How to Determine the SSL Version in a Browser

Secure Socket Layer (SSL) is an encryption scheme that encrypts data between a user's browser and the server on which they are connected. The technology is used to protect user's data and avoid theft of private information. Older encryption versions have been replaced with stronger techniques, one of which is 128-bit encryption. 128-bit encryption is required by some websites including financial institutions. You can check that you meet these standards using your browser's information window.

Instructions

1. Open your web browser and navigate to a secure website. A secure website starts with the "https://" prefix in the address.

2. Click the "Help" menu item at the top of your Internet Explorer or Firefox window. In the menu options, select "About Internet Explorer" or "About Firefox," depending on the browser.

3. View the line labeled "Cipher Strength." This section lists the SSL encryption version. For most newer browser versions, you see 128-bit encryption.

Tips & Warnings

• For users with Safari, click the padlock within the Safari window. This shows the SSL encryption level. Safari is capable of 40-bit and 128-bit SSL encryption. All versions of Firefox have 128-bit encryption capability.

References

• Scotia Bank: To Determine Your Encryption Level