TekGems Blog

Something for you security geeks. Since Paypal purchased Verisign a while back, it makes sense for them to use security hardware to virtually eliminate phishing. This goes hand-in-hand with the Virtual Debit Card feature they released as beta a week or two ago.

The official Paypal link is here:
https://www.paypal.com/eBay/securitykey

Generates a unique six-digit security code about every 30 seconds. You enter that code when you log in to your PayPal or eBay account with your regular user name and password. Then the code expires - no-one else can use it.

The full AuctionBytes story here:
http://www.auctionbytes.com/cab/abn/y07/m01/i10/s02



Related discussions:

Google blacklist sheds light on phishing tactics

Anyone see the new Paypal Security Key thing yet?

$5 required security fee to use paypal?

eBay/Paypal have the Key to Security

Labels: Paypal

This is a Windows (setup.exe) application that you install. The program generates a one-time use throw away MasterCard number. The functionality is similar to MBNA's ShopSafe feature. I believe this is only available to USA customers at this time. If you are an eBay seller with the 1.0% to 1.5% cash back feature with current plastic debit card, using the Virtual debit card will not give you the cash back. This is not a new idea, but the fact that Paypal users tend to be online savvy, this is a great tool for additional security when shopping online. Click here for the FAQ on the Paypal Virtual Debit Card.

You can use PayPal Virtual Debit Card when making online purchases anywhere MasterCard is accepted. PayPal Virtual Debit Card generates a virtual card number each time you make a transaction online so you don't have to use your personal debit or credit card number.

Also, Ina Steiner of AuctionBytes wrote an article about MBNA ShopSafe and CitiBank Virtual Account numbers: http://www.auctionbytes.com/cab/abu/y205/m02/abu0137/s02

Have you ever paused as you were entering your credit card number into a web-form on the Internet, wondering if the site would really keep your information secure? Whether you are making an online purchase or registering for a new service, you should always be careful!

Labels: Paypal

Google Checkout - I signed up for it today exploring ways to offer the checkout service to my customers. Unfortunately, you need to work with their API (programmer required) and their buy now buttons are encrypted. While that is the secure way to go, most eBay sellers are not techsavvy. Having to generate a buy now button for each item will be a pain. Perhaps Google will reconsider their approach later, but this is definitely aimed at the mega merchants with programming resources to implement the Google Checkout API. Its really a shame since a lot of eBay sellers were anticipating competition to Paypal.

Labels: Paypal

Yikes! It would be foolish to try hide money as an online seller since everything we do is trackable. But still, it always creeps me out when I read about government entities having access to more of your personal information.

Labels: Paypal