We've added more Security!

Today we activated a Secure Socket Layer (SSL) on our website.  "What the heck is an SSL?", you may be asking.  Well, let me try to explain.

SSL is used to keep sensitive information sent across the Internet encrypted so that only the intended recipient can understand it. This is important because the information you send us on the Internet is passed from computer to computer to get to our server.  Without encryption, any computer between you and our server can see usernames, passwords, and other sensitive information.  Since we've added the SSL certificate, the information becomes unreadable to everyone except for the server to which you are sending the information. This protects it from hackers and identity thieves.

In addition to encryption, a proper SSL certificate also provides authentication. This means you can be sure that you are sending information to the right server and not to an imposter trying to steal your information.

Web browsers give visual cues, such as a lock icon or a green bar, to let you know when your connection is secured (see the photo with this post.) This means that you can trust our website when you see these cues.  The address of the site will also begin with "https" for a secure site.  Be sure to watch for these cues next time you visit.  Better yet, look in your browser's address bar right now to see these cues.  

THE LOCK ICON IS NOT JUST A PICTURE!  Click (or double-click) on it to see details of our site's security (this works on any secure site.)  This is important to know because some fraudulent web sites are built with a bar at the bottom of the web page to imitate the lock icon of your browser!  Therefore it is necessary to test the functionality built into this lock icon.  Furthermore, it is very important to KNOW YOUR BROWSER!  Check your browser's help file or contact the makers of your browser software if you are unsure how to use this functionality.

Try it! - Visit our home page (http://www.sportsphotosusa.com).  Click the link to "Log in" .  Note the lock icon display in YOUR browser.  Click the icon, or double-click (varies by browser), and examine the security information displayed about the web site.  If there is no display at the bottom of your browser try clicking "View" in the main menu and make sure "Status Bar" is checked.

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