|
The Link2consult
Security Promise
The trust of
our customers is Link2consult's most precious asset. Therefore, the
security of your information is one of our highest priorities. The following
questions and answers describe the systems that Link2consult has developed
to provide our customers one of the highest levels of security in our
industry.
How
secure is my information?
Link2consult has made a significant investment in leading-edge security
software, systems, and procedures to offer you a safe and secure environment
and protect your information. While no security system is absolutely
impenetrable, we are constantly reviewing, refining, and upgrading our
security infrastructure as new tools or techniques become available.
We go to great lengths
to protect your security from your very first transaction with Link2consult.
For example, the Link2consult Secure System requires you to enter a
valid username and password before permitting you to see any information.
This site also encrypts all the information that the server and your
browser exchange. If you are inactive for an extended period of time,
the site will log you off and you will need to reenter your username
and password.
Link2consult also
utilizes state of the art firewall and intrusion detection technology
to prevent unauthorized access to your information. The public Web servers
are physically segregated from the servers that contain your information
and cannot be accessed directly from the Web. Access is allowed only
through well-defined scripts and is firewall-controlled. Internally,
customer information is specially protected through industry standard
security mechanisms. «
What
is encryption?
Encryption is used to protect messages from eavesdropping, tampering,
or message forgery over the Internet. It is a mathematical process that
transforms a message in order to conceal its meaning. «
How
does the Link2consult Web site use encryption?
It is the policy of the Link2consult Secure System to encrypt the transmission
of all personal or financial Web-based information that is transmitted
between our site and your browser. The security standard SSL (Secure
Sockets Layer) is used to implement this. SSL is the leading standard
for securing World Wide Web transmissions. It is also supported by the
leading browsers, Netscape Navigator* 1.1 and above and Microsoft Internet
Explorer* 2.0 and above. «
How
can I tell that SSL is in effect?
The URL of a secure document begins with HTTPS://. The additional "S"
on the end of the familiar HTTP indicates a secure channel to the server.
Every secure page on Link2consult's Web site has been secured with a digital
certificate by RSA Data Security, Inc. This is shown via the "site certificate"
that sits on all secure pages. To view this certificate, click on the
image of the closed lock or the solid key on the bottom
bar of your browser window. A small frame displaying site security information
will appear. If you use Internet Explorer, click on the word 'Subject'
to verify the Web site. Click on 'Issuer' to verify the site certification
authority. If you use Netscape, click on the "View Certificate" button
to see information on the subject and issuer. «
How
secure is SSL?
SSL can use keys of various sizes. The larger the key length, the greater
the number of possible combinations, the more difficult the decryption
challenge, and the more secure the message. While this site will provide
the maximum level of encryption supported by your browser, those wishing
to maximize the security of their Web activities are encouraged to obtain
a browser with 128-bit SSL encryption. These browsers are available
for downloading at home from either Netscape* or Microsoft* at no cost
except connect time. However, by United States law, these browsers are
available to U.S. and Canadian citizens or permanent residents only. «
Why
do I need to use a particular browser?
To maximize the privacy of your information and provide a consistent
visual presentation, a relatively current and capable browser is required.
The browser requirement for this site is Netscape Navigator* 4.0 and
above, or Microsoft Internet Explorer* 4.0 and above. These browsers
have been used to extensively test this site to ensure that the pages
display and behave in a predictable manner. Other browsers may work
if they have the required browser features; however, this site has not
been tested or certified for other browsers. For example, the browser
must support JavaScript, Cookies, and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), an
encryption standard for browsers. For enhanced security, we recommend
using a browser version that uses 128-bit SSL encryption.
Note: If
you are an AOL user, you will also need to use one of the minimum required
browsers. You may need to download one of the approved browsers to use
the Link2consult Secure System. «
What
responsibility do I need to take as a customer?
Although Link2consult does everything possible to ensure security, customers
have their own set of responsibilities in providing security for their
Link2consult brokerage members' area. Passwords must be kept secret.
Make sure that no one is watching when you enter your passwords. It
is also important to remember to log out of the Link2consult Secure
System and even exit the browser when leaving the computer.
Link2consult has
a seven digit minimum password length. After 30 minutes of inactivity
on Link2consult secure pages, you will be logged out. To restart your
session, you will need to login again. If you forget your password,
you will have to send a request to Link2consult to have a new password
issued to you.
If you are using
broadband Internet access (cable or DSL), we recommend that you use
a personal firewall since broadband Internet access is "always on" and
puts your PC and any information it may contain at risk from hackers.
You should also use a virus-screening program with up to date virus
definitions to minimize the risk of malicious code or Trojan horses
on your computer. «
|
