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Due to the widespread of scams, several internet companies have started new ways of authenticating the identify of their customers.
In the past, one of the usual method of verification is via automated or operator calls to verify the identity of a customer. Today, this has changed and a very common method is to ask the customer to fax or email a copy of their credit card (photocopy) over. While this method may help to reduce the risk of the Seller significantly, it does not help to allay the fears of some customers. Several years back, online merchants were proactive in trying to convince their customers that it is “Safe” to send their credit card information via the Internet. We were taught about SSL encryption, and checking for the “lock signs” on our browser.
Today, they are asking customers to send an entire copy of their Credit Card pictures over, but does little to convince customers that they would ensure the safe and secure handling of an important information – a complete copy of a credit card with the SIGNATURE of the customer.
We generally find that Credit Card companies should start to rethink about improving existing technology so as to boost the confidence of Both the Sellers and Buyers. New technology needs to be developed to identify anyone performing transaction over the internet, equivalent to a personal ID, failure which they would be debarred from any transaction.
In addition, ISP can also help by channeling each logon person with a mandatory ID. This may also help in controlling the number of spam emails going around and taking up unnecessary bandwidth.
An idea is to have a separate network, such as a “Secure Internet” which is separated from the “Free Internet”. Anyone that logs onto the Secure Internet must be authenticated at the point of connection via the ISP, and they would have a secure digital ID that accompany every transactions, including email etc. Countries whose ISP do not conform to such ID requirement should be banned from using the network.
In summary, the “Secure Internet” is a more matured network for businesses, while the existing internet would be considered as a “wild” network with very little control.
The “Secure Internet” is just like living in the city where there is law and order and businesses can strive. There will be crimes but it will be manageable by the police via contact tracing or positive forensic identification.
The existing “Free Internet” would be similar to the jungle where there are almost no rules, and is loosely or not within the tight legal control.
Just a thought for sharing.
