Senator Leahy's Guide to Doing Business on the Internet Online Security - Privacy Security on the Internet is a serious issue. A study I commissioned with the Vermont Small Business Development Center last year said that the strongest obstacle among consumers from shopping and doing business online was their fear of online security risks. For electronic commerce to flourish, both buyers and sellers must feel comfortable and secure in conducting business over the Internet. That is one of the reasons I introduced the Internet Security Act of 2000 which would combat computer hacking through enhanced law enforcement. While the threat of criminal penalties may deter some cyber-thieves, crime prevention is the best protection.
People doing business on the Internet can take steps to protect their transactions.
One step they can take is to use encryption. Many encryption systems are already available, and new ones are being developed, for use by businesses interested in exploring the marketplace on the Internet. Efforts are underway to increase security on the Internet and new technologies are being developed every day that should only make Internet commerce safer and easier. Those of you who are interested in learning more about Internet security may want to visit the sites listed below. With the frequent exchange of information on the Internet that is an integral part of e-commerce, there is the real threat that consumers' personal information can be shared and distributed without their knowledge or consent.