What is "Cipher Strength"?

[SharkB8]

Can someone explain what "ciper strength" is as it relates to I.E. I have 56bit right now, do I need 128bit? Running WIN98SE.

 

[eraser]

Ciper strength is a rating as I understand that is used rate the strength of an encryption algorithm used to encrpyt information for transactions and such online, or whenever encryption is needed. A 56bit encrptytion algorithm has over 72 quadrillion possible keys to that could be used to decrpyt whatever information is being sent.

I know this is not a purely techinal explaination, but it explains in simple terms what it is. As for going to 128 bit, do you feel you need it. I purchase products online regulary using the 56bit scheme and I have not had a problem yet.(knock on wood)

Eraser

 

[SharkB8]

eraser- Thanks for the "regular guy" discription of "cipher strength". I did go ahead and upgrade to 128bit which was totally painless if you use IE 5.0 and upgrade to IE 5.01. (I am not sold on IE 5.5 just yet.) Besides, I have found out that if you plan to do online trading on your system 128 bit will be required.
Thanks.