SSL is an acronym that stands for Secure Sockets Layer. SSL plays a crucial role in the digital world because it ensures that a connection between two computers is secure, preventing cybercriminals from stealing valuable information.
When such a secure connection is in place, you will see that the URL always starts with https. A connection that is not specifically secured starts with http. Furthermore, with an SSL connection, you will see a padlock icon to the left of the URL.
SSL and TLS
Incidentally, it should be noted that TLS (Transport Layer Security) is now a newer and more secure version of SSL. TLS is already widely used. The term SSL is still frequently used to simply refer to a (more) secure connection.
To establish an SSL connection, you need an SSL certificate. In the following paragraph, you’ll learn everything you need to know about these certificates. After that, we’ll explain in general terms how SSL actually works.
Why an SSL certificate?
If you, as a website administrator or owner, want to enable secure connections, you will first need an SSL certificate. You can simply request this certificate from a certificate authority. There are costs associated with this.
For the following reasons, it is advisable to actually obtain this certificate:
- It is much more difficult for a hacker to steal sensitive data from an SSL-certified website.
- If personal data is processed on your website, having an SSL certificate is legally required. This is in accordance with the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).
- In the past, websites with an SSL certificate were labeled as secure; nowadays, Google Chrome does the opposite. A website that does not have such a certificate is now outright labeled as insecure.
- As a consumer, you know that a website with an SSL certificate is “genuine,” and therefore not a phishing site, or a fake website.
- All of the points mentioned above lead to a better reputation for your organization and greater consumer trust.
- Online search engines like Google value having a well-secured website. This has a positive effect on your online discoverability.
How SSL Works
When establishing a secure connection, there is an interaction between your server and your browser. In this process, two computers attempt to connect via the secure SSL protocol. These computers first verify each other’s certificates and their authenticity.
If both certificates are valid, the relevant data can be exchanged completely securely. This includes login credentials or name and address details that a customer enters in your online store. This sensitive data is sent in code using a unique encryption method. When your server receives this data, it is decrypted, after which you can conclude that the connection was securely established.
