What is SSL?
SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer protocol and was created to ensure secure transactions between web servers and browsers.
Why do I need it?
Most credit card processing systems require SSL on your site. As well as protecting data it gives buyers a feeling of safety and trust.
The main reason you need SSL is to keep private information from fraudsters. Using a special process, the Secure Sockets Layer turns information into random looking letters, numbers and symbols. If a potential fraudster intercepts it, the information is garbled and useless. In addition to turning information into useless information, the SSL certificate also issues a key that can decode the message. Only the program or server that has the proper key can turn the useless information back into usable, readable information.
Having a secure sockets layer is important, even necessary if you are serious about running a business online. It gives customers the confidence to use your site to make purchases.
How it works?
- A browser requests a secure page (usually https://).
- The web server sends its public key with its certificate.
- The browser checks that the certificate was issued by a trusted party (usually a trusted root CA), that the certificate is still valid and that the certificate is related to the site contacted.
- The browser then uses the public key, to encrypt a random symmetric encryption key and sends it to the server with the encrypted URL required as well as other encrypted http data.
- The web server decrypts the symmetric encryption key using its private key and uses the symmetric key to decrypt the URL and http data.
- The web server sends back the requested html document and http data encrypted with the symmetric key.
- The browser decrypts the http data and html document using the symmetric key and displays the information, indicating that the website is secure.
Green Bar Feature
Extended Validation is a type of SSL certificate that turns the web address bar green in some web browsers and displays the company details.
This feature can make some customers more confident in purchasing form your online store.
Wildcard
Sometimes your website uses subdomains. For example your might use www.website.com.au as your main sit and have a different site on shop.website.com.au for your online store.
By getting a wildcard SSL certificate you can cover any subdomain with just one certificate.
Basic SSL VS Green Bar
SSL Pricing Options
www.domain.com.au
