elements must be deemed secure as well. You have probably visited web sites where a warning displays stating that some of the elements of a particular page are not secure. These messages are prompted when external elements of a web page are not called using the HTTPS protocol. In many cases, the certificate is valid and secure but the page isn’t designed properly for SSL. All the external elements of your page must be called using links that include the full URL. One simple graphic that doesn’t use HTTPS will generate a “not secure” error.

Conscious online shoppers are increasingly looking for SSL certificates and if you don’t have one, you are missing out on a lot of business. You can have some of the most beneficial products online but if no one feels safe buying them, they will hesitate to proceed with the transaction.

Web Hosting Geeks' Blog » credit card

Ecommerce Tutorials from Allied Wallet

Related posts:

Web Hosting Instructions

Related posts:

Top 3 Important Aspects of Web Hosting Security

Related posts:

Establish Credibility and Trust with Private SSL

Related posts:

The Top 3 Web Hosting Security Issues

Related posts:

The Importance of PCI Scanning

Related posts:

Securing Your Business Website in Three Easy Steps

Related posts:

The Need for PCI Compliant Hosting

Related posts:

What You Should Know About Merchant Accounts

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SSL For Your E-commerce Site

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