Membership renewals security information

We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions below which you may find useful.

What is the card security code?

Also known as the card verification number or CV

• Visa/MasterCard holders: look at the signature strip on the reverse of your card. You should either see the entire 16-digit credit card number or just the last 4 digits followed by a special 3-digit code. This 3-digit code is your card security code.
• American Express card holders: Look for the 4-digit code printed on the front of your card just above and to the right of your main credit card number. This 4-digit code is your card security code.

How secure is renewing my membership online?

The membership renewal website uses SSL security, which your browser automatically detects and encrypts any information sent by you (including, for example your card payment or bank account details).

How does encryption work?

All card details are encrypted using GlobalSign SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) software. When you establish a secure connection, the download website sends a digital certificate to your web browser. When the certificate arrives, it contains a public key, which functions as a one-way encryption device. The browser then uses this key to scramble your personal data (card information) before sending it over the internet. Information encrypted with the public key cannot be decrypted without the corresponding private key, which only the merchant has. Without this exclusive, private key, your personal information cannot be read.

How can I tell if the website is secure?

It's easy to determine if your connection is secure. On your browser you will notice a picture of a small padlock – this normally appears either at the top of the screen to the side of the website address bar or right at the bottom of the screen. Sometimes the padlock will not appear, even though you are secure; to double check this you can right click on the page and select ‘properties’ or ‘view frame info’ from the list which will tell you whether you are secure or not. Also look out for the sign of a secure web page, which can be identified by the URL i.e. the web address. A standard webpage will begin with http:// whilst a secure webpage will begin with https:// denoting that the merchant is using a secure server for the transaction data.

What else can I do to ensure my details remain safe?

The second way to ensure you have a secure connection is to look for security logo’s from the main providers GlobalSign, VeriSign or RSA Data Security and only purchase from merchants you know and trust. Here again, the digital certificate is important. In addition to encrypting the data you send over the internet, the certificate can be used to confirm and authenticate the identity of a website’s owner. As digital certificates act as electronic signatures they cannot be forged. You can be certain the connection is secure if GlobalSign, VeriSign or RSA Data Security has issued the certificate.

Who are GlobalSign?

GlobalSign Is the leading provider of digital authentication services and products for electronic commerce and other forms of secure communication, they use SHA-256 and 2048 bit RSA keys for encryption. For more information please visit www.globalsign.com