The private communication technology (PCT) protocol is a program used to provide privacy between clients and servers communicating over the Internet, according to Graphcomp.com. The PCT protocol can also verify the identity of both parties.
The "Handshake"
Users of the PCT protocol agree on an encryption algorithm (also called the "session key") when starting communication. This phase, called the "handshake," also gives the server and client a chance to verify the other's identity.
Compatibility
The PCT protocol is compatible with the secure sockets layer (SSL) protocol, another manner of encryption. Servers can differentiate between the two protocols by looking at the version number. The PCT protocol will have a version number starting with the number "1."
Considerations
The PCT protocol can verify identity but it cannot verify the validity of either party's certifications. Additional programs can be used with the protocol to validate these certificates.
Tags: verify identity, version number