When you visit a website, your browser establishes a connection to the website using Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and begins transferring data. HTTP is an unencrypted standard that has been used for the World Wide Web since its inception in 1993. Consequently, this means that almost every site you visit on the internet can read your browsing history, personal information, and IP address. An attacker could use this information to exploit your digital identity or even steal your identity. Fortunately, there’s a solution: HTTPS. HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure and is connected to websites with a locked icon instead of an unlocked one. In this guide, we’ll explain why HTTPS is such an important security protocol and how it protects you from cyber threats like identity theft, man-in-the-middle attacks, and network sniffers.
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What is SSL and why is it important?
SSL stands for “Secure Sockets Layer”, which is the standard protocol for encrypting communications between a web browser and a web server. In simpler terms, SSL is a security bridge that’s used to create an encrypted connection between a user’s browser and a website. This encrypted connection prevents eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks by cybercriminals. It’s important to note that SSL and HTTPS are not the same thing. HTTPS is the HTTP protocol that’s commonly used on the internet, but it can also be used on HTTPS. Basically, HTTPS is HTTP with SSL encryption added. HTTPS is the preferred protocol for websites because it protects the privacy of users and keeps their information safe.
Why is SSL worth paying for?
SSL is important, but you might be wondering if it’s worth spending money on. One of the main reasons SSL is worth paying for is that it is certified by trusted Certificate Authorities like Comodo, Sectigo, Certera, etc. When you install an SSL certificate on your website, you’re essentially getting a digital ID from a trusted Certificate Authority that you can use to prove that you are who you say you are online. This digital ID can help you establish your identity by securing websites, authenticating users, and providing fraud detection for online transactions. SSL Certificate can also help prevent identity theft by encrypting user data so that it can’t be intercepted, tampered, or stolen. It can also help protect sensitive information like credit card numbers and social security numbers by scrambling this data before it’s sent to your customers.
How does SSL protect you from cyber criminals?
Cyber criminals are constantly trying to find new ways to steal your identity and impersonate you online. An SSL Certificate can help protect you from these threats in a few different ways. First, it can protect you from man-in-the-middle attacks. When you visit an unencrypted website, your browser sends your browsing history, sensitive data, and login credentials to the server unencrypted. This means that someone could intercept your information and pose as you on the website. When you visit an HTTPS website, your browser and the server establish an encrypted connection that keeps your information safe from eavesdroppers. Second, SSL can protect you from identity theft. This is one of the most common threats online, especially if you use unencrypted websites. If a cybercriminal steals your sensitive information and logs into your account on an unsecured website, they can wreak havoc on your finances and personal life. SSL can protect your sensitive data from falling into the wrong hands by scrambling it before it’s sent to the server.
How does SSL protect your data?
Another way SSL protects your data is by verifying the identity of the website you’re connecting to. When you connect to an unsecured website, your browser will display a “this connection is not private” warning. This means that your browser is trying to tell you that something is wrong or that you’re connecting to a website that isn’t trustworthy. When you connect to a website with an SSL certificate, your browser will display a “secure” or “padlock” icon in the address bar. This lets you know that you can trust the website and that your data is being sent through a secured connection.
How to know if your website has SSL?
One of the easiest ways to know if your website has SSL is to look for the “secure” or “padlock” icon in your browser’s address bar. If you see this icon, then your website is using SSL. You can also check the URL of your website to see if it starts with “https://.” If so, then your website is using SSL. You can also check the website console on your browser to see if your website has SSL installed.
- On Chrome, you can open the console by pressing CTRL + SHIFT + J
- On Firefox, you can open the console by pressing CTRL + SHIFT + C
- On Safari, you can open the console by pressing Command + Option + I
Final words: The importance of SSL in the internet era
The internet was built on HTTP – a system that lacks security. As a result, a user’s browser transmits personal data and login credentials in plain text that can be easily intercepted by a hacker. While HTTPS is not a new protocol, it has recently seen a spike in adoption thanks to the Comodo/Sectigo’s initiative. This initiative is a collaboration between industry leaders that aims to bring cheap SSL certificates for website security. SSL encryption is important for protecting your data, your customers’ data, and your website’s brand. If your website does not have SSL installed, there is a good chance that your customers are leaving your website and choosing a competitor’s that does have SSL.
