What is SSL Security?

.SSL (secure sockets layer) is a communications protocol which is now the global standard for security.SSL creates an encrypted link between a web server and a web browser to ensure that all data transmitted remains private and secure. The Secure Sockets Layer protects data transferred over http using encryption enabled by a server’s SSL Certificate.

SSL uses a cryptographic system that uses two keys to encrypt data - a public key known to everyone and a private or secret key known only to the recipient of the message. The public key is used to encrypt information and the private key is used to decipher it. When a Web browser points to a secured domain, a Secure Sockets Layer handshake authenticates the server (Web site) and the client (Web browser). An encryption method is established with a unique session key.

• An SSL Certificate enables encryption of sensitive information during online transactions
• (SSL Certificates give a website the ability to communicate securely with its web customers.
• Without a certificate, any information sent to a website can be intercepted and viewed by anyone.)
• Each SSL Certificate contains unique, authenticated information about the certificate owner
• Every SSL Certificate is issued by a Certificate Authority that verifies the identity of the certificate owner

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology protects your Web site and makes it easy for customers to trust you. Millions of consumers recognize the "golden padlock" which appears in their browser to indicate they are viewing a secure web page.Every SSL Certificate is created for a particular server in a specific domain for a verified business entity. Like a passport or a driver's license, an SSL Certificate is issued by a trusted authority, the Certificate Authority (CA). When the SSL handshake occurs, the browser requires authentication from the server. A customer sees the organization name when they click certain SSL trust marks (such as the SSL Genie Secured T Seal) or use a browser that supports Extended Validation. If the information does not match or the certificate has expired, the browser displays an error message or warning.

SSL Overview from the Customer's Browser viewpoint :
Browser checks the certificate to make sure that the site you are connecting to is the real site and not someone intercepting. Determine encryption types that the browser and web site server can both use to nderstand each other. Browser and Server send each other unique codes to use when scrambling (or encrypting) the information that will be sent. The browser and Server start talking using the encryption, the web browser shows the encrypting icon, and web pages are processed secured. It also offers 256, 128, 56 or 40-bit encryption depending on your client's browser capability and the chipher suite installed on your web server. This ensures that information is kept private while in transit between your web server and your clients' web browsers.

1. Gain competitive advantage by appearing more trusted and more legitimate
SSL Certificates/Site seals are an effective way to make sure your customers know your site has the stamp of approval from a leading global Certificate Authority. Displaying the seal on your Web site can increase visitor-to-sales conversions, lower shopping cart abandonment and result in larger average purchases. The SSL Genie site seal provides fast and reliable, web site identity authentication and instant proof to your customers that your site can be trusted.

2. Provide assurance to your customers that their data cannot be tampered :
Without SSL encryption, packets of information travel through networks in full view. Imagine sending mail through the postal system in a clear envelope. Anyone with access to it can see the data. If it looks valuable, they might take it or change it. Without third-party verification, how do you know a Web site is really a business you trust? Imagine receiving an envelope with no return address and a form asking for your bank account number. An SSL Certificate helps Web site visitors protect sensitive information and get a better idea of who they are trusting with it.