SGC SSL Certificates Strengthen the Chain of Security

Server Gated Cryptography strengthens customer trust

A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Therefore, user systems which do not support the industry experts’ recommended 128-bit encryption cannot benefit from SSL certificates that offer that higher level of protection. The protection that a certificate can offer will not be met if the user’s browser will not support that level of protection. Many customers might not know what level of encryption that their system is capable of supporting.  The customer places that trust in the e-commerce business and subsequently, it becomes the responsibility of that online business (no matter what size they are). Even when the business uses the higher bit encryption they must then consider whether or not their customers will be protected by it because the session will default to the highest level supported by the customers’ system.

SGC SSL certificates step-up the protection for customers that have older browsers. While there are many customers who do have the capability to support these higher bit encryption certificates, there are still millions who use older computer systems that will not support this level of encryption.  Nevertheless, these customers still need to be protected and can be protected through the use of an SGC SSL certificate. This certificate will enable the customer’s browser which normally would not be able to support the higher level of encryption and temporarily enable that customer be protected at the 128-bit level.

Additionally, before 2001, government export restrictions required Netscape and Microsoft to release versions of their browsers that were limited to only 40 to 50-bit levels of encryption. The American versions could support 128-bit encryptions. SGC SSL Certificates provide the ability for those customers outside of the country, whose browsers will not support the heightened level of security, to step up their security and build their confidence in the transaction. This is still an important consideration for the American businesses which rely on business from outside the country. Not to mention, it is important to maintain the integrity of the online business in the event that they will expand upon their business.

Links strengthened by SGC SSL certificates

These browsers and operating systems will not step up to strong encryption without SGC SSL:

• Particular Internet Explorer versions between 4.01 to 5.01
• Particular Netscape browser versions between 4.07 to 4.72
• Many Windows 2000 systems using internet explorer
• Note: I.E. browser versions before 3.20 and Netscape browser versions before 4.02 are not capable of 128-bit encryption with any SSL certificate

Benefits and offerings provided by select SGC SSL providers

Depending on who these certificates are obtained from, there can be additional benefits when these certificates are purchased. Some certificate providers will offer full business validated certificates, site seals, unlimited server licenses, phone support, relying party warranties, scanning services, and vulnerability scanning. These bonuses may help attract e-commerce websites with limited budgets seeking to get the most out of their money.

Increasing the customer base for online businesses of all sizes can be as simple as building trust in shoppers online who have grown sceptical of their safety in light of well-publicized breaches of security. There are more benefits when acquiring an SGC certificate, than simply the added encryption protection.

Even though it is the industry expert recommendation that websites engaging in transfers of sensitive information (i.e. logins, monetary transactions, personal records), it is at the discretion of the web security managers of these businesses whether or not they want to provide these services. However, utilizing these certificates can prevent incidents hazardous to their customers and promote customer trust.  That customer trust can lead to increased business and encourage the retention of that business.