This question comes up frequently in our security discussions with our clients – what exactly is an SSL?
SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer and is a certificate on your web server that provides security for online communications. It does this by creating an encrypted connection between a web server and a visitors’ web browser. In short, an SSL license encrypts the connection between the website to help protect visitors’ data and privacy.
SSL certificates have two main functions. First, authentication and verification and second, data encryption. It’s important to verify the authenticity of any website you interact with online, especially when providing sensitive information. When an website has a valid SSL certificate it ensures that the Certification Authorities have vetted details in regards to a person, business or website (they are who they say they are.)
The SSL certificate also enables encryption, so any information exchanged via the website cannot be intercepted by anyone other than the intended recipient.
How will I know that a site has a valid certificate?
Websites without SSL will be displayed as “http://” before the website in your browser but websites that are secured with an SSL certificate will display as “https://”. HTTP itself stands for “Hypertext Transfer Protocol” and is a standard way of transmitting information via the internet. The “s” lets you know it’s secure. Another indicator on some modern web browsers, is that they’ll display a small green closed padlock icon left of the browser address bar.
Are there different levels of certificates?
There are in fact different levels of encryption when it comes to digital certificates. The trusted standard has been SSL licenses, but as of recently, there is a new certificate gaining popularity – called the TLS which is short for Transport Layer Security.
The primary difference between TLS and SSL is that the SSL provides a basic or moderate level of encryption, while a TLS license is newer and more secure. This means that if you’re able to choose between the two, you should opt-in for the TLS to gain a higher level of security and encryption on your website.
Still have questions? Give us a call for more information on ensuring your internal and external internet communications are secure
Teltek is a Certified Avaya Business Partner, NEC Dealer, and Microsoft Partner with two locations in the Baltimore Metropolitan area. We specialize in providing one call technology support for small to mid-sized businesses and nonprofits in Maryland, Washington, DC, Virginia and Pennsylvania.