21.   The consumer receives a SET wallet which contains encryption keys and their digital certificates - now the consumer is ready to shop.

22.   The digital certificates are authenticated, issued and managed by a third party known as the certification authority.

23.   The Intel system will require doctors using a participating Web site to register for a digital certificate, akin to an online health card.

24.   The merchant then passes the digital certificate and payment request on to the bank, which decrypts the credit card number and authorises the purchase.