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“SSL certificates” are used by many businesses on line to create a secure atmosphere for their clients. These applications formerly known as Secured Socket Layers encrypt data so that information can be stored and used with confidence online. With fear of hacking and stealing of vital information on everyone’s mind this type of security is vital to your business. Without it your information is easily available to others online. SSL protocol uses a Certificate Authority to provide third party security for both transaction parties. It is a well-used technology that is proven and the industry standard for top security online.

Websites are hosted mostly with the objective of business. E-commerce sites like that of E-bay, Amazon.com, Dell etc, involve exchange of confidential information through internet. Other sites like, Paypal which is a payment gateway, involve payments through credit cards. Customers use their PIN numbers and other confidential information for such online payments. If encryption was not there, for all these confidential information, then such data would have been extracted by miscreants resulting into severe damages.

Manipulation of secured data could have been possible too. Though SSL technology for securing data is not absolute, still hacking can be restricted to a large extent. This digital certificate is used by several e-commerce sites where valuable customer data are exchanged everyday. After conducting a transaction process via a website, users often get to see a change in the URL, it becomes “HTTPS://”. This also signifies that the information exchanged till now, with the website, is secure.

Here are just some of the vast benefits of Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificates that a professional site can provide:

* 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:

The success of a web host is measured when they are able to install SSL certificates effectively. Encryption technology can be measured in bytes, of which the web host will have a vivid knowledge. If they can implement it, secured data of customer can be shielded, thus building reputation of the website.

* Fast certification installation

Your web host must be able to provide certification quickly. It is there business to provide these services and they have ample resources available to them for the creation of SSL certificates. However, for the business owner that creates their own web site adequate knowledge must be obtained in order to be successful.

* Meeting Regulatory Requirements of SSL certification:

Web hosts can cater to all types of clientele or website owners right from health care to finance. But there are several company websites that need to abide by government regulations as far as the protection of confidential data is concerned. SSL Certificates help in meeting such regulations like HIPPA or Sarbanes-Oxley etc.

How to select the right web host for installing SSL certification:

* Web-based User Friendly Control Panel

The control panel is used to manage the features of an account. Control panel would enable management of server easily. Look for such a host who can provide a user friendly control panel.

* A good web host will provide a 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:

The web hosts have a typical tendency to add hidden charges. After the installation is complete they include that in the list of charges. Such hosts, who don’t provide a clear estimation, should always be avoided.

* Browser compatibility:

The certification that they install should have maximum browser compatibility. Users should be able to log on and use the website from almost all the popular browsers.

* Proper 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.

* SSL certificate sharing

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.

Installing an SSL certificate

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:

On the control panel there is an option “Install an SSL certificate and Setup the Domain”. The web host clicks on this and a “Install a SSL certificate” wizard opens.

Step 4:

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

Step 5:

Another box opens where in the Domain section, the domain where SSL would be installed in entered. In the “User” field the control panel name is entered followed by dedicated IP address on the other.

Step 6:

The process is complete when the host pastes the RSA key. Note: This process is for general information and each host may have a different procedure to follow.