Site Security

To guarantee secure transmissions of confidential data over the Web, we are providing you with some information regarding Internet security.

SSL

Bissell uses the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol. It was developed by Netscape Communications Corporation to provide a high level of security for transactions over the Internet. The SSL protocol enables encrypted sessions between your browser and the Web server. Most of todays browsers respect this protocol. For more information on SSL visit the Microsoft site.

Data Encryption

Data encryption protects the confidential nature of information exchange over the Internet. With data encryption, the information you send is scrambled making it unreadable. Only your web browser and the web server can scramble and unscramble the data. This is accomplished through complex mathematical equations called algorithms. In order to read the encrypted data, special software called a "key" is required. A key consists of two parts: a public key and a private key. A "public key" is used to encrypt data before it is sent and the "private key" is needed to unscramble the data when it is received.

40-bit encryption or 128-bit encryption?

Two levels of encryption are available on the Internet today: 40-bit and 128-bit encryption. 40-bit encryption is supported by most of the new browsers.

Is my data connection encrypted or not?

With Microsoft Internet Explorer a lock in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen will indicate an encrypted session. If you don't see this lock , the session is not encrypted.

If you use Netscape Navigator 4.x or more, an encrypted session is indicated with a closed lock in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen. If the lock is open the session is unencrypted, in which case you would not want to send confidential information.

To download the most recent versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator please click on a link below:

Microsoft Internet Explorer is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation	Navigator is a trademark of Netscape Communications Corporation

To ensure security of passwords

Warning! There is an option in Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 that permits you to automatically save usernames and passwords. We recommend that you deactivate this option in order to keep you transactions on the Internet confidential. This prevents other users of your computer from accessing secure web sites with your usernames and passwords.

To deactivate this option, or be prompted before a password gets saved:

• Open Internet Explorer, from the "Tools" menu, select "Internet Options"
• Click on the "Content" tab, then click on the "AutoComplete" button in the "Personal information" section.

MicrosoftInternet Explorer 5.0

• In the "AutoComplete Settings" dialog box make sure that the "User names and passwords on forms" box is NOT checked, OR make sure that the "Prompt me to save passwords" box is checked if you would like to be informed before your password gets saved.

MicrosoftInternet Explorer 5.0