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| ABOUT SSL |
What is SSL?
Secure Socket Layer (SSL) is an encryption procedure, that is used between your browser
and web pages. SSL was developed by Netscape to provide confidence to web site visitors to
communicate securely via an encrypted session. It is a security protocol that prevents
eavesdropping, tampering, and message forgery. SSL outlines an interface whereby a server
and a client can carry out data encryption, certify message integrity, and validate user
authentication.
You can tell you are in a secure zone when your browser displays a pop-up window that
states so or by looking at the lower left-hand corner of your browser for a solid key or
closed lock. If your browser does not support SSL you will be not be able to communicate
with the secure server and therefore unable to submit information.
Netscape claims that although SSL is not a military-grade security, it would take a
supercomputer a year to break the message's encryption. It would be easier for someone to
get your credit card number by simply looking over your shoulder, getting an old carbon
(sales slip) from the garbage or scanning your cordless phone while you are buying
something.
SSL also offers another level of security in the form of digital certificates. A digital
certificate is a document that assures customers that your web site is legitimately yours.
It also provides a legal basis for Internet transactions. Therefore, it is obligatory that
merchants provide verifiable information about their entity before they are authorized to
accept credit card transactions. |
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