SSL Information Center

Over a Trillion Times a Trillion Times Stronger

When an SSL handshake occurs between a client and server, a level of encryption is determined by the browser, the client computer operating system, and the SSL Certificate. High-level encryption, at 128 bits, can calculate 2⁸⁸ times as many combinations as 40-bit encryption. That’s over a trillion times a trillion times stronger. A hacker with the time, tools, and motivation to crack 40-bit encryption would require a trillion years to break into a session protected by an SGC-enabled certificate.

256-bit SSL Encryption

The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) enables 256-bit encryption, much stronger than 128-bit. If your server operating system and your site visitor’s browser support 256-bit encryption, then all VeriSign SSL Certificates deliver this higher level of protection.

When Browsers Fail to Step Up to Strong Encryption

Even though an SSL Certificate is capable of 128-bit or 256-bit encryption, many millions still use older computer systems that are incapable of strong encryption. (Building Blocks of Transparent Web Security: Server-Gated Cryptography, Yankee Group, 2005.) These legacy browsers and operating systems fail to step up to strong encryption without an SGC-enabled SSL Certificate:

• Certain Internet Explorer browser versions from 4.01 to 5.01
• Certain Netscape browser versions from 4.07 to 4.72
• Many Windows 2000 systems using Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer browser versions prior to 3.02 and Netscape browser versions prior to 4.02 are not capable of 128-bit encryption with any SSL Certificate.

Protect Customers with the Strongest Possible Encryption

Because Web site visitors cannot easily determine the encryption strength of a given session, they depend on the site owner to protect them. True 128-Bit SSL Certificates enable every site visitor to experience the strongest SSL encryption available to them. VeriSign is the leading SSL provider of SGC-enabled SSL Certificates, enabling 128- or 256-bit encryption to over 99.9% of Web site visitors.