Patent ID: 7653577

Claim:
A method, comprising the steps of: a) validating, by at least one server computer, a Hosting Provider, wherein said Hosting Provider comprises an entity providing website hosting services to third parties, by: i) determining an IP address used by said Hosting Provider; ii) determining that said Hosting Provider satisfies a pre-established criteria, wherein said pre-established criteria comprises the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard; and iii) validating the security of a system operated by said Hosting Provider; b) validating, by said at least one server computer, a Merchant using said Hosting Provider to host an eCommerce website by: i) determining that said Merchant satisfies a pre-established criteria; ii) verifying the reputation of a domain name registered to said Merchant; iii) verifying the reputation of a website operated by said Merchant; and iv) determining whether a website operated by said Merchant is SSL-certified; c) validating, by said at least one server computer, a Customer who may purchase goods or services from said Merchant via said eCommerce website by: i) determining that said Customer satisfies a pre-established criteria; ii) analyzing said Customer's purchase history; iii) confirming said Customer is authorized to use a credit card; and iv) analyzing said Customer's eCommerce reputation; and d) responsive to a determination that said Hosting Provider, said Merchant, and said Customer are validated, approving, by said at least one server computer, an eCommerce transaction involving said Hosting Provider, said Merchant, and said Customer.