Encryption

Encryption refers to the scrambling of information so that the original message can not be read by unauthorized recipients. An encryption algorithm is applied to the message, referred to as plaintext, and produces ciphertext, which ideally appears to be random bits. A decryption algorithm converts the ciphertext back into plaintext, but only if given the correct key.

How Encryption Works

There are two levels of encryption: 40-bit and 128-bit.

With 40-bit encryption, there are billions of possible keys to decipher the coded information, but only one of them works. Someone intercepting information would have to find the right key to be able to read it - a nearly impossible task.

With 128-bit encryption, there are 300 billion trillion times as many keys as with 40-bit encryption. It is virtually impossible for an unauthorized party to find the right key, even if they are equipped with the best computers.

Note that security features do not prevent you from viewing non-encrypted web sites or place any limitations on your use of the World Wide Web, e-mail or newsgroups.

How do I know if I have 128-bit security?

1. Microsoft Internet Explorer

   • PC users
     Internet Explorer 5.5 or 6.0 has 128-bit encryption.
     To see what version of Internet Explorer you have, and encryption level, open your IE browser and click on Help \ About Internet Explorer. You will see what Version you have and the Cipher Strength.
     
     
   • MacIntosh users
     Internet Explorer 5.0 has 128-bit encryption
     To see what encryption level you have, open your IE browser and click on Apple icon \ About Internet Explorer, then click on the Support button. Next to Encryption is your level of protection.
     
     

2. Netscape Communicator (Version:3.x, 4.x)

   PC and MacIntosh users
   
   • In Navigator or Communicator, click on Help \ About Navigator (or Communicator).
     
     
   • Look for the section that reads "Contains encryption software from RSA Data Security, Inc".
     
     
   • If the next paragraph says "This version supports U.S. security", that means you have 128-bit security. If it says you have International security, that means you have 40-bit security.
     
     

3. Downloadable Software

   • Internet Explorer 5.5 and up for PC
     If you are running earlier versions of Internet Explorer without 128-bit encryption, you can download the latest version from the Microsoft web site. Click Start \ Windows Update

     Internet Explorer 5.0 for MacIntosh
     If you are running earlier versions of Internet Explorer without 128-bit encryption, you can download version 5.0 from the Microsoft web site.
     http://www.microsoft.com/mac/download/default.asp#IE

   • Netscape Communicator for PC
     If you are running an earlier version of Netscape Communicator without 128-bit encryption, you can download version (4.79 in English) from /downloade.html
     
     Netscape Communicator for MacIntosh
     If you are running an earlier version of Netscape Communicator without 128-bit encryption, you can download version (4.73 in English) from /downloade.html