What Is An SSL certificate? And How Does it Works?

An SSL certificate acts as a digital validation proving a website’s trustworthiness and enabling a safe, encrypted connection. SSL, which stands for Secure Sockets Layer, provides users with confidence in the security of their connection. Websites with an SSL certificate can be recognized by a padlock icon on the left side of the URL bar, and their website address begins with “HTTPS” rather than “HTTP”.

To procure an SSL certificate, the host of the web service must confirm ownership of the domain to the certificate authority during issuance. This is akin to enclosing a letter in an envelope before mailing it, ensuring a layer of security.

SSL certificates safeguard user information like credit card or Social Security numbers from cyber threats, underscoring the importance of using secure websites.

Purposes of SSL Certificates

Primarily, SSL certificates provide a secure conduit between a site visitor and the website, an essential feature for e-commerce sites or any pages requiring submission of personal or credit card data.

As e-commerce continues to surge, the need for website security is paramount for both users and webmasters. SSL encryption helps thwart hackers from gaining access to sensitive information, including credit card numbers, names, addresses, and medical records.

SSL Certificates: How Do They Function?

SSL certificates create an encrypted connection between a browser and a server, rendering the data unreadable without a decryption key. Here’s the process that unfolds within milliseconds:

1. The user types in a secure website’s URL, starting with “HTTPS”.
2. The user’s browser requests secure pages from the website’s server.
3. The server sends a public key and its SSL certificate, both digitally signed by a third party, verifying the server’s identity.
4. The user’s browser verifies the legitimacy of the digital signature.
5. After verifying the certificate, the browser shows a padlock icon in the URL bar.
6. The browser sends encrypted data and a secret key to the server.
7. The server utilizes a private decryption key to read the data and access the secret key.

From here, the browser and server exchange data using the shared decryption key, making it unreadable to hackers without the key.

Different Types of SSL Certificates

SSL certificates are available in various types:

1. Extended validation (EV) SSL certificate: Offers the highest level of security, essential for websites handling sensitive information. EV certificates need a neutral third-party certificate authority to perform an enhanced review of the applicant to instill user confidence.
2. Organization validated (OV) SSL certificate: Best suited for public-facing websites dealing with less sensitive transactions, requiring the organization to validate domain ownership and confirm its legal registration.
3. Domain validation (DV) certificate: Only verifies the site ownership and has the lowest trust level. It’s often exploited by cybercriminals due to its easy accessibility and can make a site appear safer than it actually is.
4. Other SSL certificates like Unified communications (UCC) certificate, Single domain SSL certificate, and Wildcard SSL certificates refer to the number of domains registered under one certificate.

Identifying SSL Secured Websites

Identifying a site’s SSL certificate is crucial for online safety. Regardless of the certificate type, secure sites will display a padlock symbol and “HTTPS” in the URL bar.

Tips for Safe Online Sessions

To ensure your online safety, consider these steps:

1. Read the seller’s privacy policy.
2. Look for trust indicators on shopping sites.
3. Understand the type of SSL certificate a website holds.
4. Consider cybersecurity tools like antivirus software and VPNs.
5. Recognize signs of unsafe websites such as flashing warnings, exclamation marks, and pop-ups.

As online shopping becomes the norm, understanding SSL certificates and online security measures can protect consumers from cybercrimes.

Frequently Asked Questions