Security FAQ
What security measures are in place for the INET Subscriber Services?
At INET, we realize how important security is to our subscribers. That is why we've taken several steps to ensure that any transmission of sensitive information over the internet is done in the most secure way possible. We've designed INET Subscriber Services to utilize the highest level of security available incorporating both SSL and 128-bit encryption. In addition, your information is password protected. You use your assigned User ID and Password to access your information. Plus, you can change your Password whenever you'd like for added security.
To access INET Subscriber Services, you will need an SSL enabled browser that supports 128-bit encryption. The following browsers are compatible for use with INET Subscriber Services.
- Netscape Navigator®: 128-bit versions of 3.01 or higher for Windows 3.1, Windows 95, NT 4.0, UNIX, and Mac operating systems.
- Microsoft Internet Explorer®: 128-bit versions of 3.0 or higher, and version 4.0 for NT 4.0 operating systems. NT 4.0 users need to also download the appropriate Service Packs.
- America Online® Versions 3.0 or higher of America Online with a 128-bit version of Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator also installed on your computer. To download the latest browser from America Online, go to keyword: Browser.
Note: Using a beta version of any browser may cause compatibility problems with our website.
When using these browsers, it's easy to determine whether your session is secure or not. Check for the following:
- Netscape Navigator (3.0 and higher) and Netscape Communicator (4.0 and higher): Both programs show their security symbols in the bottom left corner of your browser window. To confirm that your session is secure, look for either a solid key or a closed padlock. If the connection is not secure, the key will be broken or the padlock will be open.
- Microsoft Internet Explorer (3.0 or higher): indicates a secure session by displaying a padlock in the lower right corner of your browser window. If the connection is not secure, no padlock will be visible.
- AOL (3.0): In the locator address bar, AOL adds the letter "s" to the http that proceeds the URL of the Web site you want to go to.
- Customize Your Browser: In addition to the visual clues that these browsers provide, you may also configure your browser to prompt a message when entering or leaving Web pages that are secure.
What is SSL?
Secure Socket Layer ("SSL") is a system that protects data. First, it provides authentication, ensuring that you're always communicating with the INET Subscriber Services server. Secondly, it provides encryption to scramble data transmissions and prevent them from being intercepted by others. Finally, SSL provides data integrity, confirming that any data sent to you by INET has reached you without being altered or tampered with. If any tampering is detected by SSL, the connection is broken.
To encrypt means to encode any information being transmitted. This is done by using a public-key cryptography system developed by RSA. When describing 128-bit encryption, we are describing the level to which your information is protected. 128-bit encryption is the strongest form of data encryption commercially available.
In the encryption process, data is scrambled while it is being transmitted so that no one else can read it. When it is received, it is "decrypted," or decoded, so that the recipient can read it. Because you're set up with a browser that supports the highest level of encryption available, you can be sure that any data you send or receive is protected by the highest level of security available today. When you are in an encrypted portion of the INET Subscriber Services site, you will notice a small icon in the bottom corner of your screen, either a lock or a key. As soon as you move to a non-secure area of the site, the icon will change, appearing as an open lock or a broken key.
E-mail sent from the Web site, or your e-mail program is not encrypted. Please do not send us any personal information, such as your User Name or Password, by regular e-mail, as the security of e-mail transmission cannot be guaranteed.