An implementation of SET protocol based on SSL protocol

Security is an important factor for the wide acceptance of the electronic commerce services. Special security mechanisms are needed for the implementation of secure electronic payment systems. Now, there are mainly two protocols used in the electronic commerce. One is SSL protocol, the other is SET protocol. SSL is free but it has a fatal shortcoming. SET protocol is much safer but it is very expensive and the implementations are lack of flexibility. Openssl has a very good package of cryptography functions, and it has a complete way of using and manipulating the CA certificates. This article mainly discusses the way to implement SET protocol based on SSL protocol using openssl and the way to improve its flexibility.