SSL Certificate
SSL can only be used on websites that have been issued an SSL certificate. An SSL certificate functions similarly to an ID card or a badge in that it verifies that a person is who they claim to be. A website's or application server stores and displays SSL certificates on the web. SSL certificates allow websites to switch from HTTP to HTTPS, which is a more secure protocol. An SSL certificate is a data file stored on the origin server of a website. The public key of a website is an important component of an SSL certificate. Encryption is feasible thanks to the public key. The public key is viewed by the user's device, which then uses it to create safe encryption with the webserver. Meanwhile, the webserver has a hidden private key that decrypts data encrypted with the public key. SSL certificates enable SSL/TLS encryption by containing the public key and identity of the website, as well as other information. This file will be used by devices attempting to communicate with the origin server to receive the public key and verify the server's identity. The private key is kept private and secure at all times. SSL is a technology that encrypts internet information and verifies the identity of servers. SSL, or secure socket layer, is an internet security technology based on encryption.
How does SSL work?
SSL encrypts data communicated across the web in order to guarantee a high level of privacy. Anyone attempting to intercept this data will be met with a jumble of characters that is now hard to decrypt. SSL begins an authentication process known as a handshake between two connected devices to guarantee that the devices are who they say they are. SSL also digitally certifies data to ensure data integrity, ensuring that it has not been tampered with before it reaches its intended receiver.
Why is it necessary for a website to have an SSL certificate?
An SSL certificate is required for a website to protect user data, verify ownership, prevent attackers from building a false version of the site, and convey trust to users. If a website asks visitors to sign in, enter personal information like their credit card number, or see confidential information like health benefits or financial information, the data must be kept private. SSL certificates help to keep online interactions private by assuring consumers that the website they are visiting is legitimate and safe to exchange personal information. SSL certificates protect data such as login credentials, personally identifiable information, legal documents, medical records, proprietary information, and more.
HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is an extension of the HTTP protocol (HTTP). The primary objective behind HTTPS is to authenticate the website being viewed, as well as to secure the privacy and integrity of the data being transmitted while in transit. The two-way encryption of communication between a client and a server protects communications against eavesdropping and tampering, and HTTPS safeguards against man-in-the-middle attacks. HTTPS should be used on any website, especially those that require login credentials.
How does HTTPS work?
To encrypt communication, HTTPS employs an encryption protocol. Although it was previously known as a secure socket layer, the protocol is now known as Transport Layer Security (TLS) (SSL). An asymmetric public key infrastructure is used to secure communications in this protocol. This type of security mechanism encrypts communications between two parties using two separate keys:
The private key is held in the possession of the website's owner and is kept private. This key is stored on a web server and is used to decrypt data that has been encrypted using the public key.
The public key is accessible to anyone who wishes to interact with the server in a secure manner. The only way to decrypt information encrypted with the public key is to use the private key.
What is the significance of HTTPS?
What happens if a website isn't secured with HTTPS? HTTPS protects websites from having their data broadcast in a way that anyone spying on the network can see. When data is transferred via standard HTTP, it is split down into packets of data that can be easily sniffed with free software. As a result, communication over an insecure medium like public Wi-Fi is extremely vulnerable to interception. In fact, all HTTP communications are in plain text, making them extremely accessible to anyone with the right tools and open to on-path assaults. HTTPS encrypts traffic so that even if packets are sniffed or otherwise intercepted, they will appear as nonsensical characters.
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