SSL Information
What is SSL?
SSL stands for "Secure Sockets
Layer" and refers to the World Wide Webs standard of security for sensitive
information (such as your credit card details) that is sent and received over the
Internet.
What does it do?
A secure site means that the
information being sent or received is encrypted, or scrambled. This makes it extremely
difficult for third parties to intercept the information which in turn, greatly reduces
the chance of your personal details being misused. The level of encryption can differ from
site to site, affecting the security level of the site. 128-bit SSL encryption has become
standard across the Internet and provides a more than adequate level of
security. This is now known as "Strong" encryption. The latest
domestic web browsers (Internet Explorer and Netscape) all support
transactions using "Strong" encryption. "128-bit encrypted
messages are 309,485,009,821,345,068,724,781,056 times harder to break
than 40-bit messages, therefore it would take 1 trillion x 1trillion years
to crack a 128-bit message" (eSign).
How do I know if I am in a
secure site?
You can identify secure sites by the presence of a padlock in the bottom right hand corner
of most internet browsers. Additionally the letter "s" will appear in the
address of the site, ie https://www.rivers.com.au. This indicates that all information that is sent from that
particular address is done so using SSL technology.
Site Certificates
Site Certificates validate a sites
authority to use SSL and authenticates the sites state of security. Certificates can be
viewed by double clicking with your mouse on top of the padlock and reading the details of
the Issuer, the date the certificate expires and other details about the encryption keys
and so forth.
What if I still don't feel safe
giving my details over the internet?
For those of you who still don't trust SSL technology, Rivers continue to offer Fax, Mail
and Telephone orders. When you reach the shopping cart stage of the ordering process there
is a list of ordering options for you to choose from. For more information visit our Web Masters Notes.
Any further enquiries can be directed to our Web Master
at: Webauthor@rivaus.com.au |
