FAQ

Virtual Key provides secure and easy access to protected Internet sites -- sites that require visitors and members to identify themselves before accessing the content.

When you enter a site that requires identification, Virtual Key verifies that

• you are an actual member of the service to which you are connected
  
  
• your password is correct, and
  
  
• the site you are connecting to is a protected site.

Why do I need Virtual Key?

If you are a member of a service that uses Virtual Key to permit or restrict access to its content (such as CompuServe), then you will need to install Virtual Key in order to access Internet-based content offered by that service. For example, CompuServe members who wish to access CompuServe’s private Internet-based content will have to install Virtual Key, or another Remote Passphrase Authentication (RPA) based client application, that will allow them to authenticate at these sites. 

If you are using CompuServe 2000, you do not need to install Virtual Key.

How much does it cost to buy Virtual Key?

Nothing! Virtual Key is distributed freely without any strings or gimmicks. Virtual Key will work with any RPA-enabled Internet site to allow you to authenticate with any RPA-enabled membership service. For example, both CompuServe members can use Virtual Key to authenticate themselves at various Internet sites. One installation of Virtual Key will allow you to use either your CompuServe membership – or both if you are a member of both services!

Where do I get the latest version of Virtual Key?

You can always find the latest version of Virtual Key on the Virtual Key web-site. Just go to http://www.compuserve.com/rpa/vk_soft.htm. If you are a CompuServe member, you can also find the latest version on the Virtual Key Download menu (GO VKEY), free of charge.

On which platforms is Virtual Key available?

Virtual Key is available on the Windows 3.x and Windows 95/98/NT platforms. It will work with Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer browsers, as well as any application that is SSPI compliant (check the feature list of an application to tell if it is SSPI compliant). Additionally, Microsoft’s Internet Explorer for the Macintosh has built in Virtual Key functionality, so there is no need to install Virtual Key.

How does Virtual Key differ from other Internet Authentication mechanisms?

Virtual Key, by using the RPA protocol, is able to offer a secure password based authentication that does not risk a member's password over the Internet.

There are many other authentication mechanisms available today, but they all have one shortcoming or another. Some are secure only over a secure network – that does not include the Internet! Some are not password based, which means that you will have to have a different piece of identification on each computer that you may use. Some expire, which means that every year you will have to go renew your identification. In short, Virtual Key, by using the RPA protocol, is the only application that can provide a secure, password-based, distributed authentication over an insecure network.