PSMail Quick Tip: In this always-on age advertised by your cable or DSL provider, you may leave your computer on all the time. With a properly configured firewall, that's okay to do. But for complete security, turn off your computer or disconnect the network cable when your computer is not in use. If you have any concerns, talk to your service provider to be sure you're protected. |
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SSL Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is SSL?
- Why use SSL instead of PGP?
- How do I setup my PC to send/recieve e-mails through SSL?
1) What is SSL?
SSL is Secure Sockets Layer, a method of encrypting data transferred over the Internet. After SSL encryption, the data you send over the Internet will be visible but not comprehensible to someone who might be eavesdropping on your computer's activity. The graphic below provides a good example of this process.
| YOUR DATA |
ENCRYPTION |
AFTER ENCRYPTION |
DECRYPTION |
YOUR DATA (restored) |
| "Mom, how are you? I hope we can have dinner on Friday afternoon at 6:30 PM" |
ENCRYPTION ENGINE
|
M!**)(!@JUASDJADFJK
adsfklaq1oolkakilksdfcc
12n1j212ij12idjsaijo019i0kdlaa
j1u1982jdd00 |
DECRYPTION ENGINE
|
"Mom, how are you? I hope we can have dinner on
Friday afternoon at 6:30 PM" |
| clear text data |
ssl encryption |
encrypted data in transit |
ssl decryption |
clear text data |
2) Why use SSL instead of PGP?
PGP or "Pretty Good Privacy" is quite a nice program, but it can be very difficult to install and maintain. PGP uses a process which involves a Public Key and a Private Key. The Public Key is like your bank account number to which anyone can deposit money. But to collect money from your "bank account," you need specific identification. The Private Key serves as this identification.
The only disadvantage of PGP is the complexity of installation and of maintaining your keys. When you use SSL, the certificates are stored on the server; typically you don't need a client certificate. While some services do use a client certificate also; most services provide you with encryption for the data while in transit only. Like your bank account access through HTTPS protocol which is popular in many countries
Learn about SSL ciphers and test your browser for SSL ciphers being used.
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