How do I identify encrypted websites?

An encrypted connection (also known by the keywords SSL (Secure Socket Layer), TLS (Transport Layer Security), https) ensures secure data transmission from your computer to the server on the Internet. This security protects the data during transmission, e.g. from other computers that use the same WLAN as you do. The encryption does not protect against viruses etc. on your computer, not against hacked servers, and in itself is not a trustworthy identification of the server. Such an identification can only be assumed in combination with a trustworthy certificate issuer.

At Kiel University, certificates from DFN association, our Internet service provider, are used almost exclusively. How this is displayed in the browser depends on the browser and the age of the certificate. Common to all procedures is that a lock is displayed in the address bar of the browser (in Internet Explorer on the right, otherwise on the left), and when you click on it an information window opens. Certificates from other providers may indicate that someone else is trying to falsely impersonate a website of Kiel University towards you.

Firefox

In Firefox, the editor data display must first be opened by clicking on the right arrow:

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Firefox: Before opening the submenu

 

Firefox, altes Zertifikat: herausgegeben durch Universitaet Kiel
Certificates valid until mid-2019

 

 

Firefox, neues Zertifikat: herausgegeben durch DFN-Verein
Certificates with validity beyond mid-2019

 

 

Chrome

In Chrome, the publisher details are only displayed after clicking the 'Valid' link in the 'Certificate' section. It's not a particular cause for concern that the server name displayed is different from the web address you are visiting. (The certificate may be valid for multiple Web sites).

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Security dialog in Chrome without certificate details

 

Chrome, altes Zertifikat: herausgegeben durch Universitaet Kiel
Certificates valid until mid-2019

 

 

Chrome, neues Zertifikat: herausgegeben durch DFN-Verein
Certificates with validity beyond mid-2019

 

 

Edge (analogous to Internet Explorer)

Internet Explorer and Edge display publisher information directly, but unlike the other browsers, they display the first step, not the last. (DFN-Verein itself handles its certificates via Deutsche Telekom or T-TeleSec).

Microsoft-Browser, altes Zertifikat: herausgegeben durch Deutsche Telekom Root CA 2
Certificates valid until mid-2019

 

 

Microsoft-Browser, neues Zertifikat: herausgegeben durch T-TeleSec GlobalRoot Class 2
Certificates with validity beyond mid-2019