SSL certificates are digital certificates and accreditation to authenticate a website. They enable an encrypted connection. These certificates are essential as they communicate to the client that the website or the web service host has ownership of the domain and has demonstrated it to the certificate authority at the time when certificates were being issued. In simpler terms, the process is just like sealing a letter in an envelope before sending as it ensures privacy and security.
SSL certificates or Secure Sockets Layer, perform a similar task. They are most commonly found on e-commerce websites where monetary transactions take place, and consumers enter their billing details to make the purchase. SSL certificates ensure that the communication taking place between the website and client is secure and personal, and prevent hackers from taking advantage or breaching that information in any way.
If this is not done, hackers will be able to access the client’s data, his/her personal information, billing information, and much more. This will lead to the hacker using this information to harm individuals in some way or another. This could be through data theft, false accusations, harassment, cyberstalking, or ransomware. Ransomware is the process where hackers hold your digital assets and data as a hostage for a ransom in monetary terms after which a pin or a code would be sent to you to unlock your files. If such an occurrence takes place with you, contact cybersecurity services immediately, who can then use processes such as ransomware removal and ransomware recovery. This will ensure that the ransomware is removed from your device and the data lost is recovered. This shows the importance of such certificates.
Need for SSL certificate:
SSL certificates protect information such as:
- Login and password details
- Bank account information and credit card transactions
- Personal information such as name, address, e-mail ID and more
- Legal documents
- Medical records
Types of SSL Certificates:
- Domain Validated: This certificate only verifies the owner of the site and no more. The process of getting this certificate is simple. The client will send an email to the website’s registered email address to ensure whether it is registered or not. This will give no information about the company to the client. This is the lowest level of trust and is usually used by cybercriminals as they appear to make a website more secure and trusting. Always ensure action when you come across a website of this sort and make sure to be well informed before entering your data.
- Organizationally Validated: To receive such a certificate, the client must then validate certain information about the organization. For example, the physical location and its domain name. This has a comparatively higher level of trust and is usually sued by companies that have less sensitive transactions with the public.
- Extended Validation: This type of certificate is essential for websites that handle or deal with sensitive information about the client. It is the highest level of security and trust that can be given. The company undergoes an enhanced and in-depth review. The key to identifying such a website is by a padlock on the side or if it’s green in color.
