Abstract: A validation system is disclosed for validating an entity with whom a user intends to trade or exchange electronic information, for example over the Internet. The system includes validation means which are operable to obtain status details of the entity from third party validation sources, such as a certification authority, commercial register or the like, and indicator means operable to indicate the obtained status to the user substantially in real time. The system preferably also includes means operable to determine the security of the communication medium between the user and the trading entity, in which case the indicating means is operable to give an indication of the security of the communication substantially in real time. The indicator is preferably a visual indicator, for example provided on a computer monitor, and consists, for example, of a series of colour signals each indicative of a level of trustworthiness, preferably a “traffic light” type set of signals.