What is SSL / TLS Certificate?
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) certificates are a type of digital certificate used to verify the identity of a website or application over a secure connection. SSL certificates enable data encryption on the internet and allow data to be transmitted securely from a web server to a browser. This helps to reduce the risk of interception by third parties to sensitive information such as credit card numbers, usernames, and passwords.
The main purpose of an SSL / TLS certificate is to protect data transferred over the internet by creating an encrypted connection. When a site is secured with an SSL/TLS certificate, it observes a secure form of communications which is crucial for ecommerce websites that deal with sensitive data such as credit card numbers.
How does SSL / TLS Certificate work?
SSL/TLS certificates work by creating a secure connection between two parties to anonymize data that is being sent. The certificate shows a trusted third party has validated the authenticity of the sender and recipient. When a user visits a website that has been secured with an SSL/TLS certificate, their browser will show a lock symbol in the address bar to indicate that their connection is secure.
When someone visits a website secured with an SSL/TLS certificate, the visitor’s browser sends a request to the server hosting the website. The server then sends back its SSL / TLS certificate. This certificate contains information that authenticates the website and indicates that the data is being sent securely.
The browser then makes sure that the certificate is valid and checked by one of the trusted Certificate Authorities (CA). If everything checks out, the browser will generate a unique encryption key that only the browser and server can use. This encrypted data can then be safely transmitted between the two, ensuring that it can only be accessed by the intended parties.
Why Use an SSL / TLS Certificate?
SSL/TLS certificates are essential for any online business or website for a number of reasons. Firstly, it protects data by creating an encrypted connection between the two parties. This is especially important for vendors that process payments, since the data (i.e. credit card numbers) must remain secure. Secondly, it boosts a website’s rankings in search engine rankings, since search engines prioritize secure websites.
Apart from the security benefit, an SSL certificate also plays a pivotal role in building customer trust and confidence in online transactions. If a website has a valid certificate, customers can feel confident that the site is secure and can safely enter their details without fear of interception or hack.
Conclusion
SSL/TLS certificates are a type of digital certificates used to verify the identity of a website or application over a secure connection. They work by providing a secure connection by creating an encrypted path that data can travel through. An SSL/TLS certificate boosts search engine rankings and increases customer trust, making them an essential element for any online business.
