Last updated on October 31st, 2022 at 01:39 pm
Does your website require users to submit confidential data, including personal information, passwords, or credit card details? If yes, you need to know what a SSL is.
A matter of Cybersecurity
Information you send on the Internet is passed from one computer to another, until it gets to the destination server. Any computer in between you and the server can see your credit card numbers, usernames and passwords, and other sensitive information if it is not encrypted with an SSL certificate. When an SSL certificate is used, the information becomes unreadable to everyone except for the server you are sending the information to. This protects it from hackers and identity thieves.
What is SSL?
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a standard security protocol for establishing encrypted links between a web server and a browser in an online communication. The usage of SSL technology ensures that all data transmitted between the web server and browser remains encrypted.
Why you need SSL
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Keeps data secure between server and client.
When someone uses a form or needs to submit information to your website, there is need to encrypt the information so that third party cannot intercept it. This is important when passwords, usernames, payment information like card numbers, and personal information.
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Builds users trust
Users are more likely to trust a website with a SSL certificate than one without. It gives them confidence that their privacy has been put into consideration, and that the website is genuine and belongs to a verified entity.
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SEO ranking
Search engines trust websites with SSL more than the ones without. This makes the website rank highly in the search results.
Types of SSL
There are three main types of SSL that one can use. These are:
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Domain Validated Certificate
Domain Validated certificates are certificates that are checked against domain registry. There is no identifying organizational information for these certificates and thus should never be used for commercial purposes. It is recommended using these types of certificates where security is not a concern, such as protected internal systems.
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Organization Validated Certificate
Organizational certificates are Trusted. Organizations are strictly authenticated by real agents against business registry databases hosted by governments. Documents may exchange and personnel may be contacted during validation to prove the right of use. OV certificates therefore contain legitimate business information. This is the standard type of certificate required on a commercial or public facing website
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Extended Validation Certificate (EV)
An Extended Validation Certificate (EV) is a certificate used for HTTPS websites and software that proves the legal entity controlling the website or software package. Obtaining an EV certificate requires verification of the requesting entity’s identity by a certificate authority (CA).
Need to secure your website? Contact us and we will give you advice on the best SSL for you, as well as help you with technical information.
