Data Privacy and Oracle Internet Directory

Oracle Internet Directory ensures that data is not disclosed during transmission by using public-key encryption available with SSL. In public-key encryption, the sender of a message encrypts the message with the public key of the recipient. Upon delivery, the recipient decrypts the message using the recipient's private key. Specifically, Oracle Internet Directory supports two levels of encryption available through SSL:

• DES40

  The DES40 algorithm, available internationally, is a variant of DES in which the secret key is preprocessed to provide 40 effective key bits. It is designed for use by customers outside the USA and Canada who want to use a DES-based encryption algorithm. This feature gives commercial customers a choice in the algorithm they use, regardless of their geographic location.

• RC4_40

  Oracle has obtained license to export the RC4 data encryption algorithm with a 40-bit key size to virtually all destinations where other Oracle products are available. This makes it possible for international corporations to safeguard their entire operations with fast cryptography.

  See Also: Chapter 13, "Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and the Directory" for more information about SSL