The Platform Preview of Internet Explorer 4.0 uses the latest online security technologies—Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Private Communications Technology (PCT)—so you can securely send information over the Internet. The SSL and PCT protocols create a secure channel that prevents anyone from eavesdropping on your communications as you send e-mail, purchase consumer goods, reserve airplane tickets, and conduct personal banking on the Internet.

In the near future, Microsoft will add support for Transport Layer Security (TLS), a new secure channel protocol currently under development by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). TLS builds upon existing protocols to create an improved Internet secure channel protocol.