This article describes why we need SSL for our websites.
Summary of the article:
- What is SSL?
- Why do we need SSL?
- How does SSL work?
- Difference between HTTP and HTTPS
- How to enable SSL HTTPS on our website?
What is SSL?
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a server and a client—typically, a web server (website) and a browser.
SSL allows credit card numbers, social security numbers, and login credentials to be transferred from client to server securely. Normally, the data sent between browsers and web servers is sent in plain text.
The SSL protocol determines variables of the encryption for both the link and the data being transmitted so hackers can’t decrypt the data.
Why do we need SSL?
Security is not important when your site is a static site because the information is showing only to the customers. But if you have an eCommerce store, ticket booking site, or high volume transferring sites, etc., you need to think about the SSL. Because nowadays, customers first check for the SSL certificate and only then do they make the transaction. So, SSL provides good security to the website owners as well as customers.
Google recently announced that having an SSL certificate is the easiest things site owners can do to boost their SEO ranking.
How does SSL work?
A greatly simplified image of client/server communication over HTTPS would look something like this,
Difference between HTTP and HTTPS
Below is a simplified image of client/server communication over HTTP if a a hacker can easily hack all the information from the site.
A simplified image of client/server communication over HTTPS. Hackers can’t get any sensitive information from the HTTPS site. All the data will be encrypted and sent.
How to enable SSL HTTPS on our website?
The below image shows the top SSL providers. You can purchase SSL from these providers or you can opt for some free SSL certificates as well.
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