Secure Socket Layer Certificates

What is SSL?

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a global standard security technology developed by Netscape in 1994. It creates an encrypted link between a web server and a web browser to ensure that all data transmitted remains private and secure. To prove the site's legitimacy, the SSL encryption uses a PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) - public/private key, to encrypt IDs, documents, or messages to securely transmit the information in the World Wide Web.

In order to show that our transmission is encrypted, most browsers will display a small icon that would look like a pad “lock” or a key and the URL begins with "https" instead of "http". Millions of consumers recognize the "golden padlock" which appears in their browser to indicate they are viewing a secure web page.

Why do I need SSL?

How SSL Works

SSL uses a cryptographic system that uses two keys to encrypt data, firstly a public key known to everyone and the second is the private key known only to the recipient. SSL an unique and effective way to achieve data and ecommerce security. So when a SSL - Digital Certificate is installed on a web site, a padlock icon can be seen at the bottom area of the navigator and also the address in the address bar will begin with "https" instead of http during a secure ecommerce transaction, which means that the data is encrypted.

HHTTPS Protocol

HTTPS (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure) is a secure version of the Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (http). Secure means of transferring data using the https protocol in the World Wide Web where secure ecommerce transactions, such as online banking transactions and other financial transactions are involved. In other words, https encrypts the session with a digital certificate i.e., HTTP over SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) which can be used by Web browsers and HTTPS - capable client programs. So if the website begins with https:// instead of http://, it is a secure site. Almost 99% of the browsers can connect to web servers either using http or https. The address bar in the browser will begin with https instead of http, if a web site is secured. Web browsers like IE, Firefox etc., display a pad ”lock” icon to indicate the website is secure, which also displays https in the address bar. This padlock icon is displayed only when an SSL certificate is installed by their web server. If the padlock icon and the web link begin with https then it can be concluded that the site is legitimate and secure to provide confidential information or carry financial transactions. Hence the HTTPS Protocol work with the combination of programs including the browser programs which takes care of the encryption/decryption routines that exist on the web hosting servers. Most typically HTTP data is sent over TCP/IP port 80, whereas SSL HTTP data is sent over port 443.

What is Shared SSL?

Shared SSL is essentially "borrowing" the SSL certificate from another website, usually hosted on the same server. The site the certificate is registered to is assigned a subdirectory with is virtually mapped to your website, or a subdirectory of your website. The result looks something like this:

https://www.WMSmerchantServices.com/mySiteName/

The advantage to Shared SSL is that it's free. Many hosting companies provide this as part of their hosting service.

However, the disadvantages are considerable:

Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificate

Extended Validation Certificates deliver a new level of trust to your web site visitors. Starting with Microsoft® Internet Explorer 7, the address bar will turn green confirming your site identity as verified by a Certification Authority (CA) according to the most rigorous industry guidelines established by the CA/Browser Forum.

Why do I need Extended Validation SSL Certificate?