Online Service security informations

Web server authentication

The Euler Hermes web server is authenticated by a trust center (www.trustcenter.de). The online applications you use run on this web server, which serves as a 'bridge' between Euler Hermes and the Internet. A trust center is an independent, recognized organization responsible for examining the web servers of companies, organizations or individuals on the Internet and issuing a digital certificate confirming their genuineness and credibility. If your Internet browser (Internet access software) does not recognize a trust center, it displays a warning message You can then decide from the information supplied by the message whether to accept the certificate of that trust center. Each time you enter the Home page of the Online Service, you can verify that you are actually connected with the Euler Hermes web server.

The web server is operated by Euler Hermes itself and is integrated into the Euler Hermes Computer Centre. Its operation fully complies with the strict security standards of the Computer Centre.

Secure and encrypted data transmission

In addition to the web server's certificate of authentication, it is vital that data is protected during transmission via Internet. Two factors are critical in this. Firstly, communication at all times must be guaranteed as exclusively between you and Euler Hermes. Secondly, data must be encrypted prior to transmission via the Internet. Euler Hermes uses SSL encryption to ensure that both these factors are fulfilled.

User authentification

A further aspect of the Euler Hermes security catalogue is user authentication. Euler Hermes issues you with a personal user ID and a secret password with which to access EHOS. The password must be changed at regular intervals. You must ensure that this password does not fall into the hands of unauthorized third parties. By doing this, you will make an important contribution to the security of the system as a whole.

Digitally signed online application

The online application you access after successfully logging onto the Euler Hermes web server was produced in the form of a Java applet. Applets are programs that run with an Internet browser (Internet access software). Java is a programming language used in the development of Internet applications. Java itself contains a wide range of Internet-specific security functions. For example, applets generally cannot access resources such as the hard disk, printer or memory of the computer on which they run, unless the applet is digitally signed.

To demonstrate the trustworthiness of the EHOS service, it was digitally signed by a trust center (signed applet). This means that before accessing the online application, you are asked whether you wish to accept and start this Internet program. The information supplied enables you to verify the genuineness of the signature and the trustworthiness of the application.

Java should not be confused with Java Script, which is a descriptive language with the sole function of enhancing the functions of simple Internet sites.

Protocols

Access to the online service is recorded by Euler Hermes in protocols. If you or Euler Hermes have reason to suspect that an unauthorized third party has accessed the online application using your user ID and password, we can always check the time of access and the transactions that took place. In addition, the information in these protocols may help to identify the unauthorized user.

Certification of the general system

Euler Hermes commissions independent companies to examine and assess the security mechanisms of the general EHOS system. By collaborating with experienced partners, Euler Hermes is kept informed of new developments in security and advised as to their introduction in the general system. This procedure guarantees that the security aspect remains central to the online service and undergoes continuous upgrading and development. Find out more about these companies and the subject as a whole on the HOS Home page.

Virus and password protection for hardware and software

All aspects of the security concept described here result in a very high level of security in EHOS. You too can contribute to protecting the security system from unauthorized access. We recommend that you install virus scanning software on your computer. This protects you from programs designed to invade and change your hardware and software.

We also recommend that you protect your computer with a password. This will also prevent unauthorized third parties from accessing your computer and manipulating your hardware and software. You will find important information on using passwords in the Euler Hermes EHOS Conditions.

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