Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Your Guide to SSL Certificates


SSL is short for Secure Sockets Layer, which is a security system employed by web browsers and servers. The SSL protects data during transfer within the web. SSL certificates have public and private key pair and identification information. When a client or a browser is directed to a secured domain, the server would share the public key with the client. Afterwards, an encryption method is established, with the client confirming that it trusts the SSL certificate issuer. When the whole process is through, a secure session is made, and then message and data shared are secured.

An SSL is a cryptographic protocol that secures communication on the internet. Segments of network connections are encrypted in different ways. Key exchange requires asymmetric encryption, while privacy requires symmetric encryption. On the other hand, message integrity requires message authentication codes. These protocols come in several versions used widely in various applications like web browsing, emailing, and instant messaging.

SSL certificates are essentially digital files or codes with two main functions-verification and data encryption. An SSL certificate has information about the identity of a website. It will show this information to the visitors after clicking on the browser's padlock symbol. Data encryption secures private information exchanged on the website. This ensures that data exchanged will not be intercepted by a third party.

Website owners should find a reliable SSL certificate authority that will provide the certificate. A trusted Certificate Authority or CA is necessary. Not everyone can receive one, though, because there are stringent policies to follow in order to obtain one. But that certificate is essential, for it makes your website trustworthy.

There are different types of certificates, like dedicated SSL certificate, shared certificates, and so on. Choosing the kind that you want or need involves some research. You only need to know what kind suits you. Different types come in different prices. SSL certificate suppliers are all online, so you should not have a hard time looking for them. It pays to shop around.

If you want a specifically assigned SSL certificate, you can choose a dedicated one, which are assigned to respective domain names. This means you need to obtain a unique domain name. This type of certificate is the most expensive of all types of certificates.

A shared kind is different, as the name implies. It can be supplied by web hosts and used by their customers. But this type will not make your domain name visible. That is why they usually offer it free.

You can't use someone else's certificate, because your website visitors may have problems getting to your website. They will not be able to see your information when they verify the certificate. Instead, they will see the information of the true owner. Worse, modern browsers will show an error page prompting the visitor not to proceed.

Is it possible to have a free one? It is, but do not expect that a free one would offer the same level of security that a paid one does. Free SSL's have unreliable encryption, thus faintly supporting your website's security.

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