An SSL certificate is a digital certificate that authenticates a website's identity and enables an encrypted connection. SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer, a security protocol that creates an encrypted link between a web server and a web browser. Companies and organizations need to add SSL certificates to their websites to secure online transactions and keep customer information private and secure. In short: SSL keeps internet connections secure and prevents criminals from reading or modifying information transferred between two systems.
Since its inception about 25 years ago, there have been several versions of SSL protocol, all of which at some point ran into security troubles. However, the initials SSL stuck, so the new version of the protocol is still usually called by the old name. SSL works by ensuring that any data transferred between users and websites, or between two systems, remains impossible to read.
It uses encryption algorithms to scramble data in transit, which prevents hackers from reading it as it is sent over the connection. This data includes potentially sensitive information such as names, addresses, credit card numbers, or other financial details. This process is sometimes referred to as an "SSL handshake. A padlock icon will also display in the URL address bar.
This signals trust and provides reassurance to those visiting the website. To view an SSL certificate's details, you can click on the padlock symbol located within the browser bar. Details typically included within SSL certificates include:.
Websites need SSL certificates to keep user data secure, verify ownership of the website, prevent attackers from creating a fake version of the site, and convey trust to users. If a website is asking users to sign in, enter personal details such as their credit card numbers, or view confidential information such as health benefits or financial information, then it is essential to keep the data confidential.
SSL certificates help keep online interactions private and assure users that the website is authentic and safe to share private information with.
There are different types of SSL certificates with different validation levels. The six main types are:. This is the highest-ranking and most expensive type of SSL certificate. It tends to be used for high profile websites which collect data and involve online payments.
Displaying the website owner's information in the address bar helps distinguish the site from malicious sites. To set up an EV SSL certificate, the website owner must go through a standardized identity verification process to confirm they are authorized legally to the exclusive rights to the domain. This version of SSL certificate has a similar assurance similar level to the EV SSL certificate since to obtain one; the website owner needs to complete a substantial validation process.
This type of certificate also displays the website owner's information in the address bar to distinguish from malicious sites. Commercial or public-facing websites must install an OV SSL certificate to ensure that any customer information shared remains confidential.
The validation process to obtain this SSL certificate type is minimal, and as a result, Domain Validation SSL certificates provide lower assurance and minimal encryption. They tend to be used for blogs or informational websites — i. This SSL certificate type is one of the least expensive and quickest to obtain.
The validation process only requires website owners to prove domain ownership by responding to an email or phone call. Wildcard SSL certificates allow you to secure a base domain and unlimited sub-domains on a single certificate. Do I need to fasten the seatbelt while driving? Do I need to put on protective eyewear while watching the solar eclipse? If you own a website or a blog in , you need SSL.
The core function of an SSL certificate is to protect server-client communication. On installing SSL, every bit of information is encrypted. While dealing with sensitive data such as IDs, passwords, credit card numbers, etc. The second primary task of an SSL certificate is to provide authentication to a website. Identity verification is one of the most important aspects as far as web security is concerned.
Why is this important? The nature of the Internet means that your customers will often be sending information through several computers. Any of these computers could pretend to be your website and trick your users into sending them personal information. Why are SSL providers important? Trusted SSL providers will only issue an SSL certificate to a verified company that has gone through several identity checks.
How do you know if an SSL provider is trusted? Web browser manufactures verify that SSL providers are following specific practices and have been audited by a third-party using a standard such as WebTrust.
Web browsers give visual cues, such as a lock icon or a green bar, to make sure visitors know when their connection is secured. This means that they will trust your website more when they see these cues and will be more likely to buy from you.
SSL providers will also give you a trust seal that instills more trust in your customers. As you may know, some website URLs start with "http" while others begin with "https". The "s" stands for secure encryption, which can only be guaranteed with an SSL Certificate.
So what is the SSL Certificate? What can this certificate do to support your website and your audience? When installed on a web server, it activates the padlock and the https protocol; and allows secure connections from a web server to a browser. Typically, SSL is used to secure credit card transactions, data transfer, and logins; and more recently is becoming the norm when securing browsing of social media sites.
An SSL Certificate binds together:. Depending on the type of certificate you purchase and what browser you are surfing on the internet, a browser will show a lock icon or green bar in the browser when you visit a website that has an SSL Certificate installed. Currently, there are 5 types of SSL Certificates. Websites with SSL Certificates installed.
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