Introduction of SSL Certificate
SSL is the short term for Secure Sockets Layer. In simple words, it is a type of security system which establishes a secure connection between the client and the server. It is necessary for companies to have this security feature. It was first developed by a company called Netscape for usage by web browsers.
Secure Sockets Layer is a type of programming based on certain rules. These rules that are predefined, serve the purpose of authentication, along with encrypting the communication between the servers and the clients.
Secure Sockets Layer or SSL is the most important part of performing online tasks which might be marketing, selling, promotion, etc. The primary work of SSL is to create a trustworthy environment for customers to feel safe and confident in making online transactions. SSL certificates are responsible for creating trust between servers and clients by establishing a secure connection. For assuring the clients of secured connections the browsers provide EV indicators. EV indicators are special visual cues.
Why is the Secure Sockets Layer or SSL certificate important?
As I stated in the above paragraph that it establishes a secured connection between the server and the client.
Let us understand it with an example.
Suppose you are browsing an online shopping website. After a while, you decide to make a purchase and choose the mode of payment to the credit card. Then you enter the amount and share your credit card details like the numbers, name, expiry date, CVV. When these details are entered by the client on the computer, then these are sent to the server through connection. If SSL is not enabled then a third party or hacker might break into the connection and steal the credit card details.
If SSL is enabled then the credit card numbers or the data will be encrypted and it would be very difficult for the hacker to break the encrypted data and reveal the actual credit card numbers.
The process of getting the certificate is explained below.
A Certificate Signing Request (CSR) has to be created on the server.
Then a private key and public key would be created on the server.
The Secure Sockets Layer Certificate issuer who is known as CA or Certificate Authority contains the public key of the CSR data file that has been sent to it.
The CSR data file that you send to the SSL Certificate issuer is called a Certificate Authority or CA which contains the public key. The Certificate Authority uses the Certificate Signing Request data file to create a data structure. It then matches the private key and does not compromise the key itself. The private key is not seen by the CA.
The SSL certificate is installed on the server. An intermediate certificate is also installed that establishes the credibility of the Secure Sockets Layer Certificate by tying it to your CA’s root certificate.
Benefits of SSL
- Data Protection by SSL
The main objective of an SSL certificate is to maintain the confidentiality of server-client communication. When SSL is installed then each and every information is encrypted. In simple words the data is Encrypted or the information is mixed up and can only be read or interpreted by the recipient browser or recipient server. Since no other party has the key. When the client is sharing sensitive data such as credit card numbers, IDs, passwords, etc., SSL protects them against hackers or other third parties.
2. Identity Confirmation
To provide authentication is the second very important task of SSL to a website. Identity verification is the most crucial part when cyber security is in practice. We have heard of incidents when people have lost money because of hackers. SSL certificate helps under such circumstances.
A validation process has to undergo during the process of installation of an SSL certificate. This is set by an independent third party. This third party is called a Certificate Authority (CA). Once the identity verification is complete the CA verifies the identity of the host and his organization. The clients and servers are aware of their communications.
3. Enhancement of Customer Trust
When we see it from the customer’s perspective then it seems that SSL is very important. Upon installation of EV the organization’s details can be verified and observed. A genuine website is prone to have more or repeated visits. It builds a healthy and honest relationship between a client and the server.
4. Ranking on Search Engine
Google, which is the best search engine, did modification to its own algorithm. Google’s objective was to give the preference to HTTPS-enabled websites. This has been proven by various studies. Which were conducted by SEOs from different parts of the globe?
5 Keeps Hackers at bay
The caution has to make about phishing sites which are a perfect copy of an original website.
The secure sockets layer identifies the threats that can very easily pass through humans. SSL certificates are not issued to fake websites. And customers are always warned while browsing that SSL certificate is not valid on this website. Then clients will not use or browse these fake sites.
6 Security on Payments
Clients generally avoid sending their credit card information on an HTTP website. And it has been compulsory for any business site to have an SSL certificate. Payment card service providers have made it compulsory to meet PCI security standards
Advantages of SSL
There are numerous advantages of having an SSL certificate.
- Trust
- Encryption
- Security
Hence, SSL is an important feature for any company to have. It does have huge cost but when weighed with the advantages it is strongly recommended.
