What is an SSL Certificate? [Definition]
An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a digital certificate that authenticates the identity of a website. Due to data encryption between the server and your computer.
As a result, encryption is the process of:
- Scrambling data into an undecipherable format.
- Sent from Computer to server.
- Decryption keys are sent.
- Returned to a readable format with the proper decryption key.
- Repeated back and forth. From Server to the Computer and back.
SSL Certificates are small data files that digitally bind a cryptographic key to an organization’s details. When installed on a web server, it activates the padlock and the HTTPS protocol protects the web server and browser:
- A certificate is successfully installed on your server.
- The application protocol changes from HTTP to HTTPS.
- The ‘S’ stands for ‘secure’.
Depending on the type of certificate you purchased. You may, in addition, see a green padlock or bar. In contrast, just because you do not see a green bar does not mean it has failed installation. Therefore check with your IT department to verify that it works.
Why Use an SSL Certificate?
- To also Gain Your Customers’ trust.
- Protect yourself hence your clients from Hacking.
- To be able to collect payments.
- Because some governments require it for certain websites.
DATA SENT IS MORE SECURE. BECAUSE OF ENCRYPTED DATA!
Therefore, SSL Certificates are Highly recommended. Personal data from subscribers and buyers must be protected from hackers and identity thieves. Almost mandatory if money is being exchanged!!!
Types of SSL Certificate
There are many different types of SSL certificates based on the number of domain names or subdomains owned, such as:
- Single – secures one fully-qualified domain name or subdomain name
- Wildcard – covers one domain name and an unlimited number of its subdomains
- Multi-Domain – secures multiple domain names
What is an SSL Certificate protecting you from?
A phishing email is an email sent by a criminal who tries to impersonate your website. The email usually includes a link to their own website. Or it uses a man-in-the-middle attack to use your own domain name. It is very difficult for these criminals to receive a proper SSL certificate. They won’t be able to perfectly impersonate your site. This means that your users will be far less likely to fall for a phishing attack.
Disadvantages of SSL Certificates:
With so many advantages, why would anyone not use SSL? Are there any disadvantages to using SSL certificates? Cost is an obvious disadvantage. SSL providers:
- Sets up a trusted infrastructure.
- Validates your identity.
- Well, known SSL providers carry strong reputations. Therefore prices for them are overwhelmingly high.
Performance is another disadvantage of SSL. Encrypted data equals more calculations. Therefore it takes more server resources. The performance difference is only noticeable for web sites with very large numbers of visitors.
Proper use of SSL certificates will:
- Help protect your customers.
- Protect you and your website.
- Help you to gain your customer’s trust and sell more of what you are offering.
Turnkey offers many different SSL Certificate options. Most of all we offer many levels of protection. If you seek help in setting up an SSL certificate or have further questions, please feel free to contact us. In conclusion, SSL Certificates are
- Extra levels of protection.
- It furthermore protects the data from your client.
- Protects Data hacking into your website.
- as a result, it adds an extra level of virus protection.
- Proper setup is the key.
- Once installed properly, it consequently operates automatically.
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