When you were browsing websites, did you noticed that some URLs start with ‘http://’ while others start with ‘https://’? Perhaps, you’ll notice that there is an extra ‘s’ in sites that require you to share sensitive information.

But, wherein extra ‘s’ comes from and why do you need it?

It’s simple, the extra ‘s’ means that your connection with the website is secure and encrypted. As you enter any data, it is safely shared with the website.  The technology that empowers the data security of the site is known as ‘SSL’. Let’s understand more about SSL. 

What is an SSL?

Secure Socket Layer (SSL) is a standard internet security technology. Thereby,  is a security protocol that enables encrypted communication between the web server and browser.

Let’s break it down…

When you land on a webpage that has a form, requests you to enter a personal information. You share the information and hit the ‘submit’ button. Although, the information you shared can be intercepted by hackers on an unsecured website.

So, what is the role of SSL?

Secure Socket Layer helps to encrypt data transmission between the server and the user. A hacker place an undetected listening program on the web server to steal the data. This program waits in the background until the visitor starts typing information then the program activates to share information with the hacker.

Do You Need an SSL?

You cannot provide a secure connection to website visitors if you don’t have an SSL certificate. This means that the information transmitted by the visitor is not safe and not connected to a cryptographic key.

SSL certificates include the following information:

• Name of the certificate holder
• The certificate’s serial number and expiration date
• A copy of the certificate holder’s public key
• The digital signature of the certificate-issuing authority

How Does SSL Work?

A secure website sends SSL certificate when a visitor navigates on your website. To begin a secure session, a key is sent to the browser. This allows Secure Socket Layer to transfer a secure information between the website and browser.

What is HTTPS?

HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure)  is a secure version of HTTP. In other words, it is an encrypted form of protocol, used by websites to communicate with the browser. Moreover, none of the visitor’s data has tampered. When your website is secured with SSL certificate, HTTPS will appear in your website URL.

Why Do you need SSL Certificate?

Here are the three reasons to why you need SSL certificate for a website:

1. Authentication:

Authentication helps you to determine whether someone or something (an entity) has claimed data without an authorized access. It verifies the ownership of your website. While ensuring the safety of the information on the site. 

2. Data Integrity:

Data integrity is a process of maintaining and assuring- accuracy and consistency of data over the entire life cycle. It helps to understand if the data has tampered, when in transit. Data integrity is a fundamental component of data security. In fact, data integrity is imposed during the database design phase through standard SSL procedure.

3. Encryption:

It refers to an encoding of messages or information in such a way that allows authorities to parties those have access. It protects data from being from unauthorized access. Since it’s crucial for websites to communications to prevent thefts.

Conclusion

Apart from possibly boosting ranking in search results, SSL certificates give many other advantages to your website. Especially, when you are offering products and services on your website. They boost customers confidence with there personal data like credit card details to share on your website.

Must Read: A Complete Guide to Migrate HTTP to HTTPS