When you send privat information to a webpage, then this is almost always done by means of a secured
connection between your computer and the server on which the webpage resides. This secured connection can be
recognized by the padlock symbol on the statusbar at the bottom of your browser.
At the moment of creation of Windows 95/98/2000, it was prohibited in the United States to export a cypher methode
with a so called cypher key bigger than 56 bits in lenght. (The key lenght shows how good a message is encoded). The American government wanted to be sure they could at all times decode a message which was sent outside the United States.
For encoding with a key lenght of 56 bits can be hacked within reasonable time with the standard computers of today
The American government has now allowed to export cypher methodes with a higher key lenght. This causes that the standard
computer of today, with windows 95/98/2000, has a lower cypher key lenght than is possible, therefore it is not as secure as can be. The cypher key has to be upgraded.
To see if the highest possible cyphering occurs on your computer click on "Help" in the menu bar and then on 'about
internet explorer'. In the upcomming window you can read the cypher strength of your computer. If it is 40 or 56 bits you will need to upgrade to 128 bits. The high encryption pack can be downloaded with the help of the links below. Please choose
the right operating system.
