How Does an SSL Certificate Work?
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About SSL
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SSL is an acronym for Secure Sockets Layer. Netscape developed SSL as a way to use the Internet for private and secure document transmission. Most popular web browsers support SSL, including Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer. Websites that require a Secure Socket Layer connection can be distinguished from other websites by the fact that they start with https: instead of http:.
SSL Encryption
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The SSL cryptographic authentication system uses two keys for data encryption: a public key, and a private key that's only available to the message recipient. The public key scrambles (or encrypts) the data to prevent anyone but the recipient from viewing the message. The private key, known only by the recipient, unscrambles or decodes the message.
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Uses for SSL
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SSLcertificates provide the ability for websites to encrypt sensitive data for online transactions such as making online credit card payments, using online banking options or making online purchases. Each website's SSL certificate is unique, issued by a certificate authority that verifies the identity of the owner before it's issued.
How are SSL Certificates Awarded?
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Certificate authorities (CAs) must verify the domain name that is applying for an SSL certificate at the very least. When looking for the SSL certificate before making an online transaction, it's prudent to check to see which CA issued the SSL certificate and ensure that the CA is reputable. One of the more thorough and popular CAs is VeriSign, a common name in SSL certification.
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