Here's all of the information you'll need to pick the correct SSL Security Solution for your website.
We all need web security. Since the advent of the internet there have been cyber-threats and cybercriminals attempting to disrupt it. As the internet has evolved, so too have these threats. Today, cybercrime is as sophisticated as ever, with hackers looking to exploit any and all vulnerabilities available to them.
The key to cyber security is to always stay one step ahead. Nowadays defending your website from potential threats requires a comprehensive security solution—and no component of that security solution is more important than SSL/TLS.
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Regardless of your level of technical acumen – whether you're an IT admin or an everyday person – this guide will walk you through the basics of SSL:
Why you need it
How you can obtain it
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What is SSL/TLS?
Let's start with the basics. An SSL/TLS Certificate serves two primary functions. It enables encrypted connections between clients (a website's visitors) and web servers (the server that hosts a website) via the SSL/TLS protocol. It also authenticates the identity of the company or organization that holds the certificate.
1 Data Encryption
2 Authentication
When a client and a web server communicate, typically that information is out in the open and capable of being intercepted or manipulated by a third party. For obvious reasons, this is not ideal. An SSL/TLS Certificate enables an encrypted connection, wherein all communication between the client and server is encoded in such a way that only an authorized party can read it. This protects personal data and sensitive information being shared between the two.
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What is Authentication?
As we mentioned, an SSL/TLS Certificate serves two functions. The first is to encrypt communication between a website and its visitors. The second, authentication, offers verified information about the company or organization operating a website to its visitors. Trust is absolutely essential online, and authentication provides your site's visitors with the confidence they need to do business with you.
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How does an SSL/TLS Certificate Actually Work?
So by now you know that an SSL/TLS Certificate enables an encrypted connection between a client and a web server, but what does that actually mean? How does it enact this kind of secure connection? It starts with an interaction known as the SSL Handshake that, within a matter of milliseconds, can facilitate an encrypted connection that protects all communication between your website and its visitors.
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How will my website's visitors know I have SSL/TLS?
When you purchase an SSL/TLS Certificate, you're making an investment in protecting your customers' privacy. But let's be honest, in addition to it being the right thing to do, you'd also like to get a little bit of credit from your customers for keeping them safe. Fortunately, there are some very obvious visual indicators that come with SSL/TLS.
A negative visual indicator will show for sites that aren't equipped with an SSL/TLS certificate to let.visitors know that a site is not secure.
Regular DV and OV SSL certificates provide some information but not enough to avoid receiving neutral browser treatment.
Websites with Extended Validation SSL certificates assert sufficient identity to receive unique browser treatment.
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How does the SSL/TLS Issuance Process Work?
There are several steps you'll need to take in order to get your SSL/TLS Certificate issued. Starting with generating a Certificate Signing Request and a Private Key, you'll also need to undergo the verification process, receive the certificate and all accompanying files from the Certificate Authority, then install it on your server and configure your server for HTTPS.
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The SSL Store™ Buyer's Guide
So now you understand what an SSL/TLS Certificate is, how it works and what you'll need to do in order to get one issued and running on your website. But this is only the tip of the iceberg. There's a whole range of factors that determine what type of certificate is right for you and your website.
There's also additional benefits and features that you may want to take advantage of to help you leverage your newly purchased SSL Certificate for all it's worth. In order to make the right decision for you and your company, you'll need all the information.