Developed by Netscape in the 1990s, Secure Socket Layer (SSL) is the original security protocol. It is the standard security technology used to establish an encrypted link between a server and a client. Typically this link is between a web server (website) and a browser; or a mail server and a mail client (e.g., Outlook).
SSL, HTTPS Explained in a Way You Can Understand
Imagine you want to open an savings account at your local bank. You approach the teller, and request to open a bank account. Since she does not know you, she initially declines. From her point of view, your bank account is extremely important. She knows it provides the foundation for all future interactions between you and the bank.
To establish and authenticate your identity, the teller asks for an approved form of identification. To accommodate her request, you provide your passport. This document contains all of your personal details, and has been issued by a trusted authority. In this instance, the “trusted” authority is the government.
A similar scenario occurs when you are accessing a secure website. Your client seeks identification and authentication from the web server, which is presented through a trusted SSL certificate. This back-and-forth exchange establishes a connection and credentials, before the web browser makes a request for information.
Websites secured with SSL will display a padlock in the browser’s URL. If secured by an EV certificate, a green address bar will be visible.
Security Benefits of SSL, HTTPS
Cyber-attacks on businesses of every size are on the rise, and they are showing no sign of easing. If information is not encrypted with an SSL certificate, any computer in between you and the server can see credit card numbers, usernames and passwords, as well as any other sensitive information. Every business that values customer trust should strongly consider adding an SSL certificate, particularly if their website requires, receives, processes, collects, stores, or displays confidential or sensitive information.
Online security is not only a concern for businesses. It is also a priority for consumers. According to testing by BigCommerce merchants, and by other SSL providers, SSL certificates help drive higher conversion rates. The https serves as “the shopper’s signal that all of their information is being transmitted over a secure protocol.”
Also referred to as a “digital certificate,” an SSL certificate serves two important functions:
- It authenticates the identity of the website. This guarantees visitors that they are not visiting a criminal website.
- It encrypts the data that is being transmitted.
It [SSL] is a protocol designed to create a more secure browsing experience on the Web.
Michael Burk; Senior Director of Product Management at BigCommerce
Intended to provide trust and confidence for consumers, data sent using HTTPS is secured via Transport Layer Security protocol (TLS), which provides three key layers of protection:
- Encryption. Encrypting the exchanged data to keep it secure.
- Data Integrity. Data cannot be modified or corrupted during transfer without being detected.
- Authentication proves that your users communicate with the intended website.
Because the threat of “hackers” intercepting communication on the Internet is a very real concern, many payment gateways that process credit cards and other financial information, now require merchants to transmit client’s sensitive data via HTTPS. If your website will handle transactions that involve credit card or other personal data, SSL certificates are a must-have.
SSL, HTTPS Offers Search Ranking Benefits
In early 2014, at Google I/O, Google called for “HTTPS everywhere” on the web.
Later in the year, on August 6th (2014), Google confirmed that a 2048-bit key SSL certificate provides websites with a small ranking benefit. With that being said, the search engine giant was quick to clarify that it only counts as a “very lightweight ranking signal,” within Google’s overall ranking algorithm.
We’ve seen positive results, so we’re starting to use HTTPS as a ranking signal. For now it’s only a very lightweight signal.
Google Webmaster Central Blog
Although it is only making a small contribution at the moment, over time Google may decide to strengthen its role. After all, their goal is to encourage all website owners to embrace HTTPS, and in doing so keep everyone safe on the Web.
Final Thoughts on SSL Certificates
To ensure safer browsing for its users, Google Chrome will flag any website that does not have SSL certification. When people try to access a website without a SSL certification, a “Not Secure” message will appear in the browser’s address bar. This may be enough to prompt visitors to leave.
With SSL certificate costs being relatively low, price should not present a barrier to adoption, for even small business owners. The fact is, the proper use of an SSL certificate will help protect customers, it will help protect business owners, and it will help business and brands earn the trust of consumers.
Note: The SSL protocol has been updated, and the latest version is called Transport Layer Security, or TLS. Thus, HTTPS is also known as HTTP over TLS.
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