Well, it depends which algorithm is used for the encryption. The 'bit' value isn't as important as you might think, compared to the specific algorithm used.
If you're refering to RSA public key encryption, most online businesses use a 1024 bit key; 128 bit keys not very secure, given the speed of today's computers. Some private key encryption algorithms can be secure with a much smaller key, but then you run into the problem of key distribution.... It really depends what exactly can be accessed based on a cracked password... You may be fine with minimal encryption, and you may have to go ahead and use the best you can get... It's up to you, in the end. -----Original Message----- From: Stephen Bock [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2003 1:22 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: 40-bit VS 128-bit Encryption I am setting up a secure website and i was wondering which would be better to use, 40-bit or 128-bit? Obviously, 128-bit would be stronger and not easily crackable, but it is also more expensive. Does anybody know if 40 or 128-bit has been cracked yet? I'm not going to be transmitting any credit card info over the net, but i will be sending username, password, etc. What are your thoughts? ---------------------------------- Stephen Bock Information Technology/Webmaster Samaritan Ministries International --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Evaluating SSL VPNs' Consider NEOTERIS, chosen as leader by top analysts! The Gartner Group just put Neoteris in the top of its Magic Quadrant, while InStat has confirmed Neoteris as the leader in marketshare. Find out why, and see how you can get plug-n-play secure remote access in about an hour, with no client, server changes, or ongoing maintenance. Visit us at: http://www.neoteris.com/promos/sf-6-9.htm ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Evaluating SSL VPNs' Consider NEOTERIS, chosen as leader by top analysts! The Gartner Group just put Neoteris in the top of its Magic Quadrant, while InStat has confirmed Neoteris as the leader in marketshare. Find out why, and see how you can get plug-n-play secure remote access in about an hour, with no client, server changes, or ongoing maintenance. Visit us at: http://www.neoteris.com/promos/sf-6-9.htm ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
