SILK customized servers now support the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol—a standard security protocol that provides data encryption over the Web. SSL encrypts the data on Web pages as they travel between the Web server and browser, thereby providing security against electronic "eavesdropping." The SSL protocol is commonly used for credit-card and other high-security transactions.

SSL Encryption Box

An "SSL Encryption" checkbox has been added to SILK's "Manage Server" facilities. Go to http://silk.nih.gov/msilk, and then click on the link to your server. As an owner of a SILK customized server, you can simply check this box to enable SSL for the server, or uncheck the box to remove the SSL option. Use of the SSL feature will cost the owner an additional $20 per month for a basic server, $35 per month for an intermediate server, and $50 per month for an advanced server. For charging details, see http://silk.nih.gov/silk/silkinfo/charge.htm.

Managing Web Pages in SILK

SILK customized servers provide a convenient way to create and manage your own Web server without the need for a webmaster. Use a Web browser to manage your server, including uploading html pages. You will have complete control of your customized SILK server's content and scope of access. CIT will deal with the complex, time-consuming, and expensive issues of hardware/software purchases, upgrades, and maintenance, physical server security, connectivity, performance monitoring and tuning, power interruptions, and continuing compatibility with the Web's ever changing technologies.

For further information, contact TASC.