4 Reasons to Make Use of SSL on Websites
Back in 1994, Netscape began using Secure Socket Layer (SSL) so that they could send sensitive data over the web with some security. The newer edition of the service is called Transport Layer Security (TLS), although even this is still routinely known as SSL. Basically, SSL is the standard security technology used to encrypt online data. SSL offers encrypted communication between the web server (server-side) and the customer’s web browser (client-side) when transmitting personal information such as credit card number, name, and address. The SSL protocol uses Certificate Authority (CA) to issue ‘digital certificates to the authenticated company.
1. It Protects Important Information
Before the introduction of SSL, it was difficult to ensure privacy over the web in online transactions. There was a general distrust of the ability to conduct online transactions and a fear that an individual’s credit card information could be picked up by a third party and used for unauthorized purchases.
What makes SSL unique is an encryption technique that sends credit cards and other personal data through the web. This encryption technology makes the information totally useless to anyone who does not have decoding abilities. If a third party were to intercept the information it would be useless to them. The whole SSL process involves authenticating the server’s identity, and the website’s identity, and once the authentication is verified, the message will be sent in the form of encrypted information to the one who asked for a certificate. Usually, a browser requests an SSL certificate and in turn, the web server supplies its public key with the requested certificate. Then, the browser has to verify whether the certificate issued is valid (certified by the authorized parties) and also should verify whether the SSL certificate issued comes from the particular website for which the request has been made.
2. You Gain a Level of Trust With Customers
The use of SSL Digital Certificates also provides a unique level of trust because a certificate verifies the user's authenticity. This is an important step in instilling trust in potential customers. Many savvy consumers will avoid any online retailer if they do not use SSL. Customers will find another vendor rather than use a website without SSL certificates.
Don’t be surprised if your potential customer determines their willingness to do business with you based on the security of your website. Many customers will look for the SSL symbol and will move along if they don’t find it. SSL use can also be recognized by a lock symbol in the lower right-hand corner of your browser window. If the symbol is unlocked then SSL is not in use on the site.
An SSL certificate contains important details of the owner like his e-mail address, validity period, Distinguished Name along with the Common Name, and also the certificate identification of the person who issues this information. The Certification Authority (CA) maintains an extensive list in which we can find names of the signed certificates and also more information about the revoked SSL certificates. Additionally, SSL increases the accountability and visibility of the company and creates goodwill and a positive image among the customers.
3. Browsers May Refuse to Display Without It
As a matter of fact, since the beginning of 2017, the bigger browser companies like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari warn customers about web pages that are missing an SSL certificate, by way of a large security warning page or popup. Sometimes browsers flat out refuse to display the page unless you click several buttons to tell the browser that you understand the risk and trust the content of the web page. As a consumer, that is great protection, however, as a business owner this action may harm your brand and you may lose customers because of it.
4. It’s a Good Tool For Security, Privacy, and Safety
The certification maintains the integrity of the data passed to and fro between the browsers and web server (this is private and confidential). Thus, it's a good tool to meet the security, privacy, and safety standards required to protect sensitive and personal data. SSL is especially important when we give our credit card and personal information to e-commerce websites. SSL certification cannot easily be accessed by hackers because the certificates have the proper key to encrypt the data. Therefore, the security of the certificate is taken care of in all aspects so one can really rely on the Certificate Authority (CA).
Make Use of SSL on Your Website
The internet has undoubtedly created new opportunities for e-commerce. However, that development is also attracting an ever-increasing number of cyber criminals. A fraudulent website made to look like a legitimate website may try to entice innocent customers into revealing personal information unknowingly. The only solution to this problem is to take advantage of the Secure Sockets Layer technology and implement it on your website. The bottom line is, that every website that deals with sensitive information like credit card numbers or any other critical personal information should have proper SSL certifications in place to protect them and their customers. Also, any website that wants to assure their customers feel secure when browsing their websites should have SSL certificates in place as well.
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