How to Install an SSL Certificate
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.
Websites are most commonly used for business purposes. Sites like Amazon, Dell, and Ebay are shining examples of the impact e-commerce has made on our society. They all use a rapid exchange of confidential information in order to transact such business. By using other payment gateway sites such as Paypal, they collect private information to charge credit cards, as well as personal addresses and more. This data would be vulnerable to internet hackers resulting in severe damage without proper protection.
Without SSL protection it is easy to manipulate secured data. While the technology that SSL uses to secure data is not absolute, it restricts the ability of hacking almost completely. E-commerce businesses that store valuable data on their customers use SSL certificates exclusively in their everyday exchanges. It is so popular that customers have learned to look for the encryption sign as a symbol of their assurance to security. When they see a change in their URL to HTTPS:// they feel safe in using the service.
There are manifold benefits of SSL certification installation which a professional web host can provide:
* SSL certification increases customer confidence:
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:
You can measure the ability of a web host to meet all of your business needs by it’s ability to install an SSL certificate. The technology used to encrypt data is shown in bytes, of which your web host should have exact knowledge. Your customer’s data will be protected and your reputation will build as a result.
* Enable a quick certification
Your web host must be able to provide certification quickly. It is there business to provide these services and they have ample resources available to them for the creation of SSL certificates. However, for the business owner that creates their own web site adequate knowledge must be obtained in order to be successful.
* Your web host will make sure you meet all regulatory requirements
Web hosts can cater to all types of clientele or website owners right from health care to finance. But there are several company websites that need to abide by government regulations as far as the protection of confidential data is concerned. SSL Certificates help in meeting such regulations like HIPPA or Sarbanes-Oxley etc.
How to be sure you have the right web host for SSL installation:
* Easy to use control panel
Everything you do on your website will go through your control panel. It enables the management of your server. Make sure that you find a host that you feel comfortable with using their interface.
* Web hosts should provide dedicated IP address
Your host must be able to provide you with a dedicated IP address. This is essential for using SSL certificate programs and 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
Be sure the certificate that a web host installs is compatible with a wide variety of browsers. Your customer should be able to use any of the most 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.
* 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.
How is SSL certificate installed?
Step 1:
The domain where the SSL certificate would be installed should have its own dedicated IP address. The Web host has knowledge of it as they will be handling the entire 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 host they pastes the RSA private key to end the installation process.
About the author: Gregory Trune is a professional web hosting blogger. Visit WebHostingMadness.com to read his reviews on the top 10 hosting companies each month.
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