Attractions & Recreation

eReg Internet Security FAQ

What is 128-bit encryption technology?
What is authentication?
How can I tell if a website I visit is secure?
How do I know if my browser's secure?
How do I know if the personal information I give the City of Edmonton is safe?
What else can I do to maximize the security of my personal computer?

1. What is 128-bit encryption technology?

Encryption secures your information by scrambling it as it travels between your personal computer and other computers. In other words, it protects your information from being intercepted over the internet.

128-bit encryption, used by the City, is the one of the best, most commonly used encryption technologies available. When using eReg, you can trust that your personal information will remain confidential.

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2. What is authentication?

Authentication is crucial for secure online transactions involving your personal information. It allows you to verify the identity of the server receiving your information. Your browser can automatically check that a server's certificate and public ID are valid and have been issued by a certificate authority (CA), such as Entrust. If the site is secure, a pop-up will verify it.

To view a list of trusted security certificates, click Tools > Internet Options. On the Content tab, click Certificates (Internet Explorer).

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3. How can I tell if a website I visit is secure?

On every secure site, once you sign in, a small padlock is displayed on the bottom right hand side of the browser. Run your mouse over it, and it will tell you the level of encryption of the site. For example, the eReg site reads 128-SSL.

You should also check the address (URL) of the site to verify it is secure. https:// indicates a secure server. All secure websites have https:// at the start of the address, rather than the standard http://.

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4. How do I know if my browser's secure?

When using eReg, 128-bit encryption based browsers are required for the highest security possible. These are Explorer (IE) versions 4 and above or Netscape web browsers versions 4 and above.

Check the level of security of your browser:

Internet Explorer: Click Help on the menu bar and select About Internet Explorer. Cipher Strength is the encryption.

Netscape Navigator: Click Help on the menu bar and select About Netscape OR About Communicator.

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5. How do I know if the personal information I give the City of Edmonton is safe?

The City of Edmonton understands and respects your right to privacy. We keep your personal information and the business you do with us in strict confidence.

At the City, protecting your privacy means:

Your information is NOT sold nor distributed.
You have control over how we obtain and use your information.
You have access to the information we obtain about you.

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6. What else can I do to maximize the security of my personal computer?

1. Protect your password.

Choose unique passwords that are easy to remember so you don't have to keep a written record. A combination of letters and numbers is the most secure.
Choose a password that is difficult for others to guess. DON'T choose birthdays, family names, telephone numbers, etc.
Ensure that AutoComplete or other memorized password functions or variations of AutoComplete are disabled so that your password is not remembered by your browser.
Never disclose your password(s) to anyone.

2. Use a Firewall.

Firewalls help prevent unauthorized access to or from your computer by filtering the information coming through the internet connection into your computer.
They only allow in connections that are known and trusted.

3. Use Anti-virus software.

Your computer can become infected with a virus through e-mail attachments, from downloading and from an infected diskette.
It's a good idea to use up-to-date anti-virus software that is capable of scanning files and e-mail messages for viruses.

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For more information:

Telephone	780-496-7946
Email	eReg@edmonton.ca