Enhanced security for Internet transactions
The 3D Secure protocol enhances online payment authorization by adding user authentication to the process. The authentication mechanism involves an exchange of information between the acquirer (the merchant and the bank receiving the payment), the issuer of the card being used and providers of 3D Secure infrastructure services, including the Access Control Server (ACS) required to verify the identity of the user.
The 3D Secure scheme offers the bank a guarantee that the transaction has been initiated by the user, and provides a proof that the user has engaged in the purchase transaction.
It is the responsibility of the issuing bank to provide an ACS to respond to authentication requests. Most banks find it beneficial to outsource the ACS functionality to a specialized vendor, such as ITCARD.