Netscape and VeriSign Collaborate on Internet Security Features

Strategic Insights -

Netscape Communications Corp. and VeriSign Inc. have collaborated to introduce security features in Netscape Navigator 2.0, enabling users to verify identities and ensure secure online transactions. VeriSign's Digital IDs play a crucial role in this partnership, providing authentication, privacy, and non-repudiation capabilities. This collaboration marks a significant step towards creating secure environments on public and private networks, fostering trust among businesses and individuals in electronic commerce.

Key Takeaways:

  • Netscape Navigator 2.0 employs Digital IDs to verify the identity of users and ensure secure online transactions.
  • VeriSign's Digital IDs offer authentication, privacy, and non-repudiation capabilities, essential for electronic transactions and communications.
  • VeriSign has introduced four classes of Digital IDs, each offering an escalating level of identity assurance, ranging from Class One to Class Four.
  • The partnership between Netscape and VeriSign aims to strengthen security on the Internet through innovative product engineering and business initiatives.
  • Netscape Navigator 2.0 users can obtain Digital IDs directly from within the browser using VeriSign's Online Digital ID Service, set to roll out for beta testing in late October.
  • VeriSign and Netscape will lead the market in creating secure environments on public and private networks, accelerating the emergence of electronic commerce.
  • Digital IDs can be used in various business applications, including email, network security, information access, and Electronic Data Interchange.
  • VeriSign's Digital IDs utilize public-key cryptography, making it highly unlikely for an ID to be forged, providing merchants, corporations, and end-users with the necessary assurance to conduct electronic commerce and communications.

Statistics:

  • VeriSign's Digital IDs will be available for Netscape Navigator 2.0 users in late October.
  • Non-commercial versions of Digital IDs will be offered at no cost; a VeriSign supported commercial version will be available for $6 per year.
  • VeriSign has introduced four classes of Digital IDs, ranging from Class One to Class Four, each offering an escalating level of identity assurance.
  • VeriSign's Online Digital ID Issuing Service will enable users to directly enroll for and receive Class One Digital IDs.

Sources:

  • "Netscape Navigator 2.0 users can now secure their online transactions and communications using the full range of VeriSign Digital IDs."

+ Source: Business Wire (Press Release), September 18, 1995

  • "Digital IDs are used in electronic transactions between a merchant and a customer over the World Wide Web, are also used in a variety of other business applications including email, network security, information access, and Electronic Data Interchange."

+ Source: Business Wire (Press Release), September 18, 1995

  • "VeriSign Inc., formerly the Certificate Services Group of RSA Data Security, is the only company focused 100% on digital authentication products and services for the emerging electronic commerce marketplace."

+ Source: Business Wire (Press Release), September 18, 1995