3-D Secure is an internet payment system, the technology for which was developed by Visa. The standard is offered under the Verified by Visa brand name, as well as the MasterCard SecureCode label. The system significantly reduces the risk of fraud and non-payment due to card misuse.

The system works by issuing every credit card user with a personal code (like a PIN or password) which is needed before a payment online can be accepted. In this way, the cardholder confirms their identity when they give their credit card details. Without the code, the transaction will be denied. The technology involves a protocol which sends XML messages over a SSL (Secure Socket Layer) connection.

The name you will see on a website which offers the 3-D Secure system is "Saferpay". Online shops which use 3-D Secure will have a Saferpay window in which users can choose between initiating a Visa or a MasterCard transaction. As always, look out for padlocks in your browser tray or "https" at the beginning of the URL of any page which claims to be secure.

By Natalie Catchpole

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