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Secure Socket Layer (SSL)
The abbreviation SSL stands for "Secure Socket Layer":
the most widespread and efficient protocol for transmitting
reserved information over the Internet in an absolutely safe
way. This protocol, developed by Netscape and nowadays considered
a very important standard, is supported automatically by nearly
all browsers (including Internet Explorer and Netscape).
SSL technology is based on complex mathematical formulae
used in the field of cryptography.
During a safe connection all the information is encoded before
being transmitted thereby making the communication absolutely
indecipherable.
The SSL protocol also supplies a very important guarantee
of authenticity. This means you can be sure that no impostor
can lie about his identity and receive reserved information.
To know if the browser is communicating with a safe server
by means of the SSL protocol you just need to check that the
address of the page is characterised by the prefix https (the
s stands for secure).
Generally when you move from a normal "http" connection
to a safe "https" connection the browser visualises
warning messages.
Furthermore, during a safe SSL connection:
- Internet Explorer
visualises the image of a "closed padlock" 
on the bottom left and makes information about the SSL Certificate
(Certification Authority - date of issue and expiry...)
available by means of a special menu (file --> property
--> certificate).
- Netscape
visualises the image of a "Closed padlock" 
on the bottom left and makes information about the SSL (Certification
Authority - date of issue and expiry...) available through
a special button on the menu.
The SSL protocol currently uses 128 bit encrypting keys.
In order to fully exploit the 128 bits available, we advise
you to update your browser with the most recent versions.
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