Before talking about automation through the web, it is better to understand as to how the Secure Socket Layer (SSL) works. Often the
automated forex trade leverages upon the main aspects revolving around the SSL. Without the SSL, it is very difficult to design an automated platform.
Consider the steps followed by the SSL protocol:
The client (essentially the browser) sends a request for a document to be transmitted using the https protocol. This is done implicitly through a link, a form or any other such means that requests for a document URL that begins with the Hyper Text Transfer Protocols instead of the
http://. This sets the SSL at the client and server end into action
The server sends its digital certificate to the client. The digital certificate is an encryption of its public-key and the signature of a certificate authority for example, like Verisign
The client receives the digital certificate of the server and verifies its credentials
The client informs the server regarding the cryptographic algorithms it can use for communication
The server matches this list with its own list of algorithms and chooses the strongest one and informs the client about it
The client generates a secret key, encrypts it with the public key of the server, and sends it to the server. This key is also called the session key as it is used for encryption and decryption of the message that is completely communicated or with respect to the communication that is terminated
The server receives the encrypted session key and decrypts it with its private key
All other communication goes on as usual except that it is encrypted using the session key
Most often, the automated forex trading platforms keeps track of all the registered users. Only when the trading platform owners notify about a new user, will that user be allowed free access to the various trading options.