The Importance Of An SSL Certificate
What is an SSL Certificate
Security and privacy are two issues of prime importance when it comes to building online applications and tools that work on the web. SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer which is referred to as the backbone of a secure internet. It is a standard technology that establishes an encrypted connection between a web server and a web browser. It is a data transfer protocol used by millions of users worldwide. This protects delicate information such as credit cards, gives privacy and your website and users’ data integrity. SSL is the reason why data people post on your website remains private. It is all the more important for e-commerce sites or any sites that take data from its users.
When you check the URL of a website and you see ‘https://’ with a padlock icon, be rest assured that your transactions on it are secured and if not secured, search engines like Google and web browsers inform you of this, in the URL or a pop-up window.
How Does It Work
What SSL does is it acts as an encoded passport that verifies the authenticity and credentials of the sender of the data and the webserver at the other end of the transaction. Only after both identities are verified does SSL permit a secure connection through HTTPS.
There are different types you can select from depending on your budget:
Dedicated SSL is the more secure and expensive option, HTTPS connections are only verified for your root domain that is targeted via a designated IP address on which the SSL is set up;
Shared SSL: many people opt for this because it is relatively cheap, the host manages one SSL for the entire server on which multiple websites are hosted, and the certificate is valid for all of the sites on that server;
Wildcard SSL: targets multiple sub-domains for your website. This is a good approach to use if you segment different functions of your website according to area or function. Most people use the shared SSL option in the initial stage and later move on to dedicated.
The SSL technology is an industry-standard used by millions of websites around the world regardless of whether it is a big or small site. Not having a secure connection is bad for your business since it will hinder users from interacting with your site. The following are the importance of SSL.
Benefits of SSL
Provides Protection: Allows data to be transmitted on the web safely and securely from computer to computer, the main purpose of the SSL is to keep sensitive information encrypted so that only the recipient can access it. Without an established encrypted connection, just about any computer will be able to access your visitor’s sensitive information. It acts as an additional layer of security for your website.
Provides Trust: It helps your website earn the trust of customers and visitors, giving users the assurance that their connection to your site is secured and their information is safe. They are able to freely navigate around and supply every necessary information. SSL prevents your site from phishing attacks, which could include emails that are sent to impersonate your site. By having the SSL certificate, visitors will immediately know you are a legitimate and trustworthy business.
Provides Authentication: It encrypts important documents and provides authentication, it ensures that the information you are sending goes to the right server and not to an imposter who is trying to steal your information. With SSL data transmitted between users and servers is first encrypted and then decrypted so that no one outside of the two-party connection can listen in on, or take over, the connection.
Most web host providers, like Openhost help customers implement SSL security measures, so you can purchase the certificate from any of the many web hosting providers. Also, you need to generate a Certificate Signing Request on your server to obtain the SSL certificate. Remember to also always renew your certificates in order to maintain your website’s security.
