What is SSL?
As website owners and IT professionals, I am sure you are well aware of SSL. But just in case, God forbidding you don’t, here’s a brief intro. SSL i.e., Secure Sockets Layer is a security mechanism that is devised to secure the transmission of data between the website and the end user. More specifically, the aim of Secure Sockets Layer is to secure the personal information of users such as your credit card numbers, social security numbers and your login details which are prone to attacks from hackers.
Different kinds of security measures are been taken nowadays worldwide in the face of threat posed by cyber criminals. European Union has passed the law for enforcing data encryption of all data about their citizens. So it is imperative for us to understand and carry out these safety tactics to tackle such future attacks.
How does SSL work?
Simply put, Secure Sockets Layer is the process of encrypting all the data that is being shared between websites and the end users. Usually, the information or data we share with websites is in the form of plain text. If the website is not secured using SSL, hackers can use a variety of methods to read (and manipulate) the unencrypted data, as soon as it is entered or requested, because it is readable by all. By getting the website secured using SSL, the data will be encrypted and will only be intelligible to the website or the end user. No third person can read the data, hence making it secure. Sites that are secured this way have a lock sign at the corner of the page or have green Address bar to show its status. Websites secured with SSL start with https instead of http.
Why should websites use SSL?
That’s like asking why should I lock my car. Why should I use password for my email account? Secure Sockets Layer is the locking mechanism that locks out the unwanted entities and persons you don’t want to share your data or info with. Human being is an intelligent species who knows how to adapt to new ways and technologies. Criminals unfortunately are human beings and share the traits as well. So when Internet became the new bank containing valuable data that can be manipulated, they found ways to extract that data and used it for their own vested interests.
How do I get SSL?
Getting SSL for your web server is as easy as ABC and in this case, d as well. You have to follow simple steps to get SSL Certificate and secure your website.
a) Buy Certificate.
There are various types of SSL certificates available. Get the one that fulfils your needs (DV, OV, EV etc).
b) Submit your Certificate Signing Request (CSR)
CSR has your domain name and other information related to you for identification purposes.
c) Complete request validation procedure
Validation procedure is a simple process of validating the authenticity of your request by replying to validation Email, answering a phone call and/or . You will get notification before the installation of the Certificate.
d) Install the Certificate
Now you’re ready to install your certificate, you might need to use
Need help with your security, want to request an SSL-certificate? Head over to XSbyte get your affairs in order.
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