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Home Internet Web Hosting Installing an SSL Certificate with your Web Host
Installing an SSL Certificate with your Web Host PDF Print E-mail
Written by Matt Hedges   
Tuesday, 29 July 2008 23:17
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.
by MattHedges


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:

* Increased Customer Security and Confidence with SSL certification:

The web host that is selected by website owner targets their exact requirement. The website owner can have several online customers who would like to purchase and exchange information with the website confidentially. The web host, based upon such requirements of the website owner, installs SSL certifications. SSL features three signs of security: A closed padlock which is visible in the browser window, 'https' in the URL and SSL site seal. These three security indications help the customers go tension free, this increasing reliability and authenticity of a website.

* Provides protection for privileged customer data:

The measure of your web host's success is the ability to install SSL certificates properly. The technology of encryption is measured by bytes. Your webhost will have knowledge of that for sure. If your web host can provide the necessary SSL certificates your customers information will be secure and your reputation will be stronger for it.

* Enable a quick certification

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.

* 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.

The right web host for SSL certification installation:

* Easy to use control panel

The control panel is used to manage the features of an account. Control panel would enable management of server easily. Look for such a host who can provide a user friendly control panel.

* Dedicated IP address provisions

The host should be able to provide a dedicated IP address which is essential for secured socket layers and Virtual FTP accounts.

* All cost information should be easy to find:

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.

* Maximum compatibly with popular 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.

* 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.

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:

The web host will check to see if a owner has requested the installation of a certificate before installing any programming.

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:

When the next box opens a Domain section appears. This is where the SSL is applied. In another field labeled 'user' the control panel name is added followed by the dedicated IP address to install the certificate.

Step 6:

The process is complete when the host pastes the RSA key. Note: This process is for general information and each host may have a different procedure to follow.

About the Author:

Republished with permission from WebHostingMadness.com, a publisher of web hosting company reviews, articles and helpful guides on web hosting.

Kindly provided by MoneyHunter.org
You are welcome to use this article on your own website, if you include the link just before this text.
 
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