As business relies less on "fortress" style central computers and more on distributed systems, the risk of disruption increases because of inadequate physical security, support services, and site monitoring. This article discusses information security and why protection is required on the Internet, presents a best practice firewall, and…

Lack of security is perceived as a major roadblock to doing business online. This article examines system, user, and commercial transaction privacy on the World Wide Web and discusses methods of protection: operating systems security, file and data protection, user education, access restrictions, data authentication, perimeter and transaction…

Internet advertising and commercial activity are increasing. This article examines challenges facing the retail industry on the Internet: location; comparison shopping; security, especially financial transactions; customer base and profile; nature of the shopping experience; and legal and marketplace controls. (PEN)

Describes an Internet auction model achieving verifiable fairness, a requirement aimed at enhancing the trust of bidders in auctioneers. Analysis results demonstrate that the proposed model satisfies various requirements regarding fairness and privacy. Moreover, in the proposed model, the losing bids remain sealed. (Author/AEF)

To cultivate an online market share, companies must design marketing strategies specifically for the Internet. This article examines the nature of business on the Internet, highlighting demographics, user control, accessibility, communication, authenticity, competition, and security and proposes a marketing strategy, including targeting and…

A survey of Singapore-based firms in computer/information technology, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, travel, publishing, and banking/finance that use the Internet for business found that most of the respondents use the Internet for marketing and advertising, customer service and support, information gathering, and, to a lesser degree,…