Client Questions About WebTrust

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General FAQ and Fact Sheet

You have questions, and Bennett Gold LLP has the answers. Read this FAQ page intended for businesses and e-commerce web sites that are considering WebTrust certification.

1. What does the WebTrust Seal do for me and why do I want to pay for it?
2. How can I get the WebTrust Seal?
3. How does my web site qualify for a WebTrust Seal?
4. Does my web site need any special hardware or software to be compliant?
5. How much does WebTrust certification cost?
6. How long is the WebTrust Seal valid?
7. Under what circumstances can the WebTrust Seal be revoked?
8. My company is ISO 9000 compliant and my financial statements are audited by a CA (or CPA). Why do I need WebTrust?
9. My company enjoys a solid reputation and our web site maintains strong transactional controls, uses passwords, anti-virus software and firewalls. Why do I need the WebTrust Seal?
10. Am I restricted in how I can use the WebTrust Seal on my web site?

1 - What does the WebTrust Seal do for me and why do I want to pay for it?

One of the primary obstacles impeding the ability of most businesses to succeed with Internet commerce is broad public and business users concerns. WebTrust meets those concerns with seven distinct services designed to build "trustworthiness" in your site.

2 - How can I get the WebTrust Seal?

The Seal can be obtained by engaging a CA or CPA who offers the WebTrust service. Bennett Gold LLP is a leader in providing the range of WebTrust services.

3 - How does my web site qualify for a WebTrust Seal?

To earn a WebTrust Seal, web sites must comply with the WebTrust Principles and Criteria for the specific WebTrust Seal sought by the business entity.

4 - Does my web site need any special hardware or software to be compliant?

The extent of your investment in hardware and software depends on the size, complexity and type of your web site.

5 - How much does WebTrust certification cost?

The cost of WebTrust is likely to be commensurate with that of many other consulting services rendered to your company by your current accounting firm.

6 - How long is the WebTrust Seal valid?

The Seal is valid as long as it continues to receive CA or CPA assurance that the web site is compliant with the specific WebTrust Principle and Criteria. Sites must be tested for compliance at least every six months.

7 - Under what circumstances can the WebTrust Seal be revoked?

CAs and CPAs are required to revoke the Seal of web sites that fall out of compliance with the specific Principle and Criteria as currently published by the CICA/AICPA. In addition, the Seal will automatically expire if not renewed by a qualified WebTrust licensee at least every six months.

8 - My company is ISO 9000 compliant and my financial statements are audited by a CA (or CPA). Why do I need WebTrust?

The WebTrust Seal was developed to be widely recognized by the public and other businesses as the premier form of assurance pertaining to the privacy, security and legitimacy of Internet web sites. ISO 9000 compliance is far broader and less specific than WebTrust - and much less well understood by the public.

As well, the standards pertaining to the audits of financial statements are different than WebTrust Principles and Criteria and do not cover assurances pertaining to electronic commerce over the web.

9 - My company enjoys a solid reputation and our web site maintains strong transactional controls, plus it uses passwords, anti-virus software and firewalls. Why do I need the WebTrust Seal?

The primary purpose of WebTrust is to overcome a key obstacle to the success of most companies with their Internet sales efforts, which is broad public concern over the privacy and security of web sites and the legitimacy of many businesses. While a company's web site may be in compliance with the WebTrust Principles and Criteria, there is no way a potential customer can be assured of this unless the WebTrust Seal is affixed to the site.

10 - Am I restricted in how I can use the WebTrust Seal on my website?

Yes. Use of the WebTrust Seal is licensed exclusively to your web site by CAs and CPAs that offer the service. You may use the Seal in your marketing efforts.

Bennett Gold LLP invites your questions, comments and feedback about WebTrust. E-Mail: info@WebTrust.net   Telephone: 416-449-2249.

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