SSL Certificate Basics
What is an SSL certificate and why do I need one?
Have you ever wondered what that little lock 
is in the lower right corner of your Internet browser? Go ahead, go to wellsfargo.com and check it out. You may have also had a pop up that asks you if you want to accept a websites security certificate. Annoying yes, but a very important thing that is taking place. What is taking place is the issuance of a secure browsing session via a technology called SSL.
SSL stands for “Secure Socket Layer” This technology was developed many years ago to address the inherent security concerns of transferring data over public communication lines. When information is transferred over the Internet it is vulnerable to just about any person with moderate hacking skills. It is actually surprising how easy it is to intercept this information with just a little know-how. Because of this SSL was created.
An SSL certificate acts as a digital handshake. You purchase your SSL cert from one of many companies that sell them (contact us for info), that company registers your company and verifies that you are who you say you are through a verification process. After they have verified you or your company’s identity, they issue you a certificate.
How do I know if I need an SSL certificate?
If you need to transmit/recieve data over the Internet you will want to consider purchasing a SSL certificate. If you are an online retailer and will be conducting online transactions you will have to purchase an SSL certificate (see ecommerce 101).
If you gather personal information about your customers you want to make sure that that information is going to be transmitted and delivered safe and sound. The last thing you want is some malicious soul/company getting there hands on it and selling it, or worse using it for fraudulent purposes. If you are an online retailer, or wish to become an online retailer, the credit card company and payment gateway (link to payment gateway article) will require you to have an SSL certificate before they will do business with you.
You do not need an SSL certificate if you are not gathering information or are just using your website to broadcast your product or service.
The different encryption levels of SSL, What??
Encryption? What is that? Encryption is a technology that started very long ago. In its basic state it is the development of a code to stand for a message. So you and your friend have secret decoder rings and you both write messages that only the two of you can read, as no one else in the world has your deciphering code. Well, that code might be easy for someone else to break, so the code gets more complicated.
Basically, the higher the bit of encryption, the harder your website is to hack. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encryption
Do I need to have my whole site be secure?
Good question. I will use Wells Fargo again as an example. Wells Fargo’s site is completely secure, speaking from an SSL certificate perspective. Do they need this? Well speaking as a customer of Wells Fargo, it makes me feel safe.
Having your site exist completely behind your SSL environment can be a great marketing tool, in addition to its apparent benefits. If you are going to be running an online store, you will have to have an SSL certificate.
How do I install my new SSl certificate?
Your SSL certificate must be installed by your tech support at your hosting company. Contact us and we can set you up today.
How much do SSL certificates cost?
SSL certificates cost anywhere from $50 to thousands of dollars. The typical SSL certificate I recommend for your online store costs $50- $150 a year.
How long does my SSL certificate last?
Typically your SSL certificate lasts 1 year from the date of purchasing it. You can purchase your SSL certificate for 1, 2, 3, 5 years, and will receive discounts the longer period you purchase.
Please contact us for consulting on how to configure the right SSL solution for your business. SALES LINK
Paul Albertson