Definition
The Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is the most commonly installed security protocol used today on the web. Basically, it is a protocol that offers a secure channel between two machines operating over the World Wide Web.
Importance
The security of data, transmitted over the Internet, is increasingly important because of the steadily growing data volumes on public networks. Everyday millions of web users send various types of data on public networks, whether it be emails, credit card details, or online banking transaction. They come to expect protection and security when the data is in transit. A practical SSL protocol has been adopted to protect web user data being transmitted over public networks.
Ensuring website security and protecting the privacy of ecommerce customers doing business with you online is equally vital to establish customer confidence and trust. That confidence and trust is established through secure communication between your customer`s web browser and your site, usually by way of a digital SSL Certificate. You have the option of installing an SSL Certificate or borrowing one from your web hosting provider or a third party transaction processing company.
Types of SSL Certificates:
The type of SSL depends on your needs:
– Some web users need SSL simply for confidentiality, i.e., encryption.
– Some web users wish to utilize SSL to enhance trust in their security and identity.
Essentially there are 3 types to choose from:
1. ORGANIZATIONALLY VALIDATED SSL CERTIFICATES
This type of SSL website security validation, offered by certificate authorities (CAs), guarantees the validity of a Web site. It basically verifies that the applicant is a legitimate business. Before issuing the SSL certificate, the CA must performs a rigorous validation procedure, which includes inspecting the applicant`s business credentials and attesting the accuracy of the business’ physical and Web addresses.
2. DOMAIN VALIDATED (DV) SSL CERTIFICATES
The validation process is less rigorous of the 3. When issuing a Domain Validated SSL Certificate, the certificate authority (CA) checks that the applicant`s name and contact information matches the information registered on the WHOIS database.
3. EXTENDED VALIDATED (EV) CERTIFICATES
This is the newest certificate available on the market. The certificate application process is the most thorough and the validation criteria are more rigorous than the other two. Only certain types of business entities and government agencies can apply. Among the new features of this type of certificate is the color-coding of the web browser`s address bar to signal secure connections.
We install SSL certificate on each e-commerce website we are working on to secure personal and financial data transfer. SSL certificate is mandatory to pass basic PCI compliance required by payment service providers (PSP) such as Moneris or Elavon. Type of SSL certificate is defined by project requirements. We offer a wide array of SSL certificates of each type and capable of meeting any project requirements.