British Telecommunications Plc has launched a server certification service using digital certificate technology from Mountain View, California-based VeriSign Inc. BT TrustWise Global Server is aimed at subsidiaries of US firms and UK businesses, specifically in healthcare and financial services, which want to trade and communicate abroad and online securely.
The service uses 128-bit secure socket layer encryption, which BT claims the most sophisticated hacker would take more than a trillion years to crack. The company hopes that by breaking down this ‘inhibitor’ to e-business, it will spark increased internet trade. It also offers companies a seal of approval service for their websites, the BT Secure SiteSeal, for recommending to customers.
The 128-bit encryption provides a second service from BT, extending the security of its 40-bit Secure Server, which will focus more on web sites offering information. BT has knocked 150 pounds ($250) off the usual price for Global Server identification licenses, which will cost 400 pounds ($665) until February.
