Netscape Provides Quick Upgrade to Strong Encryption Browser, Enhancing Secure Shopping and E-Commerce on the Internet

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. (August 25, 1999) - Netscape Communications, a subsidiary of America Online, Inc. (NYSE: AOL), today announced that users of Netscape Communicator 4.61 client software can upgrade their browser's encryption for enhanced security for shopping and e-commerce on the Internet. Previously, customers would have to download a full version of the browser to upgrade to US-grade encryption; now customers can quickly upgrade by downloading a small file (36KB) from the Netscape SmartUpdate service. Users can upgrade their browsers from international-grade encryption (56-bit) to US-grade encryption (128-bit) in seconds, making online shopping a safer experience and allowing for online banking and bill paying, as many Web sites require 128-bit encryption. Upgrading to 128-bit security also allows Netscape Communicator users to improve the security of their encrypted emails.

"By providing this easy to install security upgrade for Netscape Communicator, Netscape is helping to grow e-commerce and accelerate the use and acceptance of online shopping, banking and trading," said Bob Lisbonne, senior vice president of client products at Netscape. "This makes it easier than ever for Netscape Communicator users to enjoy a higher level of online security and ultimately increases our customers' confidence in e-commerce."

According to recent studies by Jupiter Research and others, security remains the number one concern when conducting transactions over the Internet. With this upgrade, Netscape intends to reduce this barrier, fueling the growth of e-commerce by offering a browser capable of handling secure 128-bit transactions. Netscape recommends that shopping, financial and other e-commerce sites that encourage users to upgrade to strong encryption should point their customers to this simple process.

128-bit encryption provides a significantly greater amount of cryptographic protection than 56-bit encryption. With 56-bit encryption, there are billions of possible keys to decipher the coded information, and only one of them works. Someone intercepting the information would have to find the right key - a nearly impossible task. With 128-bit encryption, there are 4.7 billion trillion times as many keys as with 56-bit encryption.

Netscape is a leading provider of software and services for businesses that want to transform the way they create and keep customers in the emerging Net Economy. Recently acquired by America Online, Inc., Netscape is based in Mountain View, California.

Additional information on Netscape is available on the Internet at http://home.netscape.com, by sending email to info@netscape.com, or by calling corporate sales at 650/937-2555.

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