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Emil Sit (sit@mit.edu)\\
975492072\\
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\centerline{Summer UROP Proposal (1997)}

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This summer, I am working on adding certificate support to the popular
{\tt lynx} text-based web browser. Certificates are a form of
electronic identification which are being used increasingly on the
Internet. In conjunction with the Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol,
certificates can provide a mutually authenticated secure connection
between a user and a server. That is, the server is
ensured that it is communicating with the user (as opposed to an
impostor), the user is likewise convinced, and the connection is
secure against eavesdroppers.

The MIT Registrar's Office has implemented a system to allow students
to register for classes, maintain personal records (e.g. address,
emergency contacts) and access grade histories over the World Wide Web
using this technology.  This system is in fact intended to completely
replace any previous system (paper or electronic) for performing these
functions. Unfortunately, the only client which currently supports all
the necessary features is Netscape Navigator. While probably the most
popular browser around, there are a number of people who either cannot
use or refuse to use Netscape. Additionally, since Netscape is a
graphical browser, users are unable to perform these functions over a
terminal (text) session.

To rectify this deficiency, the {\tt lynx} browser will be modified to
fully support SSL. I am the sole developer assigned to this project,
which is to be completely implemented by 1 August at the latest. At
that point, I will likely be involved with testing and maintenance of
the completed software until its deployment for the fall term. The
full requirements and specifications for the project are available at
{\tt
http://web.mit.edu/teamhtml/Athena/FY97/lynx-cert/main/main.html}.

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