Many lovers of online shopping regularly encounter a special 3D-Secure protection system, developed specifically for customers of the Visa international payment system, and later for MasterCard users. But what is 3D-Secure? How to connect it? What are its advantages and disadvantages? Is it realistic to get around it? Does he save from intrigues of intruders?
Where to meet the 3D-Secure system
Pages of online stores are full of bright signs, advertisements and attract attractive offers and discounts. And here everything is clear: the owners of such virtual sites use all possible methods in order to attract the attention of new and keep old customers.
It is clear that rarely anyone can refuse tempting promises and reduced prices, moreover, to make a purchase it is enough just to enter the details of your plastic card. But is it safe to shop online? What is 3D-Secure on a bank card? How does he work? And is it able to protect you from unauthorized theft of funds from the account?
What is a 3D-Secure system?
3D-Secure is a special security protocol used to authorize a credit or debit card holder while making a payment transaction via the Internet.
This technology helps protect the seller and the bank from fraudulent transactions. However, it does not guarantee the safety of funds of the direct owner of the plastic card.
How does the 3D-Secure protocol work?
Having a general understanding of what 3D-Secure is, it's easy to guess how it works. For example, you decide to buy a stylish clutch bag in an online accessories store that works according to the aforementioned security protocol. You have added the product to the “basket” and you see pop-ups in which you are asked to perform the following actions:
- enter your payment card number;
- indicate the validity period (date of issue (rarely) and expiration date (more often);
- initials of the card holder;
- indicate the digits of the CVC2 security code (indicated on the back of the card).
And then there is an automatic redirect to the page of your issuing bank (the credit organization that issued and maintains this card), where it will be necessary to enter an additional security code. Here is what 3D-Secure is. Moreover, this code can be obtained in the following ways:
- by means of a message sent by the bank to the contact number of the mobile card holder;
- by using a special one-time code card or device;
- by writing a permanent code previously installed and known only to the cardholder and bank.
How to connect 3D-Secure
Not all banks use such a security system, most often this is due to the high cost of its maintenance. In particular, this applies to small credit organizations. The so-called banking veterans (large banks with a well-developed retail network), on the contrary, adhere to this protocol and use it regularly.
In most banks that support the security system, 3D-Secure connection is by default, that is, immediately upon receipt and activation of a bank card. In other cases, to connect the protocol, cardholders must describe their desire in the established application form.
For this, as a rule, you will need a passport and credit card information. In some financial institutions, the security system is manually connected by the client. This is done using mobile or Internet banking (provides for the presence of an IT device and access to the Network).
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the system
The main advantage of the system is that all the data entered by the client to identify his identity remains only on the server of his issuing bank and does not end up in the online store. The second important plus is the use of a one-time password sent by the bank for authentication. But there is an important minus. Even such a password can be stolen and redirected to attackers using a special virus or spyware that got on your phone or tablet while watching or downloading any information online.
And finally, one more minus. 3D-Secure - the system is optional, so not all online stores can work with it. Read about how to get around 3D-Secure.
How to get around the security system
As it turned out, a seemingly serious security system has a number of shortcomings that allow attackers to easily circumvent it. In particular, most of the "card villains" who try to steal card data try to make purchases in those online stores that do not support the security protocol. Recall that, in order for it to work, it must be supported not only by the seller, but also by your issuing bank.
When paying for goods in such stores, as a rule, you only need to enter the card number and code located on the back of the card. By the way, some sellers, trying to protect their customers from theft of their contact information and money from the card, use a small tricky trick. They apply to the issuing bank with a request to block a small amount in the buyer's account; and then the cardholder should call the bank back, answer a number of clarifying questions for identification; hear the exact amount of the block and call it the representative of the online store.
Avoiding collision with scammers
As you can see, the 3D-Secure system cannot guarantee 100% protection to all participants in the transaction. However, this does not mean that each cardholder cannot prevent the unauthorized theft of their own funds. On the contrary, everything is in your hands. It is enough to follow simple safety rules.
Firstly, try to regularly update your antivirus on an IT-carrier, through which card payments are made. Secondly, try not to go in, and especially not make purchases on unfamiliar sites, since fraudsters often organize fake web pages to steal funds from credit cards.
Thirdly, set an individual limit for your credit card and download the corresponding mobile application of the bank for complete control of your account status. Fourth, carefully read the text of messages sent from the bank and the security system. And, finally, immediately contact the bank if your phone has stopped catching the operator’s network, which indicates a possible re-issue of the SIM card.
Now you know what 3D-Secure is, as well as familiar with the pros and cons of this system.