Why SSL is necessary to secure website.

In today’s world of technology hijacking, ‘security’ assumes great importance for both businesses and consumers. A secure website translates into a reliable one, a dependable one, and a trusted one. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology is the standard security technology being adopted by companies to make their websites a secure haven for their customers. The technology establishes an encrypted link between a web server and a browser, ensuring that all data which goes between the web server and the browser stays private.

The SSL Advantage

SSL Codes Data

Data in the Internet world is open to manipulation without SSL technology. The reason being that information submitted on the Internet often goes through more than on computer before reaching where it should be. This opens up the chances of a third party accessing your private data. If in the wrong hands, you can be opening yourself up for misuse. Getting SSL certified offers the perfect solution. As an SSL certificate will insert random characters into the original information, providing the necessary spoke in the wheel for anyone without the proper encryption key. SSL converts the original information into an incomprehensible format for non-intended parties.

SSL also provides a server certificate

In addition to an SSL certificate, SSL technology also provides for a server certificate which is an added protection to ensure that customer information goes to the correct server without being intercepted. Mediating between browsers to servers, the certificate is a proof to customers that the SSL certificate provider can be trusted. To validate the currency of your SSL certificate customers can view it on your site, to check for its authenticity.

SSL mandatory for payment card industry compliance

The payment card industry raises the security level of your site, by making it mandatory for all online businesses to have an SSL certification with proper encryption of at least 128-bit. A site won’t be able to take any credit card payments without a valid SSL certificate. The SSL certificate must stem from a trusted source, use the right strength of encryption and provide a private connection on any page that requires customers to enter personal information.

Guards against phishing

SSL technology guards against phishing which is quite a common phenomenon. In phishing a user is sent an email from a false entity claiming to be an established legitimate enterprise. And the user is lured into surrendering private information that will be used to identify theft. Often disguised as advertisements or shipping confirmations, these emails attempt to garner credit card information for malicious use. Builders of these fake sites however are unable to obtain an authentic SSL certificate. Sensitized users are aware of the requirement of authenticity from a genuine site. Therefore they will stay away from entering any information from a seemingly dubious site.

SSL Certification comes with brand power

The power of an SSL certification comes through from its offering of site seals and other images to stamp its approval of authenticity. Customers feel a whole lot secure with these power icons, knowing that they information is safe as it travels on the web.

A general indication of a secure web page is its URL. Normally, when browsing the web, the URLs (web page addresses) begin with the letters "http". However, over a secure connection, the address displayed must start with "https" - note the "s" at the end. For example if you visit the SSL home page http://www.ssl.com, you will notice that the URL begins with "http" meaning the page is not secure. If you click the link in the upper-right hand corner to "Log in" you will notice a change in the URL. It now begins with "https", meaning the user name and password typed in will be encrypted before being sent to SSL’s server. SSL becomes very important for commercial sites and those containing sensitive customer data like customer names, phone numbers, addresses and credit cards. The "https" protocol is also backed by another visual cue: a lock image somewhere in the browser’s status or location bar.

For your website design and security technology needs, liaise with reputed companies like Animink. Animink is an expert web design company in Charlotte, NC, known to explore unique avenues and technology to provide excellent websites. The company offers cutting edge SEO, web development, digital marketing, and animation services, and has served a variety of clients since 1998.

Don’t hesitate to give Charlotte Web Designing Animink a call. If it’s easier for you, we’re completely up for a discussion about your awesome idea, website, or design project.