SSL

SSL

What is SSL and why is it important?

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates, sometimes called digital certificates, are used to establish an encrypted connection between a browser or user’s computer and a server or website.

 

SSL: SECURE SOCKETS LAYER

SSL is standard technology for securing an internet connection by encrypting data sent between a website and a browser (or between two servers). It prevents hackers from seeing or stealing any information transferred, including personal or financial data.

 

HOW DO SSL CERTIFICATES WORK?

SSL certificates establish an encrypted connection between a website/server and a browser with what’s known as an “SSL handshake.” For visitors to your website, the process is invisible — and instantaneous.

Authentication

For every new session a user begins on your website, their browser and your server exchange and validate each other’s SSL certificates.

 

Encryption

Your server shares its public key with the browser, which the browser then uses to create and encrypt a pre-master key. This is called the key exchange.

 

Decryption

The server decrypts the pre-master key with its private key, establishing a secure, encrypted connection used for the duration of the session