Why would you need SSL?

If you are a consumer wishing to purchase something over the Internet, or you are business trying to sell something to a consumer over the Internet (these transactions are commonly called e-commerce), then you need to use a secured server. A secured server will use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology to provide a safe way to transmit sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, online banking, email messages, surveys and other personal information.

A Quick overview

In a nutshell, SSL is information technology that allows for the secure transfer of sensitive information over the Internet. It consists of software installed in browsers and on servers and can be easily obtained by subscribing to a Secured Service Provider or by obtaining a Server Certificate and installing it on your existing secured server.

What exactly is SSL?

SSL is a protocol. A protocol is a set or rules or procedures. SSL technology takes a message and runs it through a set of steps that "scrambles" the message. This is done so that the message cannot be read while it is being transferred. This "scrambling" is called Encryption (covered in the Privacy through Encryption section). When the message is received by the intended recipient, SSL unscrambles the message, checks that it came from the correct sender (Server Authentication) and then verifies that it has not been tampered with (Message Integrity).

What is SSL made of and how do I get it?

Well, you probably have part of it already in your web browser and on your web server. All major browsers and servers are "SSL capable". SSL technology was developed by Netscape Communications Corporation and has become the industry-standard method for protecting web communications.

What it takes for SSL to work

1. A Root Certificate must be installed on the individual's local web browser. Certificate Authorities (CA) provide Root Certificates for public downloading by individuals.
2. A business must have a Server Certificate installed on their secured server.