What are SSL Certificate?
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates are digital certificates that establish a secure connection between a server and a client—typically a web server and a web browser. Secure Sockets Layer certificates encrypt communication between the server and client to provide privacy, security and trust for transactions conducted online. When used properly, Secure Sockets Layer certificates help protect highly sensitive data like credit card numbers, login credentials, health records and other private information from being compromised during transmission over the internet.
How do Secure Sockets Layer Certificates Work?
When a client makes a request to a server with an SSL certificate installed, the certificate activates the SSL Certificate handshaking process. During the handshake, the server sends its certificate to the client—this identifies the server and tells the client what encryption techniques it supports. The client and server then agree on the best encryption method to use before beginning further communication. The agreed upon encryption encrypts all subsequent communication between the client and server for the duration of the session.
Secure Sockets Layer Certificates Provide Encryption Standards
Common encryption standards supported by Secure Sockets Layer certificates include:
- TLS (Transport Layer Security): the most widely used SSL/TLS protocol today which provides authentication, confidentiality and data integrity between two communicating computer applications.
- AES (Advanced Encryption Standard): a symmetric-key algorithm used for encryption that is highly secure and very efficient. AES is commonly used with 128-bit, 192-bit or 256-bit keys.
- SHA (Secure Hash Algorithm): a cryptographic hash function used to verify data integrity during transmission. SHA-1 and SHA-2 algorithms are commonly used in Secure Sockets Layer certificates.
The encryption protects the transmission of sensitive data by securing the channel through which the data travels, ensuring privacy and preventing tampering. Even if someone were to intercept communications, they would only see encrypted cipher text, not the original readable information.
Types of Secure Sockets Layer Certificates
There are different types and classifications of Secure Sockets Layer certificates to meet various needs:
- Domain Validated (DV): the lowest level certificate which only validates domain ownership. Provides only encryption, no other assurances.
- Organization Validated (OV): a higher assurance certificate that also validates organization identity through additional verification steps beyond just domain ownership.
- Extended Validation (EV): the highest level of certificates providing maximum assurance. Requires even more rigorous verification including legal business identity validation before issuance. EV status is visually indicated in browser addresses bars.
- Wildcard: certificates that can secure multiple subdomains on a single domain using an asterisk, like *.example.com. Useful for large domains with many subdomains.
- Multi-Domain: a certificate for multiple fully qualified domain names rather than just subdomains of a single domain.
- Unified Communications (UC): specialized certificates that support additional features needed for real-time communications like secure VoIP, video calling and conferencing.
Benefits of Secure Sockets Layer Certificates
Implementing Secure Sockets Layer certificates provides several important benefits for both clients and server owners:
- Encrypted Connection: all communications are encrypted in transit, protecting sensitive data from interception or tampering.
- Authentication: the certificate validation process authenticates the server is who it claims to be, protecting against man-in-the-middle attacks.
- Integrity: the encryption ensures data transmitted remains intact and unaltered, preventing things like content injection attacks.
- Trust & Security Seal: the green lock and URL bar indicators signal to users the site can be trusted as it has been validated by a Certificate Authority.
- Increased Traffic: Secure Sockets Layer deployed correctly has been shown to increase conversion rates and time on site as users feel their data and privacy are protected.
Disadvantages of Self-Signed Certificates
While self-signed certificates provide encryption like trusted certificates, they lack the validation of a third party Certificate Authority and come with drawbacks:
- Security Warnings: most browsers will display severe warnings that the certificate can't be verified since it wasn't signed by a trusted CA.
- Lack of Trust: without the validation of a CA, there is no assurance the certificate actually belongs to the domain in question.
- Domain Spoofing Risk: a self-signed certificate could potentially spoof any domain, so proper hostname validation isn't possible.
- No Revocation: if a self-signed certificate is compromised, there is no process to revoke and replace it like with trusted CA certificates.
Choosing an Secure Sockets Layer Certificate Provider
When selecting an Secure Sockets Layer certificate provider, consider options from trusted brands that offer:
- Wide Browser/Platform Support: certificates compatible across all major desktop and mobile platforms.
- Automated Installation: one-click installation features for easy setup on servers and applications.
- Around the Clock Support: help available 24/7 in case any issues arise with installation or renewal.
- Reputation & Trust: choose providers with a long history and excellent reviews to ensure maximum trust in the certificates they provide.
- Price & Features: evaluate costs and look for providers with competitive pricing on individual certificates as well as bundles with additional services.
Some top SSL certificate providers include DigiCert, Comodo, GlobalSign and Let's Encrypt which offers free non-commercial certificates for websites. Always verify any potential provider is properly licensed as a Certificate Authority.
In summary, while self-signed certificates encrypt traffic, they should not be considered a long-term or production solution due to risks in how they undermine security, privacy and trust compared to valid Secure Sockets Layer certificates issued by a trusted CA.
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