Very often we come across websites that have https added
before the domain name instead of http. The extra ‘s’ indicates that the
website is secure by having an added security layer called SSL or Secure Socket
Layer. If you notice you would also see that there is a Padlock icon and a
green bar that shows up.
So what is this SSL, why is it needed and who needs it? SSL
is an extra layer of security that you can add to your website to safeguard your
customers information that they submit on your website. It encrypts the
customers data so if a hacker can somehow hack into your website he cannot make
use of the customer and other data because it is in encrypted form.
With increasing security threats online concerning credit
card theft, identity thefts etc., this is a must have if your website stores
customer information and has ecommerce. Lately Google is also suggesting
webmasters to have the SSL security for all types of websites and apparently is
giving preference to sites that are more secure in ranking.
There are different types of SSL:
Extended Validation:
This is for the highest level of security that you need and covers the standardized
Extended Validation guidelines. Latest web browsers indicate the use of
Extended Validations by turning the url address bar into green color and showing
the company name. The company name shows because it is validated by Certification
authorities who checks and validates all the details of the company.
Organization
Validation: This is next level of security which also shows the company
name and is validated by Certification authorities.
Domain Validations:
This is the most basic and fastest way to get SSL as it is issued almost immediately
without having to submit the company details. Since the company information is
not validated it does not show the company name.
So to summarize, Secure Socket Layer helps websites in the
following way:
- Makes them secure by encrypting information submitted on the website.
- Gives confidence to customers that their information will stay safe if they use the website. Especially where they have to use their credit cards. When you buy SSL you get a security icon that says your website is secure which you can prominently display on your website. Of course the URL also indicates that your site is safe with an added ‘s’ and the padlock icon.
- Search engines like Google are said to give more preference to secure sites that have ssl.
