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eCommerce & SSL

SSL encryption and ecommerce
questions and answers.

  1. What does SSL mean?
  2. Is SSL safe? What level of encryption does FastVirtual provide?
  3. How much does an SSL certificate cost?
  4. Do I have to have my own SSL certificate?
  5. Should I choose VeriSign, Thawte or GeoTrust?
  6. Does FastVirtual offer a shopping cart?
  7. What steps do I need to take to accept payments by credit card?
  8. Am I required to obtain a business license to trade over the Internet?

What does SSL mean?

SSL is an abbreviation for Secure Sockets Layer. This is an encrypted protocol for transmitting data securely over the Internet. Most online activities requiring a secure server, such as processing payments, or storing personal details, rely on SSL to secure the connection between the user's web browser and the server.

Is SSL safe? What level of encryption does FastVirtual provide?

FastVirtual uses Stronghold-powered secure servers, which utilizes the most robust authentication protocols available. Stronghold is stable, reliable, and provides 128-bit encryption, which is the current maximum.

Note: The encryption level applied depends the user's browser. Most modern browsers support 128-bit encryption.

How much does an SSL certificate cost?

SSL on your own domain (https://yourdomain.com) requires us to generate a CSR and that you have this signed by a Certification Authority. The certificate is then installed to your domain. A CSR can be automatically requested from the account control panel and involves a $25.00 setup fee. This fee includes the installation of your issued certificate.

FastVirtual supports VeriSign, Thawte and GeoTrust certificates, as well as others. Please visit your control panel for current pricing.

For further information, including instructions on how to obtain your SSL certificate, please see the Secure Server Guide.

Do I have to have my own SSL certificate?

A shared secure server is included as standard with all web hosting plans. This provides 128-bit SSL encryption for everything you upload to your domain via the following shared URL: https://www.yourdomain.com/

Although the shared secure server provides the same functionality as SSL on your own domain, for ecommerce purposes we recommend that you purchase your own certificate. For more information, please see the Secure Server Guide.

Should I choose VeriSign, Thawte or GeoTrust?

FastVirtual supports certificates from VeriSign, Thawte and GeoTrust, as well as from many other authorities. It's up to you to decide which better serves your needs, based on price and required browser compatibility. For more information, please see the Secure Server Guide.

Does FastVirtual provide a shopping cart?

A shopping cart system is provided with Gold, Platinum and Platinum Plus hosting plans. Miva Merchant, an advanced storefront system that can integrate with automatic payment systems, is included with Platinum and Platinum Plus plans.

More information about the shopping cart system is available the BasicCart Guide. For further information about Miva Merchant, please see the Miva Merchant Overview.

What steps do I need to take to accept payments by credit card?

You need to contact your bank to set up a merchant account and credit card processing service. The procedure is usually straightforward and is normally completed within a few days.

Alternatively, you can use a gateway service from a 3rd party payment service provider, such as VeriSign's PayFlow Pro service.

FastVirtual's hosting services enable you to transfer information, including credit card details, securely. Our form processor can also perform basic verification of credit card numbers. Our hosting services alone do not enable you to process credit card payments. Obtaining payments, either through a merchant account, or via a payment service provider, is entirely your responsibility.

Am I required to obtain a business license to trade over the Internet?

This depends entirely on where you are located. For further information about business licenses, and the requirements for trading over the Internet in your city or county, please contact your local government.

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