Installing an SSL Certificate with your Web Host
Secured Socket Layers are also known as “SSL certificates” which are widely accepted and technologically proven standard security technique used for encrypting data. This is such a digital certificate that is applied with the popular security protocol on web. If this encryption is not there then packets of data would travel without confidentiality. Technically, Security Socket Layers or SSL ensures security of data transactions in between web servers and browsers. The SSL protocol use a third party which is a Certificate Authority to identify either both ends or single end of a transaction.
Since the beginning of the Internet businesses have looked to cash in on the exposure available to them online and most websites are created with that objective. Ebay, Dell, and Amazon are amazing examples of e-commerce at work and thriving. There are payment gateways that offer the ability to accept a wide variety of payments online with credit cards without the hassle of approval through the processing company. With all that money changing hands the need for encryption and protection is paramount.
Although there is no such thing as absolute protection, and hackers will do everything to find a way in, SSL technology works diligently to provide maximum protection. This vital piece of technology will restrict hacking to a great degree. SSL security is used by many e-commerce sites that collect vital customer data every day. When using a website to make a purchase, customers know to look for the ‘HTTPS://” as a signal that the site they are using is secure. Most customers will shy away from a site where this is not seen.
There are manifold benefits of SSL certification installation which a professional web host can provide:
* Customer Confidence in SSL certification
Customers feel good when they see the signs that indicate an SSL secured website. These signals include the ‘https’ in their browser’s URL and the SSL site seal as well as the secure locked padlock next to the URL. They gain a feeling of relief and enjoy stress free shopping with the understanding of security protecting their private banking and other information. Your host understands these requirements and targets your exact needs. Your many customers that wish to purchase products online need that security to feel comfortable doing so feeling your site is reliable and authentic.
* Protects the confidential customer information:
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:
* Web-based User Friendly Control Panel
The control panel is used to manage the features of an account. Control panel would enable management of server easily. Look for such a host who can provide a user friendly control panel.
* A good web host will provide a dedicated IP address
A dedicated IP address is necessary for the installation of an SSL certificate. The web host you chose must be able to provide you with this as a matter of normal operation.
* Watch out for hidden charges
The web hosts have a typical tendency to add hidden charges. After the installation is complete they include that in the list of charges. Such hosts, who don’t provide a clear estimation, should always be avoided.
* Browser compatibility:
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.
* Complete user instructions
The web host you choose should provide all the information you need to be able to understand the workings of SSL installation. They should help you through every step even if you do not know which pages you need to encrypt and which you do not. SSL allows individual pages to be turned on and off when it is not necessary.
* SSL certificate sharing
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:
When they begin the installation process of the new SSL certificate they check to be sure the site owner has requested it.
Step 3:
On the control panel there is an option “Install an SSL certificate and Setup the Domain”. The web host clicks on this and a “Install a SSL certificate” wizard opens.
Step 4:
Using the creation wizard the host will paste the certificate from the SSL Company. Note: The CSR is different.
Step 5:
Another box opens where in the Domain section, the domain where SSL would be installed in entered. In the “User” field the control panel name is entered followed by dedicated IP address on the other.
Step 6:
Finally to end the installation process the host pastes the RSA private key and it’s complete. Note: The process may vary from host to host. The above is a general scenario to provide a description of the process.
Filed under: Web