Since 2001, the internationally respected ‘s@fer shopping’ certificate has been featured on web stores that satisfy TÜV’s extensive test criteria. Founded in 1866 in Munich, Germany, the company now has locations all over Europe, America, and Asia. As well as SSL certificates, TÜV offers many other kinds of certification, including for environmental management, quality of service, and IT security management. While the brand is particularly distinguished in German-speaking countries, its long history and reputation for neutrality, expertise, and honesty have made it a major player all around the world. TÜV has a three-step process for examining web stores: first, it conducts an online examination, then a security check, and finally an on-site audit. To this end, the company makes sure the following basic properties are complied with:
- Data security: for the TÜV SSL certificates, you need to be able to produce a comprehensive security concept that includes all the necessary measures. This involves questions like ‘Do you have the appropriate resources to secure your infrastructure?’ (i.e. staff, hardware, software) and ‘Do you use encryption technology?’
- Data protection: this evaluation involves typical questions surrounding the handling of personal customer data, e.g.: ‘Do you have a data protection supervisor?’, ‘Is the privacy statement recorded in writing?’, and ‘Are your users fully aware of the nature, extent, and reasons for data collection?’ This category also involves examining cookies.
- Content and delivery: here you need to meet TÜV’s criteria for the correct preparation, maintenance, and delivery of your goods, as well as provide extensive and accurate information about your business, products, and prices. You must also show how the transaction process takes place (i.e. ordering, payment, delivery, returns policy).
- Organizational requirements: web store operators are obliged to adjust content to meet TÜV’s standards and make staff aware of the company’s policies. As well as this, you must be prepared to make changes to your businesses based on the feedback collected from your customers.
To get a trust seal for your online store, you first need to contact s@fer shopping for a free quote. If you manage to pass the test, you can display the certificate not only on your online store, but also in any catalogues or leaflets that refer to your website. Customers will recognize the SSL certificate as a distinguishing feature of a trusted online shopping site with meticulous quality control measures.