What is an SSL certificate?
A Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate is a digital certificate that authenticates the identity of a website and encrypts information sent to the server. Encryption involves data, often referred to as plaintext, being scrambled using an encryption algorithm and an encryption key. This process generates cipher text that can only be viewed in its original form if decrypted with the correct key.
An SSL certificate serves as an electronic “passport” that establishes an online entity’s credentials when doing business on the web, giving you a basic level of security and reassuring the person accessing your website that their personal information (such as their card details) is safe. When an Internet user attempts to send confidential information to a web server, the user’s browser accesses the server’s digital certificate and establishes a secure connection.
An SSL certificate contains the following information:
- The certificate holder’s name
- The certificate’s serial number and expiration date
- A copy of the certificate holder’s public key
- The digital signature of the certificate-issuing authority
Why do you need SSL certificate setup services for your site?
SSL security is important because the information you send on the internet is passed from computer to computer to get to the destination server. If it isn’t encrypted then any computer in between you and the server can see your credit card numbers, usernames and passwords, and other sensitive information. This protects the data while it is making this journey from hackers and fraudsters.
Trusted SSL providers will only issue an SSL certificate to a verified company that has gone through several identity checks. Certain types of SSL certificates, like EV SSL Certificates, require more validation than others.
An SSL certificate will cost a small amount of money, but is essential if you have a site that performs online transactions. Our great value SSL certificate setup services is here to help, call our friendly team to discuss getting up and running today.