128 Bit Encryption??

LWerner · #1 January 25th, 2002, 07:18 PM

Hello everyone,
Our human resource person has asked me a question regarding 128Bit encryption.

Inorder to access a group benefits manual that is provided to us online, it says we need to download the 128 bit encryption from Microsoft.

Can you explain what it is and is it OK to download so as not to affect anything else adversely?

Thanks, Laura

**degsy** · #2 January 25th, 2002, 08:18 PM

You can or could download it from the Windows (98) update site.

or try here: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/...it/default.asp

Steven.Bentley · #3 January 25th, 2002, 08:53 PM

128 bit encryption refers to how complex the algorithm used to encrypt the data is, older versions used fewer bits so were theoretically less secure.

LWerner · #4 January 25th, 2002, 09:26 PM

So this is basically a program that one would download to the workstation in order to view whatever it is that has 128 bit encryption on it? AND it won't affect the over all operation of the workstation?

Guess I'm just paranoid,

BUT...as a "lone" support network admin, my theory is "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Sure saves me a lot of headaches.

Thanks again, Laura

Steven.Bentley · #5 January 26th, 2002, 08:18 AM

What version of IE are you using? If you upgrade the machine to at least 5.5 I think that has 128 encryption on board as standard, although it may need some tinkering in security in tools>options

BTW invest in a copy of Drive Image Pro or Norton Ghost - take an image of the machine then if it all goes pear shaped (which I don't think it will) you can get it back to how it was in no time

[ 25 January 2002: Message edited by: Steven.Bentley ]

LWerner · #6 January 28th, 2002, 03:01 PM

Right now the machine has 4.0 on it. Can I uninstall 4.0 first? then install 5.5? Or does 5.5 go on top of current version?
Thanks.