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Reference: Security-SSL

Netscape developed the SSL (Secure Socket Layer) protocol for authenticating and securing communications between a server (for example, an online catalog) and a client (for example, your browser). Basically, it keeps people from intercepting sensitive data while it is being transferred over the Internet.

SSL does this by setting and maintaining a "secure channel" for the transmission by using encryption, authentication, and message authentication codes. For example, SSL establishes how your Browser and a RidgeStar Server negotiate encryption keys, as well as defines how the Browser should authenticate the RidgeStar Site before data is exchanged (we use Thawte to authenticate the RidgeStar site's identity).

All major browsers and servers support SSL, making it the main Web protocol for securing communications between a Web server and a Web browser. Because SSL is application independent, other protocols like HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol), FTP (File Transfer Protocol), and Telnet can be used with it.

See SSL demystified for a presentation about SSL that may be helpful as additional background.

SSL and the RidgeStar Site

The RidgeStar Site does not require an SSL connection, but will support it when appropriate. For example, you enter secure mode when you attempt to Logon onto our Site. If you successfully logon, you can use the Clients area to access and manage secure information related to your Site - such as Credit Card numbers, accounts, and personal information.

You can tell if you are in secure SSL mode by looking for the lock icon in your browser's status bar (usually located at the bottom of the window). Whether your browser supports the SSL lock or not, the RidgeStar Site will also place an "SSL Secure" graphic on the lower left of each page that is being transferred via SSL (click on it to receive the Thawte generated validation associated with the Certificate for the Site).

SSL and Your Site

We recommend using SSL on Sites that handle credit card numbers, financial information, or any information that could threaten an individual's privacy if it were intercepted.

If you want to add SSL security to your RidgeStar Site, contact your Account Representative. You may need to prepare a letter on your company stationary confirming you are who you say you are and usually a business license or registration certificate (check in with your Account Rep).

We'll take care of the rest.