Abstract: A process is provided that allows an exportable SSL client to negotiate an encrypted session using strong encryption with a server if the server is allowed to use strong encryption. With this process, the SSL client is normally limited to export strength encryption. But, when it is communicating with an approved server, it is able to expand the available set of encryption algorithms to include stronger algorithms/key lengths. The process involves performing an SSL handshake twice. The process begins when a client, i.e. a user, wants to establish a session with a server. The client first initiates a network connection to the server. The first handshake between an export client and an approved server results in an SSL session that uses export strength encryption. This establishes a connection using an exportable cipher suite. The client examines the server's certificate obtained as part of the first handshake.