Securing the data which is being transmitted over the internet has been a very hot button issue to many companies for some-time now, but as traders continue to charge forward online; getting more and more retail profits, security has become essential and many people are talking about whether or not businesses can really exist without secure networks and SSL certificates. Before deciding if this option is right for you, it is important to know what it is first.
What is SSL Certificate?
An SSL certificate is a small data file distributed by companies placed into websites. When the site is accessed by any user a cryptographic key is normally initiated and this makes all the data processed across the servers secure. Basically, SSL Certificate ensures that there is no third party that can steal or garner the data being transmitted over the site at that very moment. SSL Certificate is a protocol which creates a very secure bridge between the server and the browser and offers a secure environment for information transit.
Nowadays SSL is a necessity for E-business and any other online merchants. The traditional street shopping has been replaced with shopping online. When the internet users insert their personal details like login ID, credit card and password for their online transactions, there has to be a security for their confidential details. If your site does not have enough security then, the user’s details can be at risk.
In this situation, SSL is a great security protocol which secures the user data over the internet. Many visitors often stay away from those sites that lack sufficient online security.
Visitors know when a website is secure by looking out for telltale signs of a secure site. Secure websites normally have their HTTP:// altered to HTTPS:// in the web browser. The site will also show a padlock which is closed somewhere on its browser bar to show a secure server. Servers which do not have such certificates will appear with the regular HTPP address and also an opened padlock. Many visitors are also prompted whenever they want to submit confidential information across a non-secured server.
When Is SSL Certificate Important?
The use of SSL certificate is important when confidential customer information is being transferred through the server. For instance, online merchants who normally accept credit card payments need to ensure that their servers are secured as the information can be interfered with easily and the consequences can be far-reaching. In addition small companies that want to peddle their wares on the internet are more likely to attract clients if they have a secure server to process orders.
Many internet users know the signs of a protected server, even if they do not know exactly how it functions, and check specifically for such symbols whenever they want to input their sensitive information. A good number of online buyers, especially the seasoned ones, will think twice before placing their orders through unsecured servers.
What Type of Businesses does it Need It?
In theory, there is no business that needs SSL certificate; however it is a great idea for a great portion of retailers nowadays. Any company’s website that processes online transactions needs to be SSL certified. It is very important to online traders that many people will gladly go to a different website and pay more just to ensure their information is safe by way of encryption. This means that any online company should have SSL certifications.
Types of Security issues
SSL certificates can provide security against the following attacks which make many websites exposed and vulnerable.
- Flooding attack
- Injection attack
- Man in the middle attack
- Network sniffing
- Port Scanning
- Data theft
Any company which asks users to sign up using their user name, e-mail addresses and passwords should consider SSL certification. This data is also very sensitive for many online users and an SSL certified logo will make them feel at home and safe and this will make them more likely to sign up. You can learn more about SSLs at http://www.sslcertificate.com/
From the above information, it can be said that SSL is not just a certificate but a complete security option, carrying strong authentication and encryption. It is no doubt that SSL certification is the only hope of online traders, which offers complete security solution online.
Dennis S. Perkins, software engineer at SSLCertificate.com. I’m an information security geek, crazy programmer and a musician. In a spare time I play my guitar and spend time with my family.