128 Bit Browser Links

128 bit browsers provide encryption of information being transmitted across the Internet. Encryption is a means of scrambling information for transmissions, in this case, between your PC and our computing systems. Information that is encrypted at one end is decrypted (decoded) upon receipt at the other end.

128 bit encryption is the most secure form of encryption generally available in Internet browsers on the market in North America today. Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon requires that their members use 128 bit encryption when sending information over the Internet. However, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon does not guarantee security of information over the Internet. If your browser does not support 128 bit encryption, you will have to download and install the latest versions of Netscape Navigator or Communicator or Microsoft Internet Explorer. You may use the links provided below, or obtain the 128 bit browser on your own.

The links below will take you to the Microsoft or Netscape information pages. Follow the instructions and download the browser that will give you 128 bit encryption. The downloads of the browsers from Netscape or Microsoft will take anywhere from 45 minutes to 3 hours depending on the speed of your modem and how busy the Internet is, so make sure you can tie up your phone line for that amount of time. Netscape's download has an added feature: if the download is interrupted for any reason you can reconnect and the download will resume where it left off.

If you have Internet Explorer version 4.X or 5.0, you will be able to download a 'patch' which will upgrade your browser from 40 bit to 128 bit. Downloading this patch is quite quick - under 10 minutes for most users.

If you are downloading from work, check with your system administrator to see if you are behind a firewall. A firewall is software that prevents the transmission of your IP (Internet) address out on the Internet. If Microsoft or Netscape cannot confirm your IP address, they will not permit the download. You may need to download the patch from home.

If you are using Windows 3.1 you will have to go to the Microsoft site and get Internet Explorer. Netscape no longer supports Windows 3.1.

After the file has been downloaded double-click the file you downloaded and follow the install instructions.

If you have any questions about encryption or the current version of your browser, please contact our Customer Service department.

Download Microsoft Internet Explorer (128 bit encryption)

Download Netscape Navigator or Communicator (128 bit encryption)

Return to Benefit Booklet Search Page