Secure Web Hosting With SSL Certificates

Secured Socket Layers are also known as "SSL certificates" which are widely accepted and technologically proven standard security technique used for encrypting data. This is such a digital certificate that is applied with the popular security protocol on web. If this encryption is not there then packets of data would travel without confidentiality. Technically, Security Socket Layers or SSL ensures security of data transactions in between web servers and browsers. The SSL protocol use a third party which is a Certificate Authority to identify either both ends or single end of a transaction.

Websites are most commonly used for business purposes. Sites like Amazon, Dell, and Ebay are shining examples of the impact e-commerce has made on our society. They all use a rapid exchange of confidential information in order to transact such business. By using other payment gateway sites such as Paypal, they collect private information to charge credit cards, as well as personal addresses and more. This data would be vulnerable to internet hackers resulting in severe damage without proper protection.

Although there is no such thing as absolute protection, and hackers will do everything to find a way in, SSL technology works diligently to provide maximum protection. This vital piece of technology will restrict hacking to a great degree. SSL security is used by many e-commerce sites that collect vital customer data every day. When using a website to make a purchase, customers know to look for the 'HTTPS://" as a signal that the site they are using is secure. Most customers will shy away from a site where this is not seen.

Here are just some of the vast benefits of Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificates that a professional site can provide:

* Increased Customer Security and Confidence with SSL certification:

Customers feel good when they see the signs that indicate an SSL secured website. These signals include the 'https' in their browser's URL and the SSL site seal as well as the secure locked padlock next to the URL. They gain a feeling of relief and enjoy stress free shopping with the understanding of security protecting their private banking and other information. Your host understands these requirements and targets your exact needs. Your many customers that wish to purchase products online need that security to feel comfortable doing so feeling your site is reliable and authentic.

* Protects the confidential customer information:

You can measure the ability of a web host to meet all of your business needs by it's ability to install an SSL certificate. The technology used to encrypt data is shown in bytes, of which your web host should have exact knowledge. Your customer's data will be protected and your reputation will build as a result.

* Enable a quick certification

Web hosts can help you obtain quick certification in a short time. They are always stuffed with ample resources and skilled people thus installation of SSL certification is always at their finger tips. But if someone is planning to do it alone for his/her own website, then adequate knowledge coupled with resources will have to be there.

* Your web host will make sure you meet all regulatory requirements

Your web host caters to its clientele or web site owner in a variety of fields from finance to health care. There are several companies, however, that need to know their government requirements in the area of protection where confidential information is concerned. These regulations are exactly what SSL Certificates provide the extra security for.

How to be sure you have the right web host for SSL installation:

* Easy to use control panel

Everything you do on your website will go through your control panel. It enables the management of your server. Make sure that you find a host that you feel comfortable with using their interface.

* Web hosts should provide dedicated IP address

A dedicated IP address is necessary for the installation of an SSL certificate. The web host you chose must be able to provide you with this as a matter of normal operation.

* No hidden charges:

The web hosts have a typical tendency to add hidden charges. After the installation is complete they include that in the list of charges. Such hosts, who don't provide a clear estimation, should always be avoided.

* Maximum compatibly with popular browsers:

Chances are good your customers will not use the same browser as everybody else. Your host should provide installation of certificates that work on all popular browsers.

* Complete user instructions

The web host should posses ample knowledge of all the technicalities related to SSL installation. He/she should be able to guide website owners who are ignorant about exactly which pages will have to be encrypted and which will not. SSL provides an option to turn it on when required and off when not in use.

* Authentic SSL certificate sharing

Authentic web hosts often have shared SSL certificates issued to them. These hosts will always install the SSL certificate just like can be done with a dedicated SSL. These certificates are linked to the Secure Site Seal issued with each certificate to the domain owner. This enables the top-level domains to encrypt data on their own. It requires the special expertise of the web host and will be performed this delicate task.

How is SSL certificate installed?

Step 1:

You must have your own dedicated IP address where the SSL certificate will be installed. Your host has the knowledge of how this applies in order to complete the process.

Step 2:

The web host will check to see if a owner has requested the installation of a certificate before installing any programming.

Step 3:

On the control panel there is an option "Install an SSL certificate and Setup the Domain". The web host clicks on this and a "Install a SSL certificate" wizard opens.

Step 4:

In that wizard, they paste the certificate which is obtained from SSL vendor. Note: This is not the same as that of CSR

Step 5:

When the next box opens a Domain section appears. This is where the SSL is applied. In another field labeled 'user' the control panel name is added followed by the dedicated IP address to install the certificate.

Step 6:

The host they pastes the RSA private key to end the installation process.