Data Security
This website uses the secure HTTP protocol (HTTPS) for logging in and for most communication while you are logged in. What is HTTPS and why do we need it? Basically HTTPS is what we get when we layer HTTP, the language of the web, on top of the SSL protocol. By putting the SSL protocol into the mix we can add the security capabilities of SSL to regular web (HTTP) communications. Since regular HTTP communications take place over the internet connection in clear text, HTTPS is widely used on the web when extra security is needed.
Because of this arrangement, HTTPS can communicate over what is often called an encrypted tunnel. This includes the entire content of what is sent in both directions. In this way you can be sure that your login information, as well as any data and analysis parameters, are being sent over the internet securely.
HTTPS uses certificates to establish the secure connection. This is handled by your browser for the most part, so it is transparent to you once it is set up correctly. On this website these certificates are based on our certificate authority. Before logging in, if you have not done so already, please click on this link to accept our certificate authority. If you are using Firefox be sure to check the box to trust this certficate authority to identify websites in the dialog that pops up and click ok. If you are using Internet Explorer, click the Open button to open the certificate file, and then in the dialog that pops up click on the button marked Install certificate.... Then, in the Certificate Import Wizard, click the radio button that says Automatically select the certificate store based on the type of certificate. Finally, in the Security Warning dialog box confirming that you want to install the certificate authority (CA) representing bcf.uthscsa.edu, click Yes. Whichever browser you use, accepting our certificate authority will help your browser identify our website and make it easier to use the secure parts of it.
If you have any questions or problems with our certificate authority, please contact us. Thanks!
Borries Demeler, Ph.D.
Professor
UltraScan Project Director