And customers about to send card information can look for signs of security, such as the closed padlock symbol at the bottom of the browser window. Beyond that, security is largely up to the merchant. Many retailers take extra precautions, especially after they've been hit. But it's difficult for customers to tell which merchants do simply by looking at the site. And because retailers don't often publicize break-ins, it's unclear just how big the risk may be.
Credit cards dominate online transactions largely because no alternative is yet viable.
Cash and checks take too long, and Internet currencies resembling gift certificates or prepaid phone cards are still obscure. Deborah Williams, research director at Meridien Research Inc. in Newton, Mass., predicted more merchants will embrace online currencies in the next few years. That, she said, could threaten the online dominance of credit cards. Without some significant effort, they are in jeopardy of not being the payment of choice. No Share your thoughts about corporate snooping habits of e-mail, phone, and web surfing.