Dredging up ancient history (Internet Solutions SSL 40-bit proxy)

[RoganDawes]

Hi folks,

I'm trying to dredge up a piece of ancient history, namely the piece of software that the banks used in the days before 128-bit SSL was freely available in South Africa. It operated as an SSL proxy running on your local PC, such that the browser connected to the SSL proxy using 40-bit encryption, and the proxy connected to the bank's website using 128-bit SSL (via OpenSSL libraries).

This would have been around the 1998 timeframe, or thereabouts, I think.

If anyone remembers the software in question (mine was provided by FNB, but I think all the banks were using the same solution), please let me know. I'm ultimately trying to find a copy of it somewhere, but even the name of it might help with the googles.

Thanks!

 

[treebsd]

If anyone remembers the software in question (mine was provided by FNB, but I think all the banks were using the same solution), please let me know. I'm ultimately trying to find a copy of it somewhere, but even the name of it might help with the googles.

back in the day (1995), IS (then known as The Internet Solution) started a security division called trusted network solutions (TNS). they went on to develop this application for the netbank service originally.

i believe the application you looking for would be "PersonalSecure Web Proxy" in all its glory for

Windows 3.1x/Windows for Workgroups,
Windows 95/Windows NT

the application expired in august 97.


j.

 

[RoganDawes]

Hi,

Thanks for the answer! I've managed to dredge up references to it, and an URL on the IS site, but it seems to be long disused.

I guess I can try contact IS themselves to see if anyone has an archived copy.

Rogan

 

[The_Unbeliever]

Which begs the question : why?

 

[RoganDawes]

I'm intrigued by SSL proxies (I'm the author of WebScarab). I'm curious about how this particular proxy worked.

 

[treebsd]

I guess I can try contact IS themselves to see if anyone has an archived copy.

yeah not sure you going to have much luck since only a handful of us left from those days, still at IS ;-) you might just confuse the current security guys..

I'm intrigued by SSL proxies (I'm the author of WebScarab). I'm curious about how this particular proxy worked.

i have mailed the developer of that proxy to find out if he is happy for me to send you his details for a chat. will let you know.

j.