Thanks for the advice. I should have been a little clearer, I need to capture the numbers from a website yes (ASP web site specifically)
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I need to capture Credit Card information securely for a hotel. They do not want to charge the cards, just capture the numbers so the hotel can validate them. They will charge the cards at a later date when the guests actually arrive (not via the internet).
I heard that I will need a secure server if I do this. How much time/effort/cost is involved in having your own secure server? If it is not easy then I would rather use a third party service to capture the numbers. What services are available? I do not need a complicated accounting system, as no transactions will take place. I just need a secure way to capture the numbers.
Many thanks for any advice.
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There are numerous scripts for CC verification. This one for instance uses a formula to verify the number:
http://www.planet-source-c
The connection should be safe so your website should have SSL or something for the same purpose. Ferg-o is right about this and definitely yes you need a secure server, or be hosted on some server. If your ISP offers web hosting, this is the first place you should ask for SSL connections and perhaps CC verification service too.
I would like something that verifies if the card itself is not blocked or invalid, even if the number is valid. Looking for a 'free merchant account' or something offering free or very cheap CC verification service but if you process your clients CC numbers elsewhere than your website there must exist some kind of contract between you and this service for obvious security reasons.
Now if you plan to build more websites like this it may be time to think about setting up your own server?
I would sugest using a third party like http://www.epdq.co.uk/
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Split: ferg-o, ornicar, and zapthedingbat
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by: ferg-oPosted on 2004-02-22 at 18:26:18ID: 10429004
I assume that they are faxing the card details to you? Or worse sending them via email?
In order to get the details from them I would use an SSL-based website - this can be fairly easily done with MS IIS. You must be careful that their details do not get compromised on their way to you - your company will be responsible for any fraud associated with that exchange of details.
While they are on your system keep them encrypted and in a secure location. For this you really can't go past PGP disk (www.pgp.com). It is very easy to use. I would also recommend using some kind of two-factor (eg a USB key or SecureID) authentication for access to those files.
Hope this helps...