SSL (Secure Sockets Layer)
What is SSL ?
SSL is short for Secure Sockets Layer, a technical protocol developed by Netscape for transmitting private documents through the Internet. Most web browsers now support SSL connections, and many web sites use this protocol to obtain confidential user information, such as passwords and credit card numbers.
How SSL works
SSL works by using a public key to encrypt ( or scramble up ) the data which is being transferred through the Internet. Hence, this information would be useless to any unauthorized individual even if they were able to capture your specific transmission among all the others. It is only possible to un encrypt the message ( or make the information readable again ), if you have the proper encryption keys.
Both Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer support SSL using either 40-bit and/or 128-bit encryption keys ( depends on the browser version - e.g. domestic or export ). Using either 40-bit or 128-bit SSL encryption ensures that your confidential information will be kept private. According to RSA labs, it would take a hacker a trillion-trillion years to break a 128-bit encryption key using today's technology.
Confirming that SSL is being used
You can confirm whether SSL security technology is being used, by any of the following methods:
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The easiest way is to look at the URL address in the location bar (at the top) of your browser. If the address of the page that you are viewing begins with https:// then you can be sure that SSL is active for that page ( non secure pages simply begin with http:// ).
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Most browsers also display a enabled security icon (a key or lock image) when SSL is being used for a page. For example, Netscape browsers display a locked padlock image at the bottom of the screen; and Internet Explorer displays either a key or locked image at the bottom of the screen.
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Thirdly, you can check the page information for a given page by using the browser menu, or in some cases by just clicking on the security icon described above.
Enabling SSL in Netscape Navigator
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Click the security pad lock at the bottom of the browser window
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Click on "Navigator" under Security Info
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Enable (check) all of the SSL options in the "Advanced Security" section
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Click on the "OK" button
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Click on the HOME menu link at the top of this page
Enabling SSL in Internet Explorer 5
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Click the "Tools" menu and then select "Internet Options"
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Click on the "Advanced" tab at the top of the dialogue
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Scroll the window down until you see the "Security" section
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Enable (check) all "Use SSL..." toggle box options
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Click on the "OK" button in both of the open dialogue boxes
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Click on the HOME menu link at the top of this page
Enabling SSL in Internet Explorer 4
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Click the "View" menu and then select "Internet Options"
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** follow steps 2 - 6 in the Internet Explorer 5 section above
Enabling SSL in other web browsers
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Please refer to your web browser Help documentation to ensure that your browser supports SSL security encryption and how to enable this if it does.
Special Notes
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If you see a message indicating that you are entering or leaving a secure connection while visiting our web site, you should choose to continue or you will not be able to use our e-commerce services
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If you are behind a firewall or proxy server that does not support secure connections (for example, if you are accessing the Internet from a computer that is part of a corporate network), speak with your local system administrator to see if a solution can be reached using your network. However, not all firewalls or proxies will cause errors
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What is a SSL ?
