What is encryption? What is the difference between 40-bit encryption and 128-bit encryption?
Encryption is a process in which information sent over the Internet is encoded so that it cannot be read without decoding. Most secure web browsers contain encryption software from RSA Data Security, Inc. Browsers offer different levels of encryption. 40-bit and 128-bit refer to the size of the key used to encrypt your communication. 128-bit encryption provides a significantly greater amount of security than 40-bit encryption. According to industry experts, 128-bit encryption is more than 300 x 1024 times more secure than 40-bit encryption. Many browsers offer both 40-bit and 128-bit versions. The U.S. government regulates 128-bit encryption; it can only be used by citizens and permanent residents of the United States and Canada.
