New SSL "Secure Server"

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mrivorey
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Joined: Sat Nov 19, 2005 10:54 pm
First Name: Christopher
Last Name: Moody
TK Number: 394
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New SSL "Secure Server"

Post by mrivorey »

The transition of 70thExplorers.com to the new web server is complete. With this, come some new feature options. The first one I'd like to implement is SSL encryption, also known as a "secure server". In fact, it's already working. If you type in https instead of http, you will get the encrypted connection (You can see an example here: https://70thexplorers.com/ ). For the time being, though, it's not truly secure, since some of the links still point back to unencrypted pages.

You might wonder why in the world we need encryption. The answer: password security. How many of you log into the forums while using hotel internet... or an open WiFi connection at Panera, Starbucks, or McDonalds? If you do, then anyone with the proper tools can see your password as you submit it. And while a hacked forum account might not be the end of the world, how many of you use the same password for your email? ...for Amazon? ...for your bank?

So we're trying to shore up our own defenses. For the next couple of weeks, we'll be doing some testing. If all goes well, I'd like the forums to be switched to mandatory SSL. Nothing new is required from the users. Aside from having to save your passwords in your browser again, it shouldn't be noticeable.

If you have concerns, questions, or objections, please voice them here over the next few days.

Thanks!
Chris Moody, TK-394
Garrison Web Liaison / Webmaster
https://www.facebook.com/cmmoody
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TK Fro
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Joined: Tue Feb 21, 2006 12:53 pm
First Name: Charles
Last Name: Norton
TK Number: 6241
Location: Springfield, MO

Re: New SSL "Secure Server"

Post by TK Fro »

Awesome job!! Thanks for all your hard work in doing this Chris!!
Charley Norton
70th Explorers Garrison
Commanding Officer 2011-2013

Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.
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