Vote "No Confidence" In SSLWritten by Erich Heintz
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My second concern was high emphasis on use of SSL, more commonly known as “the little lock in your web browser”. The Federal Trade Commission lists it first in their “Shop Online Safely” bulletin which, in my opinion, overemphasizes its weight. Once upon a time, SSL certificates were expensive and there was a relevant vetting process involved in having one issued. This has created a false belief that an SSL certificates contribute to a website’s legitimacy. In reality, a SSL certificate can be had for as little as five dollars by anybody who has a telephone number. An expensive Thawte or a Verisign issued certificate provides no more or less security than their cheaper counterparts. In fact, they don’t provide any more security than a “bad” certificate either. An expired or un-trusted certificate is equally effective at encrypting data as a premium cert. Many security and IT professionals work with these “bad” certificates everyday with full confidence that they are serving purpose they need them to. SSL Encrypts Online Web Communications ---------------------------------- For most part, SSL serves one function only; it secures communication between your web browser and vendor’s web server at time your data is transmitted. In reality, even this isn’t necessarily true. I’ve recently become aware that some SSL implementations have option to set encryption cipher as “plain text”, meaning that in spite of presence of lock, no encryption actually takes place. Conclusion ------------ In a nutshell, technology is not a substitute for due diligence. The presence of SSL should never be a weighing factor in deciding to purchase from a vendor, although lack of it should be an immediate red flag to take your business elsewhere.
About The Author ---------- Erich Heintz currently specializes in providing network and security solutions for small to medium businesses that frequently have to resolve the conflict of need versus budget. If you would like to know more about computer security please visit us at http://www.defendingthenet.com.
| | How to Use and Write Press Releases as an Internet Marketing Strategy Written by Craig Lock
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Incidentally, we have a recent press release up there at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2003/7/prweb71552.php in case you want to have a look at our format) The Prudential Press Agency, as well as Comitatus Group also offer a FREE press release service. Their web addresses are: http://www.PrudentPressAgency.com and http://www.comitatusgroup.com Other Press Release services we've used over years are: Emailwire.com: http://www.emailwire.com/. They are mainly for corporate businesses, but check them out. Also Xpress, who distribute news releases by e-mail. (Their address is news@xpresspress.com). You may also try eNewsRelease.com. We have no connection with these news distribution services, but have found them all to be effective in increasing "hits" through "recognition" after a news release. Use press releases to get word out about your web site, product or service. They DO WORK in bringing traffic, which is first step to ONLINE SALES. A last word on subject of press releases... I don't think you need to be a writer to write good press releases. (In fact, it may work against us, as we do tend to "waffle on" a bit and sometimes I don't write in sufficient "business-speak".) My advice is just write in your own "natural" style - one in which you feel MOST COMFORTABLE... as I've tried to do in this article. Don't take life too seriously and have FUN writing your press releases. Hope this may help you readers "out there" in cyberspace, as we at Eagle Productions and our associates learn something new about on and off-line promotion each day. "Success is a PROCESS of sharing (knowledge, insights, wisdom and experiences) with others and not simply a matter of arriving at a destination." Take pleasure in journey. Craig Lock ("Incorrigible Encourager and Infopreneur") http://www.craiglock.com"Success to others may be apparent in what you DO; but significance, meaning and purpose lies, then reveals itself in what you ARE and BECOME down 'river of life' - how and spirit with which you face, then overcome daily obstacles, frequent trials and tribulations along often rocky path-way of life's magical and mysterious journey. Light your path brightly." "Inspirational Books" by Craig are available at: http://kompuwiz.com/kompustore and http://www.bridgeniche.com Uplifting, encouraging and empowering people through power of words and thought energy. Change YOUR world and you change THE world." "Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man how to fish and you get rid of him every weekend." THIS ARTICLE MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED
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