SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer, which makes it possible for a web server to encrypt the data it's transmitting to the browser. SSL certificates are digital credentials that verify the identity of the server and user to ensure the data transmission is actually encrypted. It was developed by Netscape in the late 90s and its main purpose is to provide an extra layer of security when users are sending data through a network (such as the Internet). It's designed so that only you and those computers with the correct keys can view the data properly. This is great because it ensures that the data is only visible by those who should be able to see it. If your website is already secure, you may not need SSL but if it isn't or if you want to give some extra security to your site, then an SSL certificate might just be what you're looking for.
But what does it do?
SSL is a type of encryption that ensures that all data passing between you and a site is protected against man-in-the middle attacks. How SSL works is that when a user browses to your website, the browser on their computer will make an encrypted connection with your server. The server then responds with its own encrypted response, which the browser decrypts and displays to the user.
SSL certificates are designed to verify identity, not just encrypt data. They do this by creating a unique key pair for each website, which is stored in a certificate file on your website. When the browser requests the server's certificate, it can be checked to ensure that the site is who they say they are. This prevents anyone from impersonating your servers and sending bogus information to users of their websites.
SSL also protects against eavesdropping, where someone listens in on your traffic and sees what you're doing online. The most common form of eavesdropping is known as "man-in-the-middle" (MITM), where an attacker intercepts communication between your computer and the site you're trying to visit. This can happen when you're connecting through a public hotspot or VPN connection (which encrypts traffic but does not authenticate it).
SSL certificates are issued by trusted Certificate Authorities (CAs). They verify whether or not the request for an SSL certificate was issued by the entity requesting it and if so, they issue the certificate with their seal of approval.
SSL certificates are used to secure communications between websites, web servers and browsers. They ensure that all data passing between you and a site is protected against man-in-the-middle attacks by encrypting data in transit between you and the website or web server before it reaches your browser.
SSL certificates are issued by vendors such as Comodo, GoDaddy and Symantec which have been approved by Certificate Authorities (CAs) such as VeriSign, Thawte, GeoTrust and Let’s Encrypt among others.
Why should I get one for my website?
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The most important advantage of using SSL encryption is that it protects your users' data from being read by hackers, phishing scams and other malicious sources. This reduces the risk of damage to your business and improves customer confidence in your website. SSL protects sensitive information when you are browsing online transactions on e-commerce sites, so you don’t have to worry about credit card details getting stolen or hacked into by cybercriminals or malicious intruders.
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When a visitor comes to your website, he or she may be sending personal information such as name, email address, phone number etc. These data are important for you and for other companies in order to provide the best service possible. There are some risks that can occur when someone accesses these data without authorization. SSL encryption ensures that the data is kept private and secure so that it cannot be accessed by unauthorized third parties. This makes it more difficult for others to intercept or modify the data before it reaches its destination, as well as protecting it against any form of interception on the way there.
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SSL helps build customer trust because they feel safe while using your website or when they share information with you via social media channels like Facebook or Twitter. They feel more secure knowing that their personal information will not be stolen by hackers or other malicious sources and this increases the overall trust level between you and your customers/users/clients etc.
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It gives a certain authentic outlook for your brand or business and helps build your business online. It also helps you build a positive influence in Google’s evaluation of your website, this is helpful for your business visibility and credibility online.
Types of SSL Certificates -
- Source: Norton.com
SSL certificates are valid for a limited amount of time, which is why they need to be renewed every now and then. This can be done through an online process or through your hosting provider.
The most common types of SSL certificates are:
- Domain validated:
Domain validated SSL certificates allow you to protect the domain name you purchased from being hijacked. They will also provide protection against phishing attacks where someone impersonates your website by using the same domain name as yours.
- Organization validated:
Organization validated SSL certificates allow users from multiple organizations within your domain to access their respective websites without having to log in with their individual usernames and passwords each time they visit another company's site.
- Extended validation:
Extended validation SSL certificates give you access to higher security features than other types of SSL certificates like Organization validated ones do, including identity theft protection, data encryption, and 2048-bit encryption keys.
- Wrapping Up
Most businesses do require an SSL certificate. If your website enquires and receives any personal information, you are better off protecting your website. But, nowadays it is not even a question or an option considering that most browsers authenticate your website with the certificate, yeah, the “https” validation is one such example. Not to mention that now warnings are automatically issued by browsers on non SSL certified websites. It can also help affect your search result ranking which would be a great disadvantage for your business. If you have a functioning website, you can not afford to miss out on this essential certification.