How do I make the ordering system secure?

ShopSite can use SSL (Secure Socket Layer) security when customers are entering credit card information and when merchants view order information. Configuring SSL security is a two-step process, and you will have to work with your ISP on both steps:

1. Talk to your ShopSite Hosting Partner about adding SSL security to your store. You will either be able to use a digital certificate that they already have, or they will work with you to obtain one for your store on their server. If you buy a certificate for your store, prices may vary somewhat from company to company, but as an example, a one year certificate from Thawte costs $125.
2. Set ShopSite to use SSL security. Your ISP should tell you when they have configured the URLs to work with your certificate. In the ShopSite back office, go to Preferences > Hosting Service. In the SSL Security Settings of the screen, check the box for Use SSL security in ShopSite and Use SSL security in Shopping Cart. Fill in the URL fields with values provided by your ISP.

After installing a certificate and configuring ShopSite, you can test it by making a purchase in your store. Add a product to your shopping cart and go to the screen where you enter credit card information. Verify that you see an icon of a locked padlock at the bottom of your browser window. like this: . Complete the order (you can always use your payment gateway merchant account to refund your money later). In the ShopSite back office, go to Orders, select your new order in the list and cick View Orders. Verify that you see the locked padlock on the screen where you are viewing the order information.