What is SSL?

SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer, a protocol developed by Netscape for secure transactions across the Web. It uses a form of public key encryption, where the information can be encoded by the browser using a publicly available public key, but can only be decoded by someone who knows the corresponding private key.

Why use Secure Transactions?

Most of the information passed across the Internet is not particularly sensitive. In fact, most if it is specifically designed to be as widely read as possible. But some information is sensitive. For example, when ordering from a site via credit card, the credit card number is transmitted across the Internet from the browser to the server. In theory, a third party could intercept this information at some point on the network between the browser and the server. To prevent this, some form of encryption can be used so that even if someone intercepts the data they cannot decode it back to the original credit card number (or what ever else it was that was encrypted). Obviously both the browser and the server need to use the same encryption method. The most widely implemented encryption system for the Web at present is SSL.

SSL Encryption and Ciphers

Although it is the SSL standard that defines how the encryption is applied to Web transactions, the actual encryption itself is performed by a number of cipher algorithms. When an SSL browser and SSL server first communicate they mutually pick a cipher algorithm that both support.

You don't need a special software, but only your internet browser (e.g. Microsoft Internet Explorer from Version 2.1 on or Netscape Navigator 2.0 and higher). You may revognize the encryption at the internet-address which will start with "https" (e.g. https://ssl.kundenserver.de). Furthermore in your browser window will appear a lock symbol. When you click on the lock you will receive more information on the used key. We use a key with RSA 1024 bit to make shopping completely safe.

With some internet-service providers you will encounter problems when using SSL. In such cases please refer to your customer support or use our standard-server. If you use our standard-server, your data will not be encrypted.

With us you are on the safe side

None of our customers has reported fraudulent use of a credit or debit card as a result of purchases made with us. We are so confident about the transaction security we offer on our site that we back every purchase with a security guarantee. Read more about...

• Learn more about ordering without entering your credit or debit card number