Secure Web Hosting With SSL Certificates
“SSL certificates” are used by many businesses on line to create a secure atmosphere for their clients. These applications formerly known as Secured Socket Layers encrypt data so that information can be stored and used with confidence online. With fear of hacking and stealing of vital information on everyone’s mind this type of security is vital to your business. Without it your information is easily available to others online. SSL protocol uses a Certificate Authority to provide third party security for both transaction parties. It is a well-used technology that is proven and the industry standard for top security online.
Websites are hosted mostly with the objective of business. E-commerce sites like that of E-bay, Amazon.com, Dell etc, involve exchange of confidential information through internet. Other sites like, Paypal which is a payment gateway, involve payments through credit cards. Customers use their PIN numbers and other confidential information for such online payments. If encryption was not there, for all these confidential information, then such data would have been extracted by miscreants resulting into severe damages.
Manipulation of secured data could have been possible too. Though SSL technology for securing data is not absolute, still hacking can be restricted to a large extent. This digital certificate is used by several e-commerce sites where valuable customer data are exchanged everyday. After conducting a transaction process via a website, users often get to see a change in the URL, it becomes “HTTPS://”. This also signifies that the information exchanged till now, with the website, is secure.
The benefits that a properly installed SSL certificate can provide are many. Just a few examples of these are:
* SSL certification increases customer confidence:
The web host you choose targets your requirements exactly. You as the website owner select the customers looking for your products and use that website to exchange the necessary information with security and confidentiality. Your webhost will install an SSL certificate using the requirements you outline for your needs. Here are the three signs to look for to see if your site is secure: A padlock in the closed position showing in your browser, the ‘https’ replacement for ‘http’ in your URL and the SSL seal on the site. Those hallmarks will alert you and your customers to a site’s security for tension free, reliable transactions.
* Keeps your Customer’s Information Confidential:
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.
* Quick Certification:
Your webhost can get your certification up online in a short amount of time. They have the personnel and knowledge to understand the complex needs of installing SSL certificates and the resources available to complete the process. If you plan on going it alone and installing your own certificate you need the knowledge to complete the act.
* 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.
The right web host for SSL certification installation:
* Web-based User Friendly Control Panel
Access to your web site controls is accessible through a web host’s control panel. It should be easy to understand so that you can manipulate your website easily. Make sure you are comfortable with a web host’s platform.
* Web hosts should provide dedicated IP address
Your host must be able to provide you with a dedicated IP address. This is essential for using SSL certificate programs and FTP accounts.
* All cost information should be easy to find:
Some web hosts will have hidden charges that may be difficult to find. They don’t tell you what the extra charges are until after the installation is finished. If the web host you are considering does not provide clear accurate fee information look in another direction.
* Browser compatibility:
Be sure the certificate that a web host installs is compatible with a wide variety of browsers. Your customer should be able to use any of the most 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.
* SSL certificate sharing
Another type of SSL certificate is the shared SSL given to authentic web hosts. This web host will install SSL certificates for their customers the same way dedicated certificates are installed. The difference is this type of SSL certificate is linked with the Secure Site Seal issued to domain owners. This type of SSL certificate allows top-level hosts to secure their own information. This requires the special expertise of a web host.
The SSL certificate installation process
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:
When they begin the installation process of the new SSL certificate they check to be sure the site owner has requested it.
Step 3:
The control panel will have an option for ‘Install SSL certificate and Setup the Domain’. Your host will check this and a wizard to install an SSL certificate will come up.
Step 4:
At that point the certificate information is pasted. Be aware that this is not the same as a CSR
Step 5:
Another box opens where in the Domain section, the domain where SSL would be installed in entered. In the “User” field the control panel name is entered followed by dedicated IP address on the other.
Step 6:
Finally to end the installation process the host pastes the RSA private key and it’s complete. Note: The process may vary from host to host. The above is a general scenario to provide a description of the process.
