What is a SSL Certificate?
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) Certificate is a technology that enables encrypted communication between client browser and web server. When SSL Certificate is enabled, Server creates two types of cryptographic keys i.e. Private Key and Public Key. After matching the keys will only create encrypted connection between server and client.
What are SSL Certificates?
SSL Certificates stands for Secure Sockets Layers Certificates. SSL Certificates sometimes are also called Digital Certificates. SSL Certificates are used to establish a secure encrypted connection between a browser i.e. user's computer and a server (website).
Do you know, internet is a very fertile ground for security issues. Before moving to the actual question, let's make reveal of some reports which are considered to be biggest losses due to hacking.
1. Sony losses $171 million which was hacked in April to June 2011
2. Citigroup losses $2.7 million which was hacked in December 2011
3. Startfor losses $2 million which was hacked in December 2011
After observing the above reports, we can say how risky is the security issues on the internet business. SSL Certificates technology is a technology to protect from such hacks. SSL Certificates is a technology that enables encrypted communication between web browser and web servers. Whether we like hackers or hate them, we can find hundreds of expert hackers on internet searching for loophole on our system. Have you protected yourself? You may be their next target.
SSL Certificates ensures that all the sharing of data becomes private between the web server and web browser. Millions of companies who have their online transaction uses SSL Certificate to protect their data.How does SSL Certificate work?
Server creates the SSL connection with the browser after getting SSL Certificate. In the initial phase, Server creates two cryptographic keys i.e. 1. Private Key and 2. Public Key. As the name suggest, Public Key doesn't need to be secret and made available to public. It is placed into a Certificate Signing Request (CSR). After it, CSR is submitted. During SSL Certificate application process, the Certification Authority will validate your details and issue an SSL Certificate containing your details allowing you to use SSL.
If the web server match the issued SSL Certificate to the Private Key, then encrypted connection between server and browser is established. These all processes occur on the backend. User intervention is not knowledgeable about all the background process.
SSL Certificate contains various information such as company name, address, country, expiry date, etc. The Expiry Date is provided by the SSL provider. After the expiry date, the Certificate need re-activation.How to know if SSL Certificate is enabled?
To know if SSL Certificate is enabled, we can see HTTPS which stand for Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure. Having HTTPS before the domain name at the address bar are using SSL Certificate.Types of SSL Certificate
1. Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates
Extended Validation SSL Certificates requires extended validation of business organization information and legal existence.
2. Organization Validation (OV) SSL Certificate
For Organization Validation SSL Certificate, Certificate Authority must validate the company name, domain name and other information.
3. Domain Validation (DV) SSL Certificate
Domain Validation SSL Certificate validates if the domain is registered and someone with admin rights is aware of and approve the certificate request.Who need SSL Certificate?
Till now, I assume you have clear understanding about the SSL Certificate. Now, the query arise, who need SSL Certificate? Do I need SSL Certificate? If you have your ecommerce site then you absolutely need SSL Certificate. Those websites which processes financial information such as Credit Card Number, back accounts, login passwords, legal documents, medical records, and these site must have SSL Certificate. Since these data are sensitive and can lead to misuse.Where to get SSL Certificate?
Now, here we are. Ok I understand about the importance of SSL Certificate. From where do I get SSL Certificate? The answer is, there are many companies that sell SSL Certificates. Some of the popular are Comodo, Verisign, GlobalSign, GoDaddy, DigiCert, Thawte, etc.
There are many companies which sell the SSL certificate for securing your domain. You can buy the certificate for a small price and also note that many companies provide free trials.