Security

How does it work? Cryptographers consider 128-bit encryption impossible to crack, as it would take millions of years with the fastest computers to try all the combinations. On the other hand, 40- and 56-bit keys are not as strong and it is feasible to try all the combinations. A 40 bit key can be broken in only a few hours, while it is estimated that a 128 bit key would take more than the age of the universe to break under the same 'brute force' attack.

Why does PremiumCHAT use a SuperCert? All browsers are not created equal, and in the past browser versions developed for export from the US were not automatically enabled to use 128-bit encryption. These browsers used 40-bit or 56-bit encryption, which is much more vulnerable to the interception of information while in transit. A substantial number of these browsers are still in use today, even within the United States. PremiumCHAT's uses of Thawte's SuperCert solution allows us to provide all of our customers with the strongest possible encryption on the web. Thawte's SuperCert enables "SGC" or "Step-Up" functionality in your Netscape or Microsoft browser and turns 40-bit and 56-bit browsers into 128 bit strong browsers.