Adaptive Server Enterprise security services now support Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) session-based security. SSL is the standard for securing the transmission of sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, stock trades, and banking transactions, over the Internet.

While a comprehensive discussion of public-key cryptography is beyond the scope of this document, the basics are worth describing so that you have an understanding of how SSL secures Internet communication channels. This document is not a comprehensive guide to public-key cryptography.

The implementation of Adaptive Server SSL features assume that there is a knowledgeable system security officer who is familiar with the security policies and needs of your site, and who has general understanding of SSL and public-key cryptography.