What is SSL?
Description of SSL
To ensure the highest level of security, SSL encrypts data transmitted over the internet. That means anyone accessing the data will get a random combination of characters that is almost impossible to decrypt.
SSL starts the authentication procedure known as a handshake between two devices to verify the devices and the people they claim to be. SSL also digitally signifies data to ensure integrity to the data by ensuring that the data has not been altered before reaching the intended recipient. There have been several versions of SSL that are safer than the one before. In 1999, then upgraded SSL to become TLS.
Benefits of SSL/TLS?
Initially, information transmitted via the Web was sent in plain text that anyone could read should they stumble across the message. For instance, if a customer browsed a store’s website, made an order, entered their credit card details on the site, and logged in with their credit card, the number would travel on the internet without being noticed.
Security Sockets Layer (SSL) was created to solve this problem and protect user confidentiality. By encrypting all information exchanged between an individual and a website server, SSL ensures that any person who intercepts the data will see an unreadable collection of characters. The customer’s credit card information is now safe and visible on the website on which they entered it.
SSL also blocks certain types of cyberattacks. It authenticates servers on the internet essential since attackers often make fake websites to deceive users and steal information. It also stops hackers from altering information in transit, such as the tamper-proof seal of a medicine bottle.
Why SSL changed to TLS?
SSL is the direct precursor of a different protocol known as TLS (Transport Layer Security). In 1999, the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) recommended an update for SSL. Because the update was created in the IETF and Netscape was no longer involved, The designation was changed back to TLS. The distinctions between the final version of SSL (3.0) and the initial version of TLS aren’t that significant. The name change was done to indicate the change in ownership.
Because they are so closely linked since they are so closely related, the two terms are frequently utilized interchangeably and often misunderstood. Many people still employ SSL to mean TLS, and others employ the phrase “SSL/TLS encryption” because SSL is still widespread in popularity.
SSL is not modified from SSL 3.0, was released in 1996, and is currently considered outdated. The SSL protocol is known to have a number of security weaknesses, hence security experts advise against using it. Most modern web browsers do not allow SSL in any way.
TLS is the most up-to-date encryption technology being developed online, although many call it “SSL encryption.” Those looking to purchase security products may become very confused as a result of this. In fact, TLS security, which has been a standard in the sector for more than 20 years, is likely to be offered by every vendor selling “SSL” these days.
SSL certificate
SSL is only attainable by websites with the SSL certificate (technically a “TLS certificate”). An SSL certificate is an identification card or badge that proves that someone is who they claim to be. SSL certificates are saved in a database and are displayed on the Web by a site’s or application’s servers.
The website’s private secret key is a vital element of the SSL certificate. Public keys are what make encryption and authentication feasible. The device of the user sees this key as a public one and utilizes it to create encrypted keys that are secure through the server. In addition, the web server includes a private key that is kept secret. The private key is used to decrypt data encrypted by it.
Certification authorities (CA) are accountable for issuing SSL certificates.
What sorts of SSL certificates are there?
The varieties of SSL certificates are numerous. Depending on the type of certificate, it may only be used for one or more websites:
- Single domain: Single-domain SSL certificate can be used only for just one domain.
Wildcard As a one-domain SSL certificate, A wildcard SSL certificate is only valid for one domain. It also covers the domain’s subdomains. A single-domain certificate would only be able to cover the root domain. In contrast, a wildcard certificate would protect subdomains like www.theequipage.com and blog.myshopdoor.com. As the title suggests, multi-domain SSL certificates can be applied to multiple domains that aren’t related.
SSL certificates are also available with different levels of validation. The level of validation is similar to background checks, and the level is based on the quality of the verification.
- Domain Validation: It is the most superficial level of validation and the least expensive. All businesses need to prove is that they have control over the domain.
- Certification of Organizations: It is a more personal process. The CA directly calls the person or company who is requesting the certificate. The certificates are more reliable for users.
Extended validation requires a complete background check on an organization before issuing an SSL certificate.
SSL certificates with Hostinger
Hostinger provides the opportunity to get a free SSL certificate for all businesses. Websites protected by Hostinger can enable SSL with a few clicks. Websites may have to create their SSL certification on their servers of origin, and also: this article provides additional information.
