SSL is the backbone of our whole Internet and it protects the sensitive information shared across the whole world’s computer networks. SSL certificates are small data file that digitally attaches a cryptographic key to an organization’s details. When SSL certificate has been installed on the web server, it activated the padlock and https protocol and allows the secure connections from a web server to a browser. SSL is essential for protecting website and the data relevant to it as it provides privacy, security, and data integrity. It also protects the user’s personal information while interacting with the SSL secured website.
When SSL Certificate has been installed on the server side then you can access a website. The SSL Certificate is usually issued by a trusted Certification Authority, you will see https:// at the beginning of its URL.
SSL Certificate binds together
- Domain name or hostname.
- A Company name and location
What are the types of SSL Certificate?
SSL Certificates can be of 3 types
- Domain Validation Certificates: This certificate provides an SSL certificate to the Domain name which can include one to many subdomains also. This requires certificate applicant to prove his/her ownership over the domain for which he has requested domain validation certificate.
- Organization Validation Certificates: This requires an applicant to prove ownership and legally accountable business for the requested certificate. The issued certificate contains a domain and company name of the certificate applicant.
- Extended Validation Certificates: Only the extended validation certificate displays a green bar with an owner’s company name in a web browser. For an extended validation certificate, the two validation types mentioned above should be adhered along with some additional requirements.
The purpose is using an SSL Certificate
- SSL Encrypts sensitive data: Primarily SSL Certificate is used to transfer sensitive information securely across the Internet in the encrypted form. Since the information like credit card details, username and passwords you send, travel across various computers before reaching the final destination any computer in between can hamper the details. When an SSL certificate is used, it ensures that your data travel uncompromised and protects it from hackers and thieves.
- SSL provides authentication: SSL certificate provides authentication in a way that you can be sure of sending information to a right destination/server. Hence this provides authentication of the destination server and protects your data.
- SSL provides Trust: Web Browser gives an SSL certified domain or website a visible identification through the lock icon or a green bar. This helps visitors be sure of the secured connection. This means that they will trust the website more when they see such cues and won’t be reluctant in sharing their personal information.
Imparting trust and security to the visitors and websites make people confident in sharing their personal information online. SSL certificates are what makes websites trusted. The organizations do instill the importance of SSL certificates to secure their sites and make online payments and data collection securely. Hence it is advisable to go for one of the SSL certificates today now!