With z/Scope you can connect securely via the SSL protocol. SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer and was originally developed by Netscape for transmitting private information and documents over the Internet.

SSL is based on a private key encryption system. Many web sites use this protocol to transmit confidential user information such as credit card numbers.

An SSL digital certificate is an electronic file that uniquely identifies individuals and servers. Digital certificates allow the client to authenticate against the server prior to establishing an SSL session.

Typically, digital certificates are signed by an independent and trusted third party to ensure their validity. The "signer" of a digital certificate is known as a Certification Authority (CA), such as VeriSign®.

For more information about how to work with SSL and SSH in z/Scope, read the following topics: