The A-Z of e-commerce

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a standard security technology used to establish an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. This encryption ensures that all data transmitted between the server and the browser remains private and integral, protecting sensitive information from being intercepted or tampered with by unauthorized parties.

‍How SSL Works:

1. Handshake: When a user visits a website secured with SSL, the browser initiates a secure connection request to the server.

2. Authentication: The server sends its SSL certificate to the browser, which contains the server's public key, along with other information such as the certificate issuer and expiration date.

3. Encryption: The browser verifies the authenticity of the SSL certificate and generates a symmetric session key to encrypt data transmission.

4. Secure Data Transfer: All data exchanged between the browser and the server, including personal information, login credentials, and financial details, is encrypted using the session key, ensuring confidentiality and integrity.

Benefits of SSL:

1. Data Security: SSL encryption protects sensitive information from eavesdropping, interception, and unauthorized access, safeguarding user privacy and confidentiality.

2. Trust and Credibility: Websites with SSL certificates display visual cues such as padlock icons and "https" in the URL, signaling to users that their connection is secure and enhancing trust in the website and brand.

3. Compliance: SSL encryption is a requirement for compliance with data protection regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).

4. Improved SEO: Search engines prioritize secure websites in search results, making SSL implementation beneficial for improving search engine rankings and visibility.