Website Security Measures for Online Applications

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Question:

We are going to set up credit card application on our bank's website. Should we require the applicants Social Security number in the online application? What are the security risks we need to be aware of?

Answer:

So long as you are using a secured server there shouldn't be any issues. The URL should include the "s" in "https" and the lower right of the browser window will show a padlock. This means the data is secured the same as with most e-commerce sites where you make purchases. You don't want confidential customer data to travel the Internet in the open, so to speak.

First published on BankersOnline.com 5/23/05