Secured Socket Layers are also known as “SSL certificates” which are widely accepted and technologically proven standard security technique used for encrypting data. This is such a digital certificate that is applied with the popular security protocol on web. If this encryption is not there then packets of data would travel without confidentiality. Technically, Security Socket Layers or SSL ensures security of data transactions in between web servers and browsers. The SSL protocol use a third party which is a Certificate Authority to identify either both ends or single end of a transaction.
Since the beginning of the Internet businesses have looked to cash in on the exposure available to them online and most websites are created with that objective. Ebay, Dell, and Amazon are amazing examples of e-commerce at work and thriving. There are payment gateways that offer the ability to accept a wide variety of payments online with credit cards without the hassle of approval through the processing company. With all that money changing hands the need for encryption and protection is paramount.
Manipulation of secured data could have been possible too. Though SSL technology for securing data is not absolute, still hacking can be restricted to a large extent. This digital certificate is used by several e-commerce sites where valuable customer data are exchanged everyday. After conducting a transaction process via a website, users often get to see a change in the URL, it becomes “HTTPS://”. This also signifies that the information exchanged till now, with the website, is secure.
Here are just some of the vast benefits of Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificates that a professional site can provide:
* Customer Confidence in SSL certification
The web host you choose targets your requirements exactly. You as the website owner select the customers looking for your products and use that website to exchange the necessary information with security and confidentiality. Your webhost will install an SSL certificate using the requirements you outline for your needs. Here are the three signs to look for to see if your site is secure: A padlock in the closed position showing in your browser, the ‘https’ replacement for ‘http’ in your URL and the SSL seal on the site. Those hallmarks will alert you and your customers to a site’s security for tension free, reliable transactions.
* Provides protection for privileged customer data:
You can measure the ability of a web host to meet all of your business needs by it’s ability to install an SSL certificate. The technology used to encrypt data is shown in bytes, of which your web host should have exact knowledge. Your customer’s data will be protected and your reputation will build as a result.
* Enable a quick certification
Your webhost can get your certification up online in a short amount of time. They have the personnel and knowledge to understand the complex needs of installing SSL certificates and the resources available to complete the process. If you plan on going it alone and installing your own certificate you need the knowledge to complete the act.
* Your web host will make sure you meet all regulatory requirements
Web hosts can cater to all types of clientele or website owners right from health care to finance. But there are several company websites that need to abide by government regulations as far as the protection of confidential data is concerned. SSL Certificates help in meeting such regulations like HIPPA or Sarbanes-Oxley etc.
How to be sure you have the right web host for SSL installation:
* Web-based User Friendly Control Panel
Access to your web site controls is accessible through a web host’s control panel. It should be easy to understand so that you can manipulate your website easily. Make sure you are comfortable with a web host’s platform.
* Web hosts should provide dedicated IP address
Your host must be able to provide you with a dedicated IP address. This is essential for using SSL certificate programs and FTP accounts.
* No hidden charges:
The web hosts have a typical tendency to add hidden charges. After the installation is complete they include that in the list of charges. Such hosts, who don’t provide a clear estimation, should always be avoided.
* Maximum compatibly with popular browsers:
Chances are good your customers will not use the same browser as everybody else. Your host should provide installation of certificates that work on all popular browsers.
* Complete user instructions
There are many intricate details of SSL certificate installation that each web host should not only be aware of, but be able to pass on to you as the website owner in order to operate your control panel effectively. SSL has the option to turn off and on as each page requires it. Your host should walk you through the process completely.
* Authentic SSL certificate sharing
Another type of SSL certificate is the shared SSL given to authentic web hosts. This web host will install SSL certificates for their customers the same way dedicated certificates are installed. The difference is this type of SSL certificate is linked with the Secure Site Seal issued to domain owners. This type of SSL certificate allows top-level hosts to secure their own information. This requires the special expertise of a web host.
Installing an SSL certificate
Step 1:
Every domain that uses an SSL certificate installed on it needs its own dedicated IP address. The host you use will have all necessary knowledge of this because they will handle the process.
Step 2:
Before the installation process of SSL certificate begins, the web hosts checks if owner has a Certificate Signing request generated or not.
Step 3:
When a web host opens the control panel they look for the ‘Install SSL certificate and Setup the Domain, and click on it. A window appears with the wizard to install the certificate.
Step 4:
In that wizard, they paste the certificate which is obtained from SSL vendor. Note: This is not the same as that of CSR
Step 5:
Once the above is complete a box comes up with a Domain section. This is the domain where the SSL is to be installed. Enter the control panel name in the ‘user’ field followed with the IP address.
Step 6:
The host they pastes the RSA private key to end the installation process.