Why Choose Norton

If you shop online you will have undoubtedly come across the popular tick symbol, it's time to pause and think about why so many e-commerce sites choose this particular Brand of SSL Certificate.  Does it really make a difference to revenue and, most importantly, is this something you need on your site? The answer is a very simple one, if you have an e-commerce site or if you have a site that requires people to sign up with personal details such as name, email address etc. then YES, this is the product you need.

Let’s go straight to the statistics;

*The Norton™ Secured Seal (previously the Verisign® Trust™ seal) is viewed up to 650 million times per day.

*86% of online shoppers recognize the Norton™ Secured Seal and 11% said that they would not purchase on sites not displaying the Norton™ Secured Seal.

*Customer case studies show an increase of 10-34% in online transactions when a Norton™ Secured Seal is displayed.

It is very easy to ignore the fact that so many people may be abandoning your site due to a Norton™ Secured Seal not being displayed.  It is also very easy to assume that it may be for some other reason, such as price or not having a particular product, but something they were searching for obviously brought them to you in the first place.  Now think about if you actually operated your business out of a physical shop with 11% of people walking back out just because they felt unsafe, that’s over 1 in 10. How much money are you actually losing?

Some businesses shrug off the importance of the consumer confidence that Norton™ provides, usually justifying their choice by classing it as an unnecessary expense to their business.  When you actually break down the cost per week or per month, you’ll find that most of your other overheads cost more, and this one will actually generate more income for you.

Cutting corners when it comes to online security and not choosing Norton™ shows a potential customer that you don’t really care about their security, and choosing a cheap certificate that does not verify the legality of the company raises questions as to what do you have to hide.

My advice, don’t cut corners, don’t choose the cheapest option, and save money elsewhere.  Choose something that will encourage people to buy from you.  Choose something that says you are who you say you are.  Choose Norton™.

As one of the largest and most trusted SSL Certificate retailers globally, Trustico® sets the standard in offering a high quality SSL Certificate.  

How to Spot Fake Web Site Trust Seals

...and Why You Should Never Make one. 

Studies have shown that displaying a trust seal on your website improves customer confidence and shopping cart follow-through.  If you display a dynamic Trust Seal, such as the Norton™ Secured Seal that shows the validity of your SSL Certificate, you are proving to customers that you are a valid and trustworthy business with the safety of customers in mind.

Trust Seals boost visitors confidence in a website.  Every website that displays a reputable Trust Seal must go through a verification process and, as with the Norton™ Secured Seal, pass a daily malware scan – with the most up-to-date virus definitions - to be able to display the Trust Seal. 

Not All Trust Seals Are Created Equal

Unfortunately there are un-reputable websites, or businesses that are more concerned about saving a few dollars than customer security, that are creating their own "Trust Seals" and some are copying real trust seals from Certificate Authorities (CA).  There are even downloadable wizards to help anyone make their own Trust Seals, this is a dangerous practice and undermines the foundation of trust that the reputable seals are built upon. 

Free or self-made Trust Seals will only hurt a business

Over 80% of online shoppers are savvy enough to look for a recognised Trust Seal before completing a transaction.  A free, or self-made, Trust Seal displays to the world that a website has not been third-party verified as legitimate and doesn't view customer security as a matter of importance. 

How Can You Tell if a Trust Seal is Trustworthy?

The Norton™ Secured Seal is dynamic, which means you can click on it and it shows that the website has been third party verified by the CA, this shows that it is not just copy/paste clipart on the webpage but embedded trust that can be relied upon.  Also, it pays to note the domain name and Certificate Authority URL that has verified the website for further evidence that the Trust Seal is genuine.

Constant Vigilance!

Trust Seals are not just for websites with SSL Certificates or those collecting payments and personal information.  Based on Norton Safe Web data – Symantec technology that scans the Web looking for websites hosting malware – over 60% of malicious sites are actually regular Web sites that have been compromised and infected with malicious code.  Most free Trust Seal providers that have some sort of malware scan do so at a maximum of once per week.  Not great odds when it’s hard-earned money and consumer confidence on the line.  Remember to only visit trusted sites, and certainly never enter credit card details if there is any question about the identity of a web site.  It is the norm, rather than the exception, that consumers are aware of safety when releasing payment or personal information.  Give your customers confidence to shop, and visit, with you. 

If it doesn’t have the tick, it’s not worth the click!

As one of the largest and most trusted SSL Certificate retailers globally, Trustico® sets the standard in offering a high quality SSL Certificate.  

New Automated SSL Domain Validated (DV) Authentication Process

New Automated SSL Domain Validated (DV) Authentication Process

At Trustico® we are very excited to announce Symantec's new Process Enhancement for Automated Domain Validation (DV) Authentication.

The current manual authentication process is reliant on domain owner approval via e-mail which can be problematic and can cause issuance delays due to private registration not allowing carryover data and end users not responding to, or misplacing, emails.

Symantec's integrated solution to this process eliminates that reliance on the end user, but still proves ownership of the domain.  What this means for domain owners is that throughput times on DV certificates decreases from unknown to a matter of seconds.

How Automated Domain Validation Works

In simple terms, after regular DV checks have been completed, an authentication file is to be embedded on the website.  Symantec™ then check the website to verify the file.  When the file verification is completed then the SSL Certificate is issued instantly.

Symantec's innovation, coming later this year, completely eliminates the need to coordinate verification calls, which can be time consuming and inconvenient for your business if you're having a busy day, and the verification emails won't have a chance to get lost amongst all the other work you have to do.  We welcome Symantec's new Automated DV Authentication as a time saving innovation, everyone wins.

Some more exciting news from Symantec™, the most trusted name in Internet Security

A lot of important things are happening in the landscape of Internet security with the Certificate Authority/ Browser (CA/B) Forum issuing Baseline Requirements for the issuance and management of publicly trusted Certificates in November 2011 with an effective date of 1 July 2012. Symantec™, the most trusted name in Internet Security, is adopting the latest CA/B Forum Baseline Requirements designed to further strengthen the security and trust that comes with SSL Certificates.                    

                        

Trustico® only supplies the Highest Quality SSL Certificates From Symantec™. Symantec™ is an industry leader setting the highest standards for internet security, a proactive and innovative force in the fight against cybercrime and a member of the CA/Browser Forum.

The Importance of SSL Certificates for Mobile Browsers

There was an estimated 5.9 billion mobile users worldwide at the end of  2011, and according to statistics by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) there are almost 1.2 billion active mobile broadband subscriptions worldwide - and that does not take into account devices that access the internet via wireless routers.  Given these vast numbers, and an extraordinary rate of growth, owners of websites or other online applications have an interest in securing access to their areas through mobile devices, including tablets, smartphones and mobiles, to gain the confidence of visitors and customers.

A New Type of Consumer With Mobile

Mobile internet is accessed daily by a large number of subscribers, not only for shopping but also for research on a business (viewing websites); getting directions; reviews; downloading movies, music, TV, games and other applications; ordering food or products - without necessarily paying online; and many more applications.  Given the opportunities for your online business to flourish in this new age of mobile consumerism, it makes sense to offer your customers Peace-of-Mind along with the convenience and speed of mobile access.

Mobile Users Looking for Safety

With identity theft a prolific crime - the fastest growing in the world - then safety with personal data will be increasingly at the forefront of consumers' priorities.  As with browsing the internet from a computer or laptop it is important to exercise caution with personal information when doing the same with a mobile device.  

The Symbols of a Connection Secured by an SSL Certificate in Mobile Browsers

Some SSL Certificates do not work with all mobile browsers, leaving customers vulnerable to middle-man hackers and phishing scams.  In the address bar of a mobile browser it is possible to see if the url of the site begins with https, which means that the site has a valid SSL certificate and is compatible with the mobile browser used.  In addition to https, some mobile browsers also show the "padlock" symbol indicating that the connection is encrypted, sometimes the url is Coloured Green, which means that the site is protected by either a standard SSL certificate or a certificate of high security - Extended Validation.

Trusted Certificate Authorities Can Protect Your Mobile Customers

Trustico® has a vast range of SSL Certificates to secure your site and ensure consumer safety confidence.  If you are accepting customer payments via credit card or other methods, or a transfer of sensitive personal information, or if you have a high-profile brand, then we recommend  VeriSign® Secure Site Pro (SGC) + EV which recognises 99.9% of all web browsers, including mobile micro browsers and also includes a daily malware scan with the most up-to-date virus definitions.  VeriSign® uses an audited, rigorous authentication method, and browsers control the display, making it difficult for phishers and counterfeiters to hijack your brand and your customers.  If you are using Microsoft Exchange, Outlook Web Access (OWA) or primarily intend to use the SSL Certificate to secure POP3 and IMAP we recommend, at the very least, QuickSSL® Premium as it is our most affordable and efficient option.

SSL Keeps You in Business

SSL Keeps You in Business

If you run a business then you know that word-of-mouth is the most powerful marketing tool.  Customer satisfaction, repeat business, reselling and referrals are gold to any business; and, at no additional expense, are honest and effective ways to increase sales.

Adversely, negative word-of-mouth can have a lasting effect on sales; with dissatisfied customers potentially sharing with their friends, families, and colleagues any bad retail experiences they have had - magnified by social media and the far and instant reach that it has.

Protect Your Greatest Business Asset - Your Customers

How you treat your customers and potential customers is up to you to decide, but one thing you can do is make sure your Customers’ Personal Information is Protected.  Whether it’s filling in an enquiry form to find out more or someone making a credit card purchase through your site, it is imperative that your customers' information stays private and secure.

Which SSL Certificate is Best to Protect Your Customers?

If you are collecting basic information from contact forms or if you have an email subscription option then a basic SSL Certificate, such as RapidSSL® Digital Certificate, will encrypt data keeping it safe from middleman hackers.

Securing Sensitive Data

Many retailers have an ordering system where customers pay online, if your website has a checkout then make sure it is a secure one.  It is important to have good Site Security; whether you are taking payments through a merchant service or a third party payment site, by securing your website and displaying a highly recognized Green Address Bar and website Trust Seal customers can be confident that their information is safe.   The Verisign® Secure Site + Extended Validation, SSL Certificate; and the GeoTrust® TrueBusinessID® + EV, SSL Certificate both offer very high levels of encryption for processing online payments and customer peace of mind.  

Verify Your Identity

Even if you are not asking for personal data over the Internet you can still instill visitor confidence by having your website verified by Verisign®; and display the famous Verisign® Site Seal to show any visitors to your website that your site identity has been checked and your site has passed a daily malware scan.

The Value of Being SSL Secure

Consumer confidences is a large part of customer satisfaction, but in addition to the obvious benefits to your business of increased checkout finalizations, customer referrals, and repeat customers, it is worth a small outlay to ensure that you are Protecting Your Customers, with out whom you would not have a business at all.

For the most trusted global SSL Certificates visit Trustico®

Trustico® stands behind Symantec™ (the market leader in SSL, making up 41.72 percent of the SSL market via their leading brands VeriSign®, Thawte®, GeoTrust® and RapidSSL®)

VeriSign® To Symantec™ Rebranding - The Transition Phase

This blog post first appeared on the Symantec™ Connect Blog Written by Zane Lucas, Director of Trustico® as Guest Blogger of Symantec™, 07 February 2012

With all the transitions in life, we are naturally nervous about change. We had this apprehension when we learned that the VeriSign® Seal would be changing to a Norton Secured Seal. However, our fears were quickly put to rest by Symantec™ Trust Services (formerly VeriSign®). Since 2003, Trustico® has successfully partnered with VeriSign®, and we’ve been fortunate to present the VeriSign® Seal proudly on our website since that time. We will do the same with the new Norton Secured Seal. And with this new transition, we’ve found we’re not the only ones to feel at ease.

Symantec™ has made the brand transition process for partners and customers completely hassle-free. Customers can rest easy knowing Symantec™ will take responsibility for implementing the new Norton Secured Seal to their site. For partners, Symantec™ has provided very easy to follow step-by-step guidelines on the best ways to go about changing websites and other marketing material to make the whole process as seamless as possible.

Just like Symantec™, we have a strong focus on customer service and believe in offering SSL Solutions that fit our customers’ needs. There are many SSL options to choose from out there, and we understand it can be very confusing and overwhelming. We strongly recommend that customers go with the name they know they can trust with the highest standards in security. We always recommend VeriSign® products (now from Symantec™), because the range of SSL Certificates meet the needs of many different types of businesses. By choosing SSL and Trust Seal products from such a well-respected and recognized company, businesses are able to leverage their own reputation, and as a result, gain customer trust and drive more sales. 

Our customers are very diverse - ranging from florists and online gift stores to large global organizations and educational institutions. Our customers look for solutions to secure their web server traffic as well as ensure their websites are free of malicious code.

Unlike other SSL providers, Trustico® was not born out of a hosting or domain name company, so we have been able to focus purely on providing the right SSL solution to meet our clients’ needs. We also have over 900 channel partners who are predominantly web hosting companies and IT service providers.

In 2012, we plan to broaden our product range and keep our programmers busy building upon our retail systems so that we can offer a more diverse range of Symantec™ products to a wider range of customers.

Valentines Day Spam On The Rise - What To Look Out For

Symantec researchers have reported a surge of spam as Valentine’s Day gets closer. Spammers are getting more sophisticated than ever and consumers can be easily caught out by responding to fake promotions that are intended to capture personal and financial details.

Phishing scam emails and websites can be difficult to identify with their use of high quality graphics,  professionally written content and even use of popular brand names. Consumers need to be extra savvy to keep themselves from getting more than they bargained for this valentines day.

Samir Patil of Symantec says that great discounts on jewelry, dinners, and expensive gift articles are the key themes for the Valentine’s Day related spam this year but to also be wary of online pharmaceutical promotions, fake e-cards, gift cards, and weight loss promotions. For well-intentioned, romantic consumers Symantec offers the following information so you don't get caught out out this year:

Valentine’s Day related spam can easily be spotted by observing the “From” header as shown below:

• From: "Valentine's Berries"
• From: "Valentine's Bouquets"
• From: "Valentine's Gifts"
• From: "Valentine's Presents"
• From: "Valentine's Decor"
• From: "Valentines Day Gifts"
• From: "Valentines Day Sweets

Subject lines used in Valentine’s Day-related spam may include the following:

• Subject: Impossibly delicious berries from $19.99 - the PERFECT gift for Valentines Day!
• Subject: [BRAND NAME REMOVED] Valentine's Day sweepstakes
• Subject: Order Now! Valentine's Day Flowers and Gifts from $19.99!
• Subject: Seduce your Valentine with our most loving gifts
• Subject: Valentine's Day Special Discount Offer - Flowers, Plants & Gifts
• Subject: Buy 2 bottles, get one FREE 
• Subject: Wear that little black dress by Valentine's Day with [BRAND NAME REMOVED]
• Subject: Be Different! Give yourself a Gift for Valentine's Day 
• Subject: Get Thin with [BRAND NAME REMOVED]
• Subject: BOGO for 2 free bottles 
• Subject: Got Fat? Get Thin. Lose 30 pounds before Valentine's Day!

In one spam sample, the spammers invite users to purchase some silver, gold, and platinum jewelry. Users are informed that they will receive additional free incentive gifts with said purchase. By clicking on the link, the user is redirected to a page asking for the user’s personal information in order to receive the gift that they have selected.

Social network spam is not far behind other information-stealing techniques when it comes to capturing a user’s personal data. There are many fake applications targeting Valentine’s Day that direct the user to a survey site. Below is an example of one such fake application.

We recommend that our readers follow the general security practice guidelines before placing any online transaction as spammers would only be too happy to gorge on a cupid-stricken heart.

General security practice guidelines:

Do not open unsolicited emails from unknown sources.
Do not click on any links included in email messages. Instead, type the link in the address bar.
Do not open attached files that claim to be Valentine’s greeting cards, e-cards, etc.
Buy products only from authentic websites that are protected by SSL certificates.
Install effective antivirus and antispam solution software.