What is SSL crypto-strength?
SSL (Secure Socket Layer) provides encryption between web browsers and web servers. This encryption, based on the RSA algorithm, can be done at different strengths, depending on what the software supports at each end (i.e. the web browser and the web server). The strength of the encryption is typically specified by the size of the session key (a unique value involved in the encryption that differs for every customer every time he/she visits the site). The session key can be either 40-bit, 56-bit or 128-bit in size. Cryptographers consider 128-bit encryption impossible to crack, as it would take millions of years with the fastest computers to try all the combinations. On the other hand, 40- and 56-bit keys are not as strong and it is feasible to try all the combinations.
