The Encrypted 1003 utilizes secure socket layer (SSL), frequently referred to as "Netscape" encryption. This allows both Netscape and Microsoft Explorer browsers to communicate with our server in a secure SSL encrypted session. It is often used to securely transfer credit card numbers and other sensitive information.

These security features protect transactions from misappropriation and fraud that could otherwise occur as information passes through Internet computers. Without thorough security, information transmitted over the Internet is susceptible to fraud and other misuse by intermediaries.

The Internet does not provide built-in security. This is why our 1003 residential loan application is not e-mailed. To increase security and privacy, we will be notified via e-mail of your completed 1003 application and we are required to access the completed 1003 via encryption, username, and password.  The SSL protocol delivers server authentication, data encryption, and message integrity.

How does it work?

SSL is layered beneath application protocols such as HTTP, Telnet, FTP, Gopher, and NNTP, and layered above the connection protocol TCP/IP. This strategy allows SSL to operate independently of the Internet application protocols. With SSL implemented on both the client and server, your Internet communications are transmitted in encrypted form, ensuring privacy. Due to this encryption process, documents that are encrypted may take longer to download.

Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Explorer deliver server authentication using signed digital certificates issued by trusted third parties known as certificate authorities. A digital certificate verifies the connection between a server's public key and the server's identification (just as a driver's license verifies the connection between your photograph and your personal identification). Cryptographic checks, which check digital signatures, ensure that information within a certificate can be trusted.

You can tell whether a document comes from a secure server by looking at the Universal Resource Locator (URL) field. If the URL begins with https:// (instead of http://), the document comes from a secure server. You need to use https:// for URLs with SSL and http:// for URLs without SSL.

What does a digital certificate do?

Digital Certificates are protected by public and private key pairs linked by a powerful cryptographic algorithm. These keys have the ability to encrypt and decrypt information. No one else's keys can decipher messages you send that are encrypted with your public key. Also, no one else's keys can be used to pose as you by sending messages encrypted with your private key.

If you are browsing our site with Microsoft Explorer 3.0, or another earlier or non-standard browser, you will need to click here to download the Encryption certificate utilized by our site service provider, Mortgage Internet Technologies, Inc. Currently MIT uses a THAWTE Encryption certificate.

For more information on SSL encryption visit either the Netscape or Microsoft site.