By encrypting the packets sent through the Internet, sensitive information should be safe, even if there is a sysop with free time and the urge to look at packets passing through a node. Netscape browser preferences can be set so that a warning is issued every time insecure forms are submitted. This seems to be an effective method of transaction, but only for those who use Netscape. Other recent browsers and servers also incorporate encryption technology which is sometimes compatible with Netscape, and sometimes not. As the various encryption and security features are being developed, there are still other, very easy solutions to the security problem that are available to all of the Internet citizenry, i.e., browsing the information and selecting the purchase online but sending the orders offline.
Many companies suggest faxing or phoning the credit card number.
Others offer to set up accounts for customers with a credit card over the phone or by mail. Secure transactions for transfer of funds is certainly the major problem with Internet purchasing, but there are a number of other significant limitations to the budding online marketplace. While a big- name retailer may be on the Net, it is still a rare exception that makes its entire product line available to the Net wanderer. The common theme among all Internet information sources is the difficulty in locating an applicable resource. There are plenty of Internet yellow pages in print, but none come anywhere close to comprehensiveness for businesses on the Net.