The most common reason for this is that the Web browser is outdated and does not meet the minimum security requirement - 128-bit SSL encryption, commonly known as strong encryption - that is required to connect to the Lab’s email system. (Most financial institutions have the same minimum security requirements for Web browsers.)

Many years ago, the U.S. government created a law prohibiting the distribution of the strong encryption technology used in U.S. versions of Web browsers outside the U.S. This law was changed several years ago, and over time, normal browser upgrades have caused strong encryption to become more widespread outside the U.S. Some places like Internet cafes often don’t have a large budget for upgrades and support, so they have yet to upgrade their Web browsers with appropriate security.

If you encounter this problem, beware – a browser that’s outdated enough to have this problem is likely quite old, and has not been updated to address the many bugs and security vulnerabilities that have been discovered in browsers over time.

ITSD’s Computer Infrastructure Support Department has these tips for users that encounter this problem:

• Try a different Internet café; different places will almost always have different browser versions, and chances are a nearby café is more current.
  
• Try a public library, or a university.
  
• Try a major hotel; many hotels have Internet kiosks.
  
• Bring a laptop.