Article Advise

submitted: Jul 30th 2008 | by: MattHedges | Total views: 2 | Word Count: 1015 | |

The most commonly accepted technology for encrypting data is the Secured Socket Layer, more often known as an "SSL certificate". This widely used product offers security for your customers and yourself when applied on web sites. Without this encryption the packets of information that travel between business and customer would be at risk to a breach of confidentiality. The Secured Socket Layers provide tight security of all data transferred from browser to web host. This third party service is issued by a certificate authority to identify both sender and receiver on each 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.

Manipulation of secured data could have been possible too. Though SSL technology for securing data is not absolute, still hacking can be restricted to a large extent. This digital certificate is used by several e-commerce sites where valuable customer data are exchanged everyday. After conducting a transaction process via a website, users often get to see a change in the URL, it becomes "HTTPS://". This also signifies that the information exchanged till now, with the website, is secure.

There are manifold benefits of SSL certification installation which a professional web host can provide:

* Increased Customer Security and Confidence with 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.

* Meeting Regulatory Requirements of SSL certification:

This can be a very tricky area and you must know all of the regulations surrounding your business in order to provide the proper security. A web host has a wide variety of clientele and should meet the needs of many different institutions. SSL certificates comply with the HIPPA and Sarbanes-Oxley and others to be sure you comply.

How to select the right web host for installing SSL certification:

* Web-based User Friendly Control Panel

Access to your web site controls is accessible through a web host's control panel. It should be easy to understand so that you can manipulate your website easily. Make sure you are comfortable with a web host's platform.

* A good web host will provide a 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.

* All cost information should be easy to find:

Some web hosts will have hidden charges that may be difficult to find. They don't tell you what the extra charges are until after the installation is finished. If the web host you are considering does not provide clear accurate fee information look in another direction.

* Compatibility with a variety of browsers

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.

* Information on turning on and off

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.

* Authentic SSL certificate sharing

Another type of SSL certificate is the shared SSL given to authentic web hosts. This web host will install SSL certificates for their customers the same way dedicated certificates are installed. The difference is this type of SSL certificate is linked with the Secure Site Seal issued to domain owners. This type of SSL certificate allows top-level hosts to secure their own information. This requires the special expertise of a web host.

Installing an SSL certificate

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:

Before the installation process of SSL certificate begins, the web hosts checks if owner has a Certificate Signing request generated or not.

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:

The host they pastes the RSA private key to end the installation process.

About the Author

Republished with permission from WebHostingMadness.com, providing web hosting articles, industry reviews and ratings of the best web hosting companies on the Internet.

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