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Secure Web Hosting With SSL Certificates

by GregoryTrune

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.

Although there is no such thing as absolute protection, and hackers will do everything to find a way in, SSL technology works diligently to provide maximum protection. This vital piece of technology will restrict hacking to a great degree. SSL security is used by many e-commerce sites that collect vital customer data every day. When using a website to make a purchase, customers know to look for the 'HTTPS://" as a signal that the site they are using is secure. Most customers will shy away from a site where this is not seen.

The benefits that a properly installed SSL certificate can provide are many. Just a few examples of these are:

* Customer Confidence in 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.

* Protects the confidential customer information:

You can measure the ability of a web host to meet all of your business needs by it's ability to install an SSL certificate. The technology used to encrypt data is shown in bytes, of which your web host should have exact knowledge. Your customer's data will be protected and your reputation will build as a result.

* Fast certification installation

Web hosts can help you obtain quick certification in a short time. They are always stuffed with ample resources and skilled people thus installation of SSL certification is always at their finger tips. But if someone is planning to do it alone for his/her own website, then adequate knowledge coupled with resources will have to be there.

* Your web host will make sure you meet all regulatory requirements

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:

* Control Panel That is User Friendly

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.

* Web hosts should provide dedicated IP address

A dedicated IP address is necessary for the installation of an SSL certificate. The web host you chose must be able to provide you with this as a matter of normal operation.

* No hidden charges:

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.

* Maximum compatibly with popular browsers:

Be sure the certificate that a web host installs is compatible with a wide variety of browsers. Your customer should be able to use any of the most popular browsers.

* Complete user instructions

The web host should posses ample knowledge of all the technicalities related to SSL installation. He/she should be able to guide website owners who are ignorant about exactly which pages will have to be encrypted and which will not. SSL provides an option to turn it on when required and off when not in use.

* Shared SSL certificate

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.

The SSL certificate installation process

Step 1:

The domain where the SSL certificate would be installed should have its own dedicated IP address. The Web host has knowledge of it as they will be handling the entire 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:

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:

At that point the certificate information is pasted. Be aware that this is not the same as a CSR

Step 5:

Once the above is complete a box comes up with a Domain section. This is the domain where the SSL is to be installed. Enter the control panel name in the 'user' field followed with the IP address.

Step 6:

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

About the Author: Frank Cole

About the author: Gregory Trune is a professional web hosting blogger. Visit WebHostingMadness.com to read his reviews on the top 10 hosting companies each month.

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Secure Web Hosting With SSL Certificates