Security is always a fraught subject when it comes to the internet. However, we approach it using current best practice and listed below are a few of the things we do to ensure the 'evil' forces out there don't get access to any information you provide.
- First and foremost we keep to an absolute minimum any information we collect and only ever use it for the purpose for which it was collected - usually order fulfilment.
- All tracsactions which contain sensitive information such as credit card details take place over a highly encrypted secure link (so it is not readable even while it is being sent).
- Once data arrives on our site all sensitive information is kept in a highly encrypted form. We use the same levels of encryption the banks use so your information is safe for the very short time we have it.
- We never store credit card information. Normally, details are captured from you over a high security link, passed straight through to the Payment Authorisation Service and then deleted without anyone in our organisation (or anywhere else) ever seeing them. On rare occasions the banking network may become unavailable, or it may not be possible to process a payment automatically for some other reason. If that happens our system gives the option to have the payment processed manually. Because we do not hold card information, this involves calling the customer to obtain credit card details. As soon as the transaction is complete, the details are immediately and securely shredded - no electronic copies are kept.
- During the banking authorisation transaction, all communication takes place over high security links. We have gone to a great deal of trouble to ensure your information is safe at every stage of the process so you can have an enjoyable and trouble free shopping experience with us. All data encryption uses a minimum of 128 bit security keys. Read about: Credit Card Safety
WARNING - Probably the most vulnerable point in the whole process is your own computer and so we would always advise that you have a good quality anti-virus package installed on your machine, keep it up to date with the latest virus signatures and regularly scan your machine to screen for infections.