Network Security First-Step, Second Edition

Public Key Infrastructure

Have you ever bought anything online or otherwise engaged in some sort of electronic commerce on the Internet? Most likely, you saw the little lock in the corner of your browser window that told you that this was a secure transaction. With what you have learned so far in this book, do you honestly believe that?

The little key or lock in your browser means that you are on a website (server) that uses a Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificate, so you can rest assured that they are who they say they are. Go ahead—buy and enter your credit card number!

Note

The little lock means that an SSL connection has been engaged. Anyone can cause a secure connection to take place, so be careful even when you see a little lock.

Have ...