We are aware that customers may be concerned regarding the use of credit cards over the Internet. We want you to know that we have taken every possible precaution to ensure a secure shopping environment. We offer the ability to encrypt your transactions using state of the art technologies such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), CyberCash, CyberCoin, and vPOS*. Our 128-bit SSL certificate from Verisign enables the world's strongest SSL encryption, which protects confidential information from interception and hacking, with both domestic and export versions of Microsoft and Netscape browsers. Please click on the Verisign "Secure Site" seal for verification of our security certification.

Customers should also know we do not store your credit card or ordering information on our Internet server. Pay any way you want from debit and credit cards to virtual wallets, knowing your financial privacy is protected by industrial-strength security.

When you bring up any page that asks you to enter secure information, either a blue stripe will appear across the top of the display, the broken image of a key will become unbroken at the bottom of the screen, or the open lock will close (if you are using Netscape or Microsoft Internet Explorer). This means that all information being transmitted will be encrypted first. If you are not using a browser that supports encryption, you should be. Download Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer now.

Keeping your credit card numbers a secret is actually easier on the Internet than at the mall, on the phone, and at the gas station. The most important thing to remember is that if your account number, but not the actual card, has been used by an unauthorized person, you are not liable for any amount. Once you've reported a problem with your card directly to your card issuer by phone, follow up in writing with your card issuer and keep copies of all correspondence. Even in the unlikely event your credit card number were to be stolen on-line, you are not responsible for the charges. Please note that in any case, the University is not and will not be held responsible for any breach of security or any fraudulent credit card use.

To find out more about Verisign's Digital IDs, visit Verisign's site at http://www.verisign.com.