SSL, short for Secure Sockets Layer, is a protocol whose primary objective is to
provide secure communication over the Internet. SSL protects data by creating a
secure connection between a client and a server using encryption enabled by a
server's SSL Certificate.
SSL implementation is virtually indispensable
for E-commerce websites today, that use it as a means protect
the passage of sensitive information, such as
credit card details, over the Internet. This protocol, which was developed by
Netscape, makes use of a public and private key infrastructure to secure data
transmission. The data is encrypted using 2 keys, a public key that is made
known to everyone, and a private key that is known only by the authorized user.
Generally, URLs that have an SSL connection
start with https:// instead of http://. The
knowledge that your website has SSL protection gives your business credibility
and develops confidence in your clients, existing and prospective alike.
