SSL Enabled Hosting Package

SSL, which stands for Secure Socket Layer, is an industry-standard way of passing sensitive information between computers. SSL is often used to securely transfer credit card numbers and other information across the Internet. Developed by Netscape, SSL is also referred to as Netscape Encryption. SSL binds a person's or a computer's identity to a pair of electronic keys. These keys can be used to encrypt and digitally "sign" information to prove its authenticity.

Whistler Media provides a shared SSL secure server so your customers can enter their credit card or other payment information online in confidence knowing that their information will be sent securely in an encrypted format, which prevents others from seeing their information.

Digital Certificates

A Digital Certificate, or Digital ID is the electronic counterpart to a driver's license, passport or membership card. It can be presented electronically to prove your identity, or to validate your right to access private information or services online. A Digital ID makes it possible to verify someone's claim that they have the right to use a particular key, and helps prevent people from using false identities or keys to impersonate other users.

Used in conjunction with SSL encryption, Digital IDs provide a complete security solution, assuring the identity of all parties involved in an online transaction. There are two types of Digital IDs you may choose from for your account:

• Your own Digital Certificate
• Whistler Media's Shared Certificate

Your own Digital Certificate can be purchased through a certificate authority such as VeriSign or Thawte.

A less expensive solution is available through our shared certificate-safeserver.com. Using the Whistler Media shared certificate will save you the cost of purchasing your own certificate - a savings of between $125 - $350! Or if you've already ordered your own Digital ID, you can use this shared certificate while you wait for yours to be processed. Use of Whistler Media's safeserver.com SSL certificate is now available free of charge for the main domain on every Mission Windows 2000 hosting package!