SSL Certificates: What They Are & Why You Need Them | Storm Internet

The open nature of the Internet has enabled social and economic advancement in ways that weren’t possible before. More connected than ever, our computers and smartphones have become an extension of ourselves. Part of our lives has moved to the digital space.

But, because more personal data is online now, we’ve become vulnerable to fraudsters and hackers. We need to ensure that all our confidential information is kept safe.

SSL certificates are the backbone of privacy and security on the Internet. They protect sensitive data as it travels across the world and they help keep the Internet a safe place.

Specifically, these certificates are files containing small data that bind a cryptographic key digitally to the details of an organization

What Is SSL?

The Secure Sockets Layer is a type of security technology that has become pretty standard in providing an encrypted link between a certain server and its client. It provides connections that are secure from a web server to the browser, all by activating https protocol and the padlock. An SSL certificate can secure data transfer and logins, credit card transactions and even normal internet browsing.

Unprotected data is sent in plain text, and if that text is by any chance intercepted, then all the information can be seen. Here is where the SSL comes in place: this type of protocol establishes certain variables of encryption for the data and the link.

How Do You Use the Certificate?

To begin with, you need to install the certificate onto the web server to start the communication with the browsers. After the secure connection has been created, the communication will be secure.

If you’re wondering how you can tell if a connection is secured with SSL, the answer is simple: look for trust indicators such as Standard SSL Certificates and Extended Validation SSL Certificates such as GlobalSign DomainSSL, Organization SSL, and GlobalSisn ExtendedSSL.

How Do SSL Certificates Work?

SSL certificates consist of two important elements: a public key and a private key. These keys work together to create a secure connection. The certificates also contain a “Subject”, which is the website owner.

If you want to generate a private and public key, you need to create a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) on your server. The CSR file that you send to the SSL provider will contain the public key. The provider will use the file to create a data structure which matches the private key without compromising its privacy.

Once the process is done and you receive the SSL certificate, you need to install it on your server.

Do I Need SSL?

One of the most important components of building an online business is creating an environment where customers can feel safe. Just think about it, they are giving you access to sensitive information like their email addresses, credit card numbers, and so on. You need to ensure that their data will be safe with you.

Storm Internet has been providing secure web and email hosting services for more than ten years. We can guide you through the process of setting up SSL certificates or give you valuable tips on how to make your connections more secure.