e6

Secure connections at a glance

Site Genre: Pattern Group e

magnify imageFigureE6.1 At Half.com, the checkout process is conducted over a secure connection. Half.com reinforces this fact by placing a Secure Shopping icon at the top right of the checkout pages.

Background

One of the requirements of FAIR INFORMATION PRACTICES (E3) is to collect and handle sensitive personal information in a secure manner. One way of doing this is to use secure connections. This pattern deals with interface issues for letting people know that they‘re entering a secure area. This pattern should be used in conjunction with PREVENTING PHISHING SCAMS (E9) to protect your customers and your Web site from fraud.

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PROBLEM

People are often uncomfortable transmitting sensitive personal information over the Web.

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SOLUTION

magnify image FigureE6.7 Web pages should provide feedback to let customers know when information is being transmitted securely. Take special care to maintain the secure connection as long as necessary.

Use a labeled icon or a labeled action button to let customers know that they‘re transmitting information securely. If needed, provide a Web page describing the security practices you use to reassure customers that their personal information will be kept safe.

Other Patterns to Consider

Secure connections help safeguard sensitive personal information that your customers send you, partially addressing the security requirements in FAIR INFORMATION PRACTICES (E3). Use secure connections in all Web pages where sensitive information is entered by the customer or displayed for the customer. This stipulation includes places such as SIGN-IN/NEW ACCOUNT (H2), QUICK-FLOW CHECKOUT (F1), important PROCESS FUNNELS (H1), ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT (H4), and any Web page dealing with financial information. You can use specially labeled ACTION BUTTONS (K4) to let customers know that the transaction is secure.

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