What is a Secure Sockets Layer? Why is SSL Important?

You must have seen “HTTPS” in most of the URLs present online. This signals that those websites are secured using SSL protocols. SSL full form is Secure Sockets Layers and it is responsible for creating a safe communication connection between browser and server.

What is a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)?

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is an important technology that is responsible for protecting digital communication. And, it does so by creating a secure and encrypted link between a web browser and the server. Moreover, this is how it keeps all the exchanged data safe and private. As the SSL encrypts the data and makes it unreadable to unauthorized people.

SSL was first introduced in 1995 by Netscape. Since then, it aimed to provide secure data transmission, privacy, and trust. Today, SSL is largely replaced by Transport Layer Security (TLS). However, many people still refer to TLS as SSL.

Why is SSL Important?

First introduced in 1995 by Netscape, since then it played an important role in securing data transmission, privacy, and trust. While it was widely replaced by the updated version that is Transport Layer Security (TSL). However, SSL security still remains a popular thing. Here is why it is important for every website available online.

1. Secures Online Communication

Before SSL was founded, Data was transmitted as simple text and this helped the hackers crack and read it very easily. However, as cybercrime became more and more common the need for high security was felt. And here comes the SSL encryption. This technology ensures that the data travels in an encrypted form that can’t be intercepted or read.

2. Builds Trust

It is not just used to secure online communication but it also became a hallmark of a safe website. Additionally, it differentiated between a fake and a real website. SSL security allows browsers to gain confidence and trust in the website.

3. Prevents Data Tampering

Moreover, it has one more task which is to ensure that no transmitted data is tampered with or altered during the transfer. In case the data alteration is attempted then the involved parties are sent alter as SSL detects the alteration.

4. Protects Against Cyber Threats

Cyber Threats are evolving every day and precaution is better than cure. And SSL plays the role of precaution. It reduces cyberattacks such as phishing etc. By authenticating web servers and securing sensitive data.

How Does SSL Work?

The Secure Sockets Layers work in three core processes. They are:

1. Encryption

First and foremost it encrypts the data that is being transferred between the web browser and the server. This process of encryption converts that readable, simple form of data into a complex uncrackable format. These encrypted data become difficult to get bypassed by hackers.

2. Authentication

After encryption, the process of authentication occurs. The browser and server exchange SSL certificates during the SSL handshake. This exchange ensures that the connection is built to the legitimate website only.

3. Data Integrity

The last but not the least, the secure sockets layer (SSL) detects if anyone tries to alter the data. And this is how it ensures that the data stays unchanged and accurate.

Four important SSL protocols must be followed. They are as follows:

SSL Record Protocol: Handles data encryption and fragmentation for secure data transmission.
SSL Handshake Protocol: Establishes a connection to transfer encryption keys and verifies identities.
Change-Cipher Spec Protocol: Notifies both parties to switch to secure communication.
Alert Protocol: Sends warnings or alerts for errors and session terminations.

What Are SSL Certificates?

Even if a website is implemented with Secure Sockets Layer, how would you know that? The SSL certificates come into play here. These certificates are issued by trusted Certificate Authorities (CAs). They are used to verify that a website’s SSL certificates are digital certificates issued by trusted entities called Certificate Authorities (CAs). Moreover, these certificates verify a website’s identity and enable encryption. When a website obtains the SSL certificate, the browser gets “HTTPS” for websites with SSL.

Moreover, SSL certificates can be of three types:

1. Single-Domain SSL Certificate

As the name suggests it only secures one domain. This means it works for oragetechnologies.com but not for sub.oragetechnologies.com.

2. Wildcard SSL Certificate

As opposed to a single domain, a wildcard SSL certificate secures a domain along with its subdomains. This means it can protect both oragetechnologies.com as well as sub.oragetechnologies.com.

3. Multi-Domain SSL Certificate

Again as the name suggests, it secures multiple domains. It is generally used for businesses that use different websites. This means it can protect both oragetechnologies.com as well as oragetechnologiesindia.net.

SSL vs. TLS: Which is Better?

TLS (Transport Layer Security) is the successor to SSL. It offers improved encryption and security.

Key Differences

Message Authentication: TLS uses advanced methods like HMAC. SSL relies on older algorithms like MD5.
Handshake Process: TLS simplifies the handshake process, making it faster.
Cipher Suites: TLS supports modern and secure encryption methods.

Although TLS is more secure, many still refer to it as SSL.

Common Cyber Threats Prevented by SSL

SSL can help websites prevent various common cyber threats. Some of them are mentioned below:

Phishing Attacks: SSL ensures users connect to legitimate websites. This reduces phishing risks.
Data Breaches: Encrypted data is safe even if intercepted. Hackers cannot decrypt the information.
Man-in-the-Middle Attacks: SSL secures the connection and prevents unauthorized interception.

How to Install an SSL Certificate

Installing an SSL Certificate is a very simple thing and you can do it in three easy steps:

Obtain a Certificate: Purchase an SSL certificate from a trusted CA like DigiCert or Let’s Encrypt.

Install it on Your Server: Upload the certificate to your web hosting server. Follow your hosting provider’s instructions.

Configure HTTPS: Ensure your website redirects all traffic to HTTPS. Test the connection for errors.

Conclusion

SSL is an important security technology that is used to secure and encrypt digital communication and the data flow in the transfer. It does so by encrypting sensitive data, ensuring that it does not get altered, and building trust in any website. Websites that have SSL certificates are considered safer and more reliable.

Also Read: Cyber Security: The Essential Guide to Keeping Your Data Safe