How to Install an SSL Certificate

“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 most commonly used for business purposes. Sites like Amazon, Dell, and Ebay are shining examples of the impact e-commerce has made on our society. They all use a rapid exchange of confidential information in order to transact such business. By using other payment gateway sites such as Paypal, they collect private information to charge credit cards, as well as personal addresses and more. This data would be vulnerable to internet hackers resulting in severe damage without proper protection.

Without SSL protection it is easy to manipulate secured data. While the technology that SSL uses to secure data is not absolute, it restricts the ability of hacking almost completely. E-commerce businesses that store valuable data on their customers use SSL certificates exclusively in their everyday exchanges. It is so popular that customers have learned to look for the encryption sign as a symbol of their assurance to security. When they see a change in their URL to HTTPS:// they feel safe in using the service.

The benefits that a properly installed SSL certificate can provide are many. Just a few examples of these are:

* Increased Customer Security and Confidence with SSL certification:

Customers feel good when they see the signs that indicate an SSL secured website. These signals include the ‘https’ in their browser’s URL and the SSL site seal as well as the secure locked padlock next to the URL. They gain a feeling of relief and enjoy stress free shopping with the understanding of security protecting their private banking and other information. Your host understands these requirements and targets your exact needs. Your many customers that wish to purchase products online need that security to feel comfortable doing so feeling your site is reliable and authentic.

* Keeps your Customer’s Information Confidential:

You can measure the ability of a web host to meet all of your business needs by it’s ability to install an SSL certificate. The technology used to encrypt data is shown in bytes, of which your web host should have exact knowledge. Your customer’s data will be protected and your reputation will build as a result.

* Fast certification installation

Web hosts can help you obtain quick certification in a short time. They are always stuffed with ample resources and skilled people thus installation of SSL certification is always at their finger tips. But if someone is planning to do it alone for his/her own website, then adequate knowledge coupled with resources will have to be there.

* Helps in meeting regulatory requirements

This can be a very tricky area and you must know all of the regulations surrounding your business in order to provide the proper security. A web host has a wide variety of clientele and should meet the needs of many different institutions. SSL certificates comply with the HIPPA and Sarbanes-Oxley and others to be sure you comply.

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

* Web-based User Friendly Control Panel

Everything you do on your website will go through your control panel. It enables the management of your server. Make sure that you find a host that you feel comfortable with using their interface.

* Dedicated IP address provisions

The host should be able to provide a dedicated IP address which is essential for secured socket layers and Virtual FTP accounts.

* Watch out for 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.

* Maximum compatibly with popular browsers:

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.

* Information on turning on and off

The web host you choose should provide all the information you need to be able to understand the workings of SSL installation. They should help you through every step even if you do not know which pages you need to encrypt and which you do not. SSL allows individual pages to be turned on and off when it is not necessary.

* SSL certificate sharing

Shared SSL certificate is often issued to authentic Web hosts. These web hosts are responsible for installing SSL certificate in the same way as they do with dedicated certificate. However, such secured certificate is linked with each Secure Site Seal that is issued to every domain owners. Such shared SSL certificates enable the top-level domains to encrypt their data. A web host performs all these tasks as they have special expertise.

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:

The control panel will have an option for ‘Install SSL certificate and Setup the Domain’. Your host will check this and a wizard to install an SSL certificate will come up.

Step 4:

In that wizard, they paste the certificate which is obtained from SSL vendor. Note: This is not the same as that of CSR

Step 5:

Once the above is complete a box comes up with a Domain section. This is the domain where the SSL is to be installed. Enter the control panel name in the ‘user’ field followed with the IP address.

Step 6:

The host they pastes the RSA private key to end the installation process.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.