You might have noticed how some URLs begin with http:// and others begin with https://. Perhaps you noticed the extra “s” when you were surfing websites that required you to enter sensitive information, such as when you paid bills online. But where did that extra “s” come from, and what exactly does it mean?
In simple terms, the extra “s” indicates that your connection to that website is protected and encrypted and that any data you enter is securely shared with that website. SSL, which means “Secure Sockets Layer,” is the technology that energizes that small “s.”
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What is an SSL Certificate?
An SSL certificate is basically a digital certificate that verifies the authenticity of a website and allows for an encrypted connection. SSL is an abbreviation for Secure Sockets Layer, a security protocol that defines an encrypted connection between a web server and a web browser.
SSL certificates must be added to websites by businesses and organizations in order to secure online purchases and keep customer details secure and confidential.
Simply put, SSL secures internet connections and prevents attackers from reading or tweaking data transferred between two devices. SSL prevents the website you are visiting if you see a lock icon beside the URL in the address bar.
If want to receive an SSL certificate, the web host service should clearly show domain ownership to the certification authority at the time of issuing the certificate. This authentication procedure is similar to sealing a letter in an envelope before mailing it.
Why Does Your Business’s Website Needs an SSL certificate?
SSL certificates are required for websites in order to protect user data, authenticate website ownership, prevent attackers from impersonating a version of the site, and deliver trust to users.
If a website requires users to sign in, fill in personal information such as credit card numbers, or access secret information such as health benefits or financial details, the data must be kept private. SSL certificates help to keep online interactions private and confirm users that the website they are visiting is authentic and safe to share personal information with.
More importantly for businesses, an SSL certificate is necessary for an HTTPS web address. HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP, which signifies that HTTPS websites use SSL to encrypt their traffic. HTTP websites – those without SSL certificates – are typically labeled as “not secure” by most browsers. This sends a clear message to users that the website may not be reliable, enabling businesses that have not yet migrated to HTTPS to do so.
How Does an SSL Certificate Work?
SSL certificates function by creating an encrypted link between a web browser and a server. Absence of Without a secret key, known as a decryption key, it is difficult to decipher the encrypted data.
- When your browser attempts to connect to a safe website, several steps occur in a matter of milliseconds.
- You enter the URL of a secure website, denoted by an HTTPS address: “https://securitypilgrim.com/”.
- Norton’s web server responds with secure pages (HTTPS).
- Along with the SSL certificate, the webserver sends a public key. A third party digitally signs valid SSL certificates, creating the server’s authenticity and domain ownership.
- The digital signature is validated by your web browser.
- When the signature of the certificate is authenticated, your browser shows a padlock icon in the URL bar.
- Your web browser transmits encrypted data along with a secret key to the webserver.
- To read the information and obtain access to the secret key, the server implements a private decryption key.
- From now on, the browser and server will exchange data using the private decryption key. Cybercriminals who do not have the shared secret key cannot read the data.
Are All the SSL Certificates Same?
No, there are different types of SSL certificates, some of them are:
- Domain Validation: The most affordable level, includes basic encryption and confirmation of domain name registration ownership. This form of the certificate can take anywhere from several minutes to a few hours to obtain.
- Organization Validation: In addition to basic encryption and authentication of domain name registration ownership, the owner’s information (e.g., name and address) are verified. This type of certificate can take anywhere from a few hours to several days to arrive.
- Extended Validation (EV): This provides the highest level of security due to the thorough examination that is performed prior to issuing this certificate (and as entirely mentioned in guidelines listed by the SSL certification firm’s governing consortium). The legal, physical, and functional existence of the entity is authenticated in addition to domain name registration and entity verification. This type of certificate can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to arrive.
How to Obtain an SSL Certificate?
The following steps are required to obtain your SSL:
- Prepare by configuring your server and ensuring that your WHOIS record is up to date and corresponds to what you are sending to the Certificate Authority (it requires showing the proper company name and address, etc.)
- On your server, create a Certificate Signing Request (CSR). This is something that your hosting company can help you with.
- Sending this to the Certificate Authority in order for your domain and company information to be validated
- Once the process is finished, download the certificate they provide.
- Once you have obtained the certificate, you must configure it on your web host’s servers or on your own web server if you host the website yourself.
How to Know if a Website has an SSL certificate?
Looking at the URL bar in your browser is the simplest way to see if a website has an SSL certificate:
- If the URL starts with HTTPS rather than HTTP, it means the site is protected by an SSL certificate.
- Secure sites display a closed padlock icon, which you can click to view security information – the most reliable sites will have green padlocks or address bars.
- When a connection is not protected, browsers display warning signs such as a red padlock, an open padlock, a line through the website’s address, or a caution triangle on the upper side of the padlock symbol.
To Sum Up
As more people shop online, cyber threats become more sophisticated. Understanding the different types of SSL certificates to search for, what constitutes a secure site, and the possible risks of online purchases can help consumers in avoiding online threats and protecting their sensitive data from cybercriminals.
