What is Secure Socket Layer (SSL)?
Secure Socket Layer (SSL) is a protocol developed for transmitting private data over the Internet. SSL is a way to ensure that sensitive data received from users or web site visitors are safe and remains private.
The SSL protocol uses a cryptographic system that uses two keys to encrypt data, a public key known to everyone and a private key known only to the recipient of the message. This ensures that data pass between two entities over the internet shall be encrypted upon transmission. Websites uses the encrypted data channel to obtain confidential user information such as credit card numbers, personal data, business data, emails or login credentials.
Web sites with SSL have the following characteristics:
1. The URL or web address changes from http:// to https://.
2. The padlock sign on the browser changes from open to close.
3. The address bar will turn to green and display the name of website owner when connecting to a website protected by Extended Validation SSL certificate.
Benefits of having secure connection with SSL, https://
Websites that incur payment transaction, online ordering, booking, submission of any user information or have client login area requires a secured connection to ensure customer/user confidence when submitting data to your website. With SSL certificate installed, customers/users feels secure and confident when interacting with you through your website.
The primary goal is to have a secure connection between user and your website to prevent hackers from stealing sensitive data from your web user and your organization.