What is the difference between 128-bit and 40-bit encryption?
The difference between these two types of encryption is one of capability. 128-bit encryption is exponentially more powerful than 40-bit encryption. 40-bit encryption means there are 2 to the 40th (over a trillion, or a 1 followed by 12 zeros) possible keys that could fit into the lock that holds your account information. 128-bit encryption means there are 2 to the 88th (a three followed by 26 zeroes) times as many key combinations than there are for 40-bit encryption. That means a computer would require exponentially more processing power than for 40-bit encryption to find the correct key.
128-bit encryption provides significantly more cryptographic protection than 40-bit encryption. It has become increasingly necessary to use longer keys to counter the growing potential for computer-related criminal activity, as demonstrated by a recent study by several leading cryptographers. “128-” and “40-” bit encryption refer to the size (length) of the key used to encrypt the message. Roughly speaking, 128-bit encryption is 309,485,009,821,345,068,724,781,056 times stronger than 40-bit encryption. Even taking into account Moore’s Law, which states that computing power doubles about every 18 months, 128-bit encryption represents a very strong method of encryption for the foreseeable future.
128-bit encryption has (three followed by 26 zeroes) times as many ways to convert the data into code as there are for 40-bit encryption. Most browsers support 40-bit encryption but we recommend using 128-bit encryption as the 128-bit encryption offers the highest level of protection when using online banking and sending confidential information over the Internet. MemberDirect requires users to have a web browser that supports 128-bit encryption.
