What is 128-bit encryption technology?
Encryption scrambles all information between your personal computer and the secured areas of the web site and guarantees one of the highest levels of security, privacy and confidentiality. Your information and transactions are kept secure by using one of the best commonly-used encryption technologies available: 128 bit encryption.
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What are authentication and encryption?
- SSL server authentication allows you to confirm a web server's identity. Your browser can automatically check that a server's certificate and public ID are valid and have been issued by a certificate authority (CA), such as VeriSign. Authentication is vital for secure e-commerce transactions in which you are sending private and confidential information over the web and first want to verify the receiving server's identity.
- An encrypted SSL connection requires all information sent between a client (your computer) and a server to be encrypted by the sender and decrypted by the receiver. This protects private information from being intercepted over the Internet. In addition, all data sent over an encrypted SSL connection is protected with a mechanism for detecting tampering - that is, for automatically determining whether the data has been altered in transit. This means that you can confidently send private data, such as your account info, to us trusting that SSL keeps it private and confidential.
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Why are some web browsers more secure than others?
There are many types of web browsers on the market today and they all have varying degrees of security. This is because they use different technologies for encryption, making some web browsers more secure than others. Even Netscape Navigator has two different levels of encryption security: 40-bit encryption and the more secure 128-bit encryption. The secure area of the site requires 128-bit encrypted versions of Netscape Navigator (version 4.0 and up) and Microsoft Internet Explorer (version 4.0 and up) at this time.
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How do I know what level of security I have on my browser?
If you use Netscape Navigator, simply look in your browser's 'Help' menu and select 'About Netscape' or 'About Communicator'. Scroll down to the graphic that mentions 'RSA encryption'. You will read the encryption that that particular browser offers.
If you use Internet Explorer in Windows 95, look in your browsers 'Help' Menu and select 'About Internet Explorer.' You will read the encryption that that particular browser offers.
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What can I do to ensure my information is safe?
- Never leave your computer screen unattended while in a secure area of a website.
- Use a quality anti-virus program as often as possible.
- Frequently check the most current information about your browser (can be found at your browser's web site) for changes and upgrades.
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How do I clear my browser cache?
If you share a computer and Internet connection with someone, that other person could view your confidential information by hitting the Back button on your Web browser after you have used it. You can keep your private information secure by closing your web browser after your session or by clearing your browser's cache.
Follow these instructions to clear your browser's cache:
Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.x and 6
- Select "Tools" from the browser menu bar
- Select "Internet Options". The "General" tab at the top of the popup window should be automatically selected
- In the "Temporary Internet Files" box, click the "Delete Files" button.
- Click "OK".
Netscape Navigator 4.x and 7.x
- Select "Edit" from the browser menu bar.
- Select "Preferences".
- Select the "Advanced" option.
- Select the "Cache" option.
- To remove all the files currently in your memory cache, click "Clear Memory Cache."
- Click "OK".
- To remove all the files currently in your disk cache, click "Clear Disk Cache."
- Click "OK".
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