What Is It?
PGP stands for
“Pretty Good Privacy” and is an encryption standard created by Phil
Zimmerman and first released in 1991. The protocol is used by Web browsers
and email programs to encrypt data before transmission over networks.
The recipient uses a private key to decrypt the data and to verify the
digital signature of the sender. PGP can also be used to encrypt stored
data. Originally offered as a freeware program, PGP has evolved into
both commercial and open source versions.
An alternative encryption technology is Secure
Sockets Layer (SSL),
a protocol developed for TCP/IP transmissions. Each SSL Certificate
is created for a particular Web server in a specific domain for a verified
business entity. Like a passport or a driver’s license, an SSL Certificate
is issued by a trusted authority. Digital IDs based on SSL can be installed
within email programs and Web servers to encrypt email communications
between individuals.
How VeriSign
Can Help
VeriSign is the
world’s leading Certificate Authority, securing more than 450,000 Web
sites. Our authentication and verification procedures are based on years
of practice, authenticating more than half a million commercial businesses.
We offer SSL
Certificates and Digital IDs.
Related Products and Services
Product |
Description |
|
Transmit confidential
data with the strongest possible SSL protection. Offer 128- or 256-bit
SSL encryption to the most site visitors. |
|
Transmit confidential
data using a certificate backed by the industry's most rigorous authentication
methodology and our intelligent infrastructure. |
|
Reduce the
cost and complexity of managing multiple SSL Certificates across your
network with a single point of control and volume pricing. |
|
Available
in 13 languages, the VeriSign Secured Seal is the most recognized trust
mark on the Internet. |
|
Installed
in your Web browser or email software, a Digital ID digitally signs
and encrypts emails and attachments. |
Worldwide Sites
