Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a protocol that is created to establish encrypted links between web servers and clients. Ensure data transmitted between the encrypted links between server and clients, remains private and integral. SSL has been replaced by Transport Layer Security (TLS). But then the term “SSL” is still commonly used to refer to this type of security technology.
How does SSL/TLS work on the Website?
Whenever a user attempts to access a secure website, this process generally referred to as “SSL/TLS handshake,” occurs:
- Connection Initiation: Initially the user’s browser requests a secure connection to the web server.
- Server Authentication: The next step of the server is to respond by sending its SSL/TLS certificate. This includes its public key and identity.
- Server Certificate Verification: The next step is verification, the browser verifies the server’s certificate against trusted Certificate Authorities (CAs). If the details are valid, the browser proceeds with the verification.
- Session Key starter: The browser generates a symmetric session key, encrypts it with the server’s public key, and sends it to the server.
- Secure Connection Established: when the secure connection is established: the server and browser can now use the shared session key to encrypt and decrypt data transmitted during the session.
Identification of Secure Websites
Identification of the secured website is done by checking the presence of “https://” in the URL and a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar. Clicking on this lock provides details about the site’s security certificate.
Some Common Terms Related to SSL
- TLS (Transport Layer Security): TLS is the successor to SSL, offering enhanced security features.
- HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure): This is a secured version of HTTP, It utilizes SSL/TLS to encrypt data between the browser and server.
Importance of SSL/TLS?
Implementing SSL/TLS is essential for the following:Â
- Data Protection: Encrypts sensitive information, and safeguards the information from interception.
- Data Authentication: Ensures users are communicating with the legitimate server and the data is being authenticated.
- Various SEO Benefits: The search engine ranking factor includes the security of the website with an SSL certificate. The website may rank HTTPS-enabled sites higher, as they are considered more secure.
Best Practices for SSL/TLS Certificates
- Obtain Certificates from Trusted Certificate Authorities (CAs): Acquire SSL/TLS certificates for your websites from reputable CAs to ensure credibility.
- Choose the Appropriate Certificate Type:
- Domain Validated (DV): These validate domain ownership; Mostly DV is suitable for blogs or informational sites.
- Organization Validated (OV): Includes organizational identity verification, these OV validations are ideal for commercial websites.
- Extended Validation (EV): It offers a high level of validation. It displays the organization’s or business name in the browser’s address bar. EV validations are recommended for websites handling sensitive data.
- Monitor Certificate Expiry Date: Regularly check and renew certificates before they expire. Ensure to maintain uninterrupted security with security certification.Â
