Cargo containers are used extensively in international trade. The threat of theft, smuggling and terrorism has created a huge demand for security devices on the cargo containers. The International Standards Organization has defined three categories of security seals, known as high-security seal, security seal and indicative seal. High-security seals are designed to require heavy tools to break. This type of seal is required by Custom and Border Protection as a guard against terrorism. Security seals require light-weight tools to break. Indicative seals are the easiest to break. All types of seals require regular inspections to determine if tampering has taken place.
Website security seals are intended to protect sensitive and private information transmitted on the Internet. The seal is called Secure Sockets Layer, or SSL. An SSL certificate uses a public key and a private key. The public key encrypts data transmitted and the private key decrypts the data. The level of protection depends on the type of SSL certificate, but 128-bit encryption is considered sufficient. Another component of an SSL certificate is establishing credentials. Established credentials act as an online ID card, providing proof that the user is authorized to access data.
Security seals for boxes such as equipment cases or small shipping containers come in several varieties. For low security applications, a wire or plastic shackle seals can be used. These seals prevent the box from opening due to vibration or shifting and are used to determine if the box has been opened by unauthorized personnel. These seals are easily broken. For stronger security, cable seals can be used. Thicker cables are used for higher security needs.
Security seal labels are used in a variety of applications, such as tamper-proofing and authentication. These seals are not intended to prevent theft or damage but only to show if tampering has taken place. Labels are often printed with contents information, origin and destination data and inspection data.