Security is a major concern among the everyday individual visiting the hundreds of websites on the interwebs. Scams and cyber crimes have only evolved in the last few decades, leading to identity crimes and financial scams.
SSL certificates were created as a method of ensuring that the website you are on is secure enough to browse, purchase from, or sell to. So, what are SSL certificates?
SSL Certificates, A Secure Form Of HTTP
Websites can use HTTPS, which is more secure than HTTP, thanks to SSL certificates. A data file stored on the origin server of a website is called an SSL certificate. The public key of the website, its identity, and other relevant data are contained in SSL certificates, which enable SSL/TLS encryption.
When you open the website on your device, it will attempt to communicate with the origin server, referencing this file to obtain the public key and verify the server’s identity.
SSL Functionality And Implementation
SSL is responsible for encrypted data transferr between a user’s device and the website’s services. It makes use of encryption algorithms to scramble the data transfer both ways, in order to prevent data leaks and potential cyber attacks. This data can contain several pieces of important information, such as personal information, addresses, credit card numbers, or passwords.
The Process Should Look Something Like This:
- A server or browser tries to connect to an SSL-protected website.
- The web server is asked to determine itself by the browser or server.
- In response, the web server provides a copy of its SSL certificate to the server or browser.
- The SSL certificate is verified by the browser or server. It notifies the web server if it does.
- After that, the web server initiates an SSL-encrypted session by returning a digitally signed acknowledgment.
- Encrypted data is exchanged between the browser or server and the web server.
SSL Handshake
The process of communication and verification is referred to as an “SSL Handshake.” It occurs in milliseconds to ensure that the website is secure with an SSL certificate. The key difference between a site that is secure and one that isn’t is the acronym HTTPS. An unprotected site will have the letter HTTP. The “S” in which case stands for Secure, furthermore, a padlock icon with also appear in the URL which signals reassurance for those visiting.
You can view these details by clicking the padlock. These details will include.
- the domain name for which a certificate was granted.
- which individual, group, or gadget received it.
- Which Certificate Authority issued it?
- The digital signature of the Certificate Authority.
- Related subdomains.
- Date of certificate issuance Date of certificate expiration.
- The public key.
SSL, The Ultimate Security
If you have your clients and customers visiting your site and leaving behind personal information. SSL certificates will make sure their data is safe from cyber-attacks and build trust with your user base. It can secure information like;
- Login credentials
- Credit card transactions or bank account information
- Personally identifiable information
- Legal documents and contracts
- Medical records
- Proprietary information
The requirement for an SSL certificate for an HTTPS web address is more pertinent to business owners. Since HTTPS is a safe variant of HTTP, SSL encrypts all traffic on HTTPS websites. The majority of browsers mark HTTP websites, those that lack SSL certificates, as “not secure.” This makes it obvious to consumers that the website might not be reliable, which encourages companies that haven’t switched to HTTPS to do so.
The Various Types Of SSL Certifications
Generally, SSL certification means that a particular site is secure and safe to use. However, there are four types of SSL certifications, each offering a different level of validation. These are;
- Extended Validation certificates (EV SSL)
- Organization Validated certificates (OV SSL)
- Domain Validated certificates (DV SSL)
- Wildcard SSL certificates
EV SSL Or Extended Validation Certificates
EV SSL is the highest and most pricey form of SSL certification, usually used by high-profile websites to collect data and make payments. If a site is using EV SSL, it will display the following;
- A padlock HTTPS
- Name of the business
- The country of origin
- Website owner’s information
The owners must go through a standardized identity verification process to verify their exclusive right to the domain before installing an EV SSL.
OV SSL Or Organization Validated Certificates
OV SSL follows a similar process of installation, with the owner having to verify their rights to the domain, and is the second most expansive option for SSL certification. Its main objective is to encrypt sensitive user data during transactions. You must install an OV SSL certificate to guarantee the confidentiality of any shared customer information for commercial or publicly accessible websites.
DV SSL Or Domain Validated Certificates
DV SSL is a cheaper form of SSL that requires minimal validation and offers lower assurance and minimal encryption. People commonly use it on informational websites or ones that don’t collect data or personal information. It is also the quickest method to obtain SSL certification, through responding to emails or phone calls. Furthermore, the address will only displays HTTPS and padlock without a business name.
Wildcard SSL Certificates
Through Wildcard SSL, you can secure your domain and sub-domains with a single certificate, which is cheaper than buying each individual one.
The typical name of wildcard SSL certificates includes an asterisk *, which stands for any legitimate subdomains that share the same base domain. One Wildcard certificate for the website, for instance, can be used to secure:
- payments.yourdomain.com
- login.yourdomain.com
- mail.yourdomain.com
- download.yourdomain.com
- anything.yourdomain.com
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To satisfy your demands and expectations, we develop your website in a distinctive way, preventing any and all potential cyber attacks. Experience smooth and well-designed website designs at Web Design Marvel today.
