SSL Certificates A Brief Summary

Today, since much of the businesses and shopping is done online, the internet has become an integral part of our lives. When we carry out an online shopping transaction, we key in our personal details, bank related information, and even our credit card numbers.

There are times when the system is not secure, and others can hack into our account and use these information. We might receive a huge credit card bill, containing a list of items we never bought or get charged for trips we never made. These issues are all part of the security problems faced on the internet. In order to prevent these type of things form happening, there is something called a Secure Sockets layer (SSL) that was put in place and now, every site should have a SSL certificate before they begin their operations.

Even while we are sending emails, or chatting with friends, there are ways in which our data and personal information can be accessed by others. Now, if a site has the necessary SSL certificates, there is no way this leakage can occur. It is almost like eavesdropping into someone else’s conversation or sneaking into someone’s room and taking their ATM card or bank PIN details. The internet security uses a cryptographic system that has two kinds of keys in it, one that is open and known to all, a public key and the other is a private one, that is known only to the recipient of that particular mail or message. However, there are some web browsers that haven’t yet incorporated this and so don’t use the protocol. One way to identify if the browser has SSL certificates is by observing the URL address. If it is http: and not https:, then the system has SSL certificates already in place.

There are a couple of websites from which these SSL Certificates can be downloaded by paying a nominal charge. And this is advised to all internet users for they can then be worry free and use the net for any kind of transaction. Most of them have a strong encryption of up to 365 bit and are compatible with almost all the internet browsers. So, it is important for a person who is a frequent online shopper to be aware of these certifications and educate others as well.

GlobalSign is a leading provider of SSL Certificates, hosting SSL and website security. SSL Certificates

SSL: Site Security And Privacy

Netscape began using Secure Socket Layer (SSL) in 1994 as a means of sending sensitive data over the web. The newer edition of the service is called Transport Layer Security (TLS), although even this is routinely known by the SSL designation.

Before the introduction of SSL it was difficult to ensure privacy over the web in online transactions. There was a general distrust of the ability to conduct online transactions and a fear that an individual?s credit card information could be picked up by a third party and used for unauthorized purchases.

What makes SSL unique is an encryption technique that sends credit card and other personal data through the web. This encryption technique makes the information totally useless to anyone who does not have decoding abilities. If a third party were to intercept the information it would be useless to them.

The use of SSL Digital Certificates also provides a unique level of trust because a certificate verifies the users authenticity. This is an important step in instilling trust in potential customers. Many savvy consumers will avoid an online retailer entirely if they do not use SSL.

Without the proper use of SSL, information such as credit card numbers, third parties with less than positive motivations could obtain passwords and personal identification numbers.

A 128-bit key that is harder to break and typically protects personal account information than the 40-bit key. If your name and address is all that is being protected a 40-bit key may be used; the higher bit the key, the greater level of encryption. Most financial institutions only use 128-but keys for the security of their client?s data.

As an online marketer you will likely be asking your visitors for personal data. Don?t be surprised if your potential customer determines their willingness to do business with you based on the security of your website. Many customers will look for the SSL symbol and will move along if the don?t find it. SSL use can also be recognized by a lock symbol in the lower right hand corner of your browser window. If the symbol is unlocked then SSL is not in use on the site.

SSL should be enacted on pages requiring a password or might contain personal data most clients would like to keep private. Some sites will place SSL on some pages and forget other pages that are equally as sensitive. For the sake of your personal experience with ecommerce you should implement SSL protocol.

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Scott Lindsay is a web developer and entrepreneur. He is the founder of HighPowerSites and many other web projects. HighPowerSites is the easiest do-it-yourself website builder on the web. Get your own website online in just 5 minutes with http://HighPowerSites.com at: http://www.highpowersites.com