There are different types and applications of computer programming. Computer programming is very essential anywhere there's a computer or a digital device. Programs are the primary requirement before a system or device could run. And in this digital age, they are required by almost all applications, including web-based ones. Credit card computer programming is one of the most vital forms of programming these days. This is precisely what makes online banking and e-commerce possible. With these sets of programs, people can freely buy things over the internet. And merchants can also get their earning easily from the issuing banks of the credit cards used to pay them. The main requirement of credit card computer programming is security. These programs should be created with multiple layers of security so as to protect the interests of both the online seller and the buyer. Credit card programming requires a series of intricate commands and test runs just to avoid the loopholes in the programming. Adequate security is also necessary so that identity theft and other illegal acts are not committed over the internet. The main reason why identity theft is rampant over the internet is because there are not sufficient security measures that both online sellers and buyers follows. It is really the task of credit card computer programmers to make indestructible security programs for their clients. Identity theft is the act of stealing one's sensitive financial information such as credit card number, social security number, name, address, and age. All of these are required before an online transaction could push through. But because of the improving abilities of hackers and fraudulent individuals, they somehow manage to find ways on how squeeze out the information from unsuspecting victims. They don't run out of creative ways of enticing people to freely give out the information they need. A website that uses a faulty credit card computer programming protocol is exposed to the risks associated with refunds, fines, and even legal costs. But more than that, the website's customers will be very irritated with their experience arising from the transaction with the website. Worse, they could even suspect that the website is part of a big scam operating in the underworld of the internet. This is where things could get nasty with legal fees arising from suits filed by the affected consumers. Therefore, it is very important for small and medium-scale internet business owners to avail of credit card computer programming services only from reputable sources. For all they know, the program that they are using are created with a backdoor that only the programmers know about. If you can request for a customized programming complete with documentation and a legal contract, it is highly recommended that they avail of that. But if that seems a little too expensive, they can definitely try one of the many third party payment processors in operation today. This is a good alternative to buying or creating a special software for your e-commerce website. Examples of a third party payment processor are PayPal, Google Checkout, FirePay, and others. These companies are offering the processing of payments in cash, checks, and credit cards. However, these companies charge a certain amount or a percentage of the payment received. This deal should be just fine, because they normally assume all responsibility when it comes to the proper handling or credit card charge requests. And for them to do it right, they ensure their clients that they have a very complex credit card computer programming system in place.