(SSL) Secure Server Layer was the most widely deployed encrypted protocol providing security over internet communication before being superseded by (TLS) Transport Layer Security.
Despite the depreciation of the SSL protocol and the adoption of TLS in its place, most people still refer to this type of technology as SSL.
SSL provides a secure channel between two machines or devices operating over the internet or an internal network. One common example is when SSL is used to secure communication between a web browser and a web server. This turns a website’s address from HTTP to HTTPS, the ‘S’ standing for ‘secure’.
HTTP is insecure and is subject to eavesdropping attacks because the data being transferred from the web browser to the web server is transmitted in plaintext.
This means attackers can intercept and view sensitive data, such as credit card details and account logins. When data is sent or posted through a browser using HTTPS, SSL ensures that such information is encrypted and secure from interception.
How do I know if a website is secure?
Technically, SSL is a transparent protocol which requires little interaction from the end user when establishing a secure session. In the case of a browser, you can tell if a site is using SSL when a padlock is displayed and you click on the padlock to reveal the digital certificate information.
Here is an example of a website secured with SSL in Chrome Broiwser versus a website that is insecure.
Using SSL
You can see the padlock icon on the web browser address bar.
Not using SSL
No padlock icon and the address bar states not secure.
Why do I need SSL?
With so much of our day to day transactions and communications happening online, there is very little reason for not using SSL.
SSL supports the following information security principles:
- Encryption: Protects data transmissions.
- Authentication: Ensures you are connected to the correct server
- Data integrity: ensure that the data that is requested or submitted is what is actually delivered.
What is SSL utilised for:
- Online credit card transactions and payment gateways
- Webmail servers like Outlook, Exchange and Office Communications Server.
- The transfer of files over HTTPS and FTP(s) services.
- System logins such as hosting control panels and (CMS) Content Management Systems.
How do I get SSL?
Simply Contact us today!