Encryption
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 128-bit encryption?
Data encryption ensures that, even if someone could intercept your account information
while it was being transmitted between our web server and your browser, the information
would be extremely difficult to interpret. Data encryption encodes information to look
like random gibberish, until it reaches its rightful destination.
The more ‘bits’ there are, the harder it is to decode the message.
Is a US/Canadian 128-bit browser more secure than an "exportable" browser?
A 128-bit encrypted connection is dependent on your browser and our web server. Briefly,
this is how it works:
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Firstly there are two versions of the browser. Both of them support 128-bit
encryption, but one "domestic" is available only in the US & Canada,
and the other is "exportable" and can be used by those of us living
elsewhere.
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Secondly there are two versions of the 128-bit certificates presented by a web
server to your browser when you request a connection. One is a domestic 128-bit
certificate and this is only available to web servers within the US & Canada.
All other web servers world-wide use a 40-bit certificate, EXCEPT certain
institutions who are able to get a special 128-bit certificate.
When you request a connection to a web server, the server presents it’s
certificate to your browser. When you connect to The National Bank, our
web server presents a 'special institution’ 128-bit certificate. The
"exportable" browser is 128-bit capable – this means that as
long as it is connecting to a server that can present a 128-bit
certificate, it will establish a 128-bit encrypted session.
Also see Certificates