Secure Web Hosting With SSL Certificates
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The most commonly accepted technology for encrypting data is the Secured Socket Layer, more often known as an "SSL certificate". This widely used product offers security for your customers and yourself when applied on web sites. Without this encryption the packets of information that travel between business and customer would be at risk to a breach of confidentiality. The Secured Socket Layers provide tight security of all data transferred from browser to web host. This third party service is issued by a certificate authority to identify both sender and receiver on each end of a transaction.
Websites are hosted mostly with the objective of business. E-commerce sites like that of E-bay, Amazon.com, Dell etc, involve exchange of confidential information through internet. Other sites like, Paypal which is a payment gateway, involve payments through credit cards. Customers use their PIN numbers and other confidential information for such online payments. If encryption was not there, for all these confidential information, then such data would have been extracted by miscreants resulting into severe damages.
Manipulation of secured data could have been possible too. Though SSL technology for securing data is not absolute, still hacking can be restricted to a large extent. This digital certificate is used by several e-commerce sites where valuable customer data are exchanged everyday. After conducting a transaction process via a website, users often get to see a change in the URL, it becomes "HTTPS://". This also signifies that the information exchanged till now, with the website, is secure.
Here are just some of the vast benefits of Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificates that a professional site can provide:
* Increased Customer Security and Confidence with SSL certification:
The web host you choose targets your requirements exactly. You as the website owner select the customers looking for your products and use that website to exchange the necessary information with security and confidentiality. Your webhost will install an SSL certificate using the requirements you outline for your needs. Here are the three signs to look for to see if your site is secure: A padlock in the closed position showing in your browser, the 'https' replacement for 'http' in your URL and the SSL seal on the site. Those hallmarks will alert you and your customers to a site's security for tension free, reliable transactions.
* Keeps your Customer's Information Confidential:
The success of a web host is measured when they are able to install SSL certificates effectively. Encryption technology can be measured in bytes, of which the web host will have a vivid knowledge. If they can implement it, secured data of customer can be shielded, thus building reputation of the website.
* Fast certification installation
Your webhost can get your certification up online in a short amount of time. They have the personnel and knowledge to understand the complex needs of installing SSL certificates and the resources available to complete the process. If you plan on going it alone and installing your own certificate you need the knowledge to complete the act.
* Your web host will make sure you meet all regulatory requirements
Your web host caters to its clientele or web site owner in a variety of fields from finance to health care. There are several companies, however, that need to know their government requirements in the area of protection where confidential information is concerned. These regulations are exactly what SSL Certificates provide the extra security for.
How to select the right web host for installing SSL certification:
* Control Panel That is User Friendly
Access to your web site controls is accessible through a web host's control panel. It should be easy to understand so that you can manipulate your website easily. Make sure you are comfortable with a web host's platform.
* Web hosts should provide dedicated IP address
The host should be able to provide a dedicated IP address which is essential for secured socket layers and Virtual FTP accounts.
* No hidden charges:
Read all of the fine print on your web host's agreement. Some hosts have extra charges not included in its basic service. If a web host does not provide a concise and easy to understand layout of its charges it is one to avoid.
* Compatibility with a variety of browsers
Chances are good your customers will not use the same browser as everybody else. Your host should provide installation of certificates that work on all popular browsers.
* Proper instructions
The web host should posses ample knowledge of all the technicalities related to SSL installation. He/she should be able to guide website owners who are ignorant about exactly which pages will have to be encrypted and which will not. SSL provides an option to turn it on when required and off when not in use.
* Shared SSL certificate
Shared SSL certificate is often issued to authentic Web hosts. These web hosts are responsible for installing SSL certificate in the same way as they do with dedicated certificate. However, such secured certificate is linked with each Secure Site Seal that is issued to every domain owners. Such shared SSL certificates enable the top-level domains to encrypt their data. A web host performs all these tasks as they have special expertise.
The SSL certificate installation process
Step 1:
Every domain that uses an SSL certificate installed on it needs its own dedicated IP address. The host you use will have all necessary knowledge of this because they will handle the process.
Step 2:
Before the installation process of SSL certificate begins, the web hosts checks if owner has a Certificate Signing request generated or not.
Step 3:
When a web host opens the control panel they look for the 'Install SSL certificate and Setup the Domain, and click on it. A window appears with the wizard to install the certificate.
Step 4:
In that wizard, they paste the certificate which is obtained from SSL vendor. Note: This is not the same as that of CSR
Step 5:
Once the above is complete a box comes up with a Domain section. This is the domain where the SSL is to be installed. Enter the control panel name in the 'user' field followed with the IP address.
Step 6:
The process is complete when the host pastes the RSA key. Note: This process is for general information and each host may have a different procedure to follow.
Article Source: Articlelogy.com
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