3D Secure is a protocol developed by Visa and Mastercard to add an extra layer of security for online transactions. It provides an additional authentication step when making online payments, reducing the risk of fraud and unauthorized access to credit card information. The most common implementation of 3D Secure is Verified by Visa and Mastercard SecureCode, which are used by many banks and card issuers around the world.
So how does 3D Secure work? When a customer proceeds to make an online payment, the payment gateway or merchant’s website sends a request to the card issuer to authenticate the transaction. The card issuer then checks if the cardholder is enrolled in the 3D Secure program. If the cardholder is enrolled, the issuer generates an authentication request and sends it back to the merchant or payment gateway.
The authentication request is usually in the form of a popup window or redirection to the card issuer’s website. The cardholder is then prompted to enter their unique 3D Secure password or a one-time password (OTP) sent to their registered mobile number or email address. This password or OTP acts as a verification to prove the cardholder’s identity.
Once the authentication is successful, the card issuer sends an authorization code back to the merchant or payment gateway, confirming the authenticity of the transaction. The customer’s payment is then processed and completed. If the authentication fails or the cardholder decides not to proceed with the transaction, the payment is declined, and the cardholder is not charged.
The use of 3D Secure adds an extra layer of security to online transactions. It protects both the cardholder and the merchant from unauthorized use of credit card details. Even if someone obtains a customer’s credit card information, they would still need to provide the correct 3D Secure password or OTP to complete the transaction, making it more difficult for fraudsters to make fraudulent purchases.
3D Secure also helps in reducing the liability for merchants. In the event of a chargeback due to fraud, if the transaction was processed with 3D Secure authentication, the liability generally shifts from the merchant to the card issuer or the bank. This provides an important safeguard for businesses, especially smaller ones, against fraud-related losses.
It’s worth noting that while 3D Secure adds an extra layer of security, it can sometimes be seen as an inconvenience by customers. The additional authentication step may cause friction during the checkout process, leading to cart abandonment. To mitigate this, many merchants offer a streamlined and user-friendly 3D Secure experience, reducing the potential impact on customer satisfaction.
In conclusion, 3D Secure is a crucial tool in ensuring the security of online transactions. By adding an extra layer of authentication, it helps protect cardholders and merchants from fraud and unauthorized use of credit card information. While it may be seen as an inconvenience by some, the benefits of enhanced security and reduced liability for merchants outweigh the minor inconvenience. So the next time you make an online payment, be grateful for the added security provided by 3D Secure.