40-bit SSL Encryption
40-bit SSL (Secure Server) IDs, are ideal for security-sensitive intranets, extranets, and Web sites. They enable 40-bit SSL when communicating with export-version Netscape and Microsoft Internet Explorer browsers (used by most people in the U.S. and worldwide), and 128-bit SSL encryption when communicating with domestic-version Microsoft and Netscape browsers. 40-bit SSL (Secure Server) IDs run on virtually all server software platforms.
128-bit SSL Encryption
128-bit SSL IDs, enable the world's strongest SSL encryption with both domestic and export versions of Microsoft® and Netscape® browsers. 128-bit SSL is the standard for large-scale online merchants, banks, brokerages, health care organizations, and insurance companies worldwide. 128-bit IDs can run on server software from any non-U.S. software vendor, or software from a U.S. software vendor properly classified by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
The primary difference between the two types of Server IDs is the strength of the SSL session that each enable. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology is the industry-standard method for protecting Web communications developed by Netscape Communications Corporation. The SSL security protocol provides data encryption, server authentication, message integrity, and optional client authentication for a TCP/IP connection. Because SSL is built into all major browsers and Web servers, simply installing a digital certificate turns on their SSL capabilities.
SSL comes in two strengths, 40-bit and 128-bit, which refer to the length of the 'session key' generated by every encrypted transaction. The longer the key, the more difficult it is to break the encryption code. Most browsers support 40-bit SSL sessions, and the latest browsers enable users to encrypt transactions in 128-bit sessions - trillions of times stronger than 40-bit sessions.
