SSL Certificates Explained
SSL is an acronym for Secure Sockets Layer, an encryption technology used to protect sensitive information passed between a web server and a web browser. An SSL certificate provides the encryption keys used during the communication – think of it like a secret password needed to decode the data transmitted between your computer and the specific server you’re talking to.
Even if other Internet users or servers “eavesdrop” on your conversation, they cannot understand what you’re saying because it’s all in a secret code only known to you and the server you’re speaking to.
“S” stands for secure
The ease of shopping and comparing products and prices online makes it an attractive option for many shoppers. But how can you make sure your transactions are safe and your credit card information is going only where you intend it to?
The first thing you should check when purchasing on the Internet (or entering any sensitive information – even login details) should be to look for the “S” in the website address bar. If the address starts with “https” you are on a secure site.
This “S” from “https” gives superpowers to a web page. It means that there’s an SSL certificate which will guarantee that the information you enter (e.g. your personal details or credit card information) is encrypted before transmission from your computer to the Internet. As a customer, that’s all that should interest you.