Passwords? Encryption keys? "Hey" you say, "I’m not Indiana Jones. I don’t know what an encryption key is. I just want to send these reports by modem, before my deadline."
If you use a RTI 2000 application that transmits your financial data via RTInet , you may have puzzled over these parameters.
RTI 2000 applications that enable you to send data by modem use a password and an encryption key to ensure that your financial information only goes where you send it.
These measures are in addition to the standard security that comes with all RTI 2000 applications: the use of initials, personal passwords, and assigned levels of access to both the applications and procedures within the applications.
The following defines why these two parameters are so important, and how you use them.
Password
The password is a code you create that controls who can enter your software. It is associated with your RTI Identification Number, and verifies whether you are allowed to use RTInet—keeping unauthorized users off the network.
The password can consist of numbers or letters (or a combination), up to eight characters in length (example: A3321BZH). The password is registered with RTI the first time you transmit to RTInet and from that point on is associated with your assigned RTInet I.D. number. Therefore RTI does not recommend changing your password.
Encryption Key
When financial data is transmitted to another office, for example, to your CPA, the information is encrypted (coded into an unreadable set of characters) as a security measure. The encryption key is a special code you can create that is used to unscramble (decode) your financial data, making it reliable again to those receiving it at the other end.
As a result, both you and the person you transmit to must know the encryption key, since it is the only way that your transmitted data can be readable.
The encryption key can consist of letters or numbers (or a combination), up to eight characters in length (example: pig-sky49). NOTE: The longer and more unique the code is, the more secure your data is.
If you decide to make your encryption key longer or change it in any way, you can change it using the Parameters option on your software. However, prior to your next data transmission, do not forget to give the new encryption key to the person at the receiving end.