BENEFITS OF SSL

SSL is an abbreviated word for secure sockets layer which is a standard security technology
for establishing an encrypted link between the server and the website. An SSL server
ensures that all data passed between the web server and browser remains private and
integral. In lay mans language (Leila and Lisa are sisters and are in the same class though
the sit at different positions, being siblings, they share the school bag and each of them has
a key to the bag. At class time the teacher enters the class and asks them to get out their
books ready for the lesson. Leila is the one having the bag so she opens and get the book
she looks it passes the bag through her classmates to Lisa. In this case it is only Lisa who
can open the bag because she has the keys. Even though the bag passed through the
classmates they all could not access the book inside simply because they did not have the
key).

SSL secures millions of peoples' data on the Internet every day, especially during online
transactions or when transmitting confidential information, in that SSL protocol
determines variables of the encryption for both the link and the data being transmitted.

SSL allows sensitive information to transmit securely. Such information include credit card
numbers, social security numbers and login credentials

In order to establish a secure connection, the browser and the server needs an SSL
certificate thus the capability to interact with secured web servers.

SSL Certificate is obtained from certificate authority and it usually contains key pairs which
are public keys, private keys and session keys. These keys work simultaneously to establish
encrypted connection. Anything encrypted with the private keys can only be decrypted
with the public keys and vice –versa while the session keys are used to encrypt all the
transmitted data after a secure connection. The SSL certificate also contains the “subject,”
which is the identity of the website owner.

SSL is essential backbone of our secure internet as it ensures that all information handled
stays private and secure as it travels.

IMPORTANCE OF SSL

1) GUARDS AGAINST PHISHING.

Phishing is an attempt to obtain sensitive and confidential information under false

pretenses for fraudulent activities.people involved in web crime target a specific group of
individuals with messages, emails or phone calls and they usually have directions on what
to do. People often fall prey of such scams and end up revealing their whereabouts thus fall
prey by losing their valuables.SSL does not issue certificates to such individuals or
companies involved in fraudulent activities thus guard the safety of its clients.

2) DATA ENCRYPTION

SSL encrypts sensitive information sent across the internet and it is only the intended
recipients that can understand it. This protects the information from hackers thus convey
the information safely thus safeguards the privacy of its users. And for the end user to be
able to use the information it has to be decrypted.

3) PROVIDES AUTHENTICATION

People are often tricked and send information to unintended recipients thus end up
revealing important information into wrong hands. To avoid such errors SSL always
provides a means whereby one can be sure that they are sending information to the right
server and not to an imposter trying to steal their information.

4) INSTILL TRUST

Visitors to any site always yearn for security of their information. In order to attract and
retain customers most web sites ensure that they have installed security gadgets such as
SSL which gives visual cues such as a lock icon or a green bar , to help visitors know that
their connection is secured thus creating a trusted environment where potential
customers feel confident in making purchases.

5) BUSINESS FUTURE – PROOFING

Many companies are adopting advanced security measures to curb phishing and attacks
thus securing their clients information and to also helps companies and institutions remain
relevant with the changing times and technology.

6) SECURE PAYMANETS TO EXPERIENCE SAFE SHOPPING

Visitors prefer sites with SSL because of secured credit card information compared to sites
with simple HTTP websites which are vulnerable to web attacks. With the ever drastic
technological advancement, all the companies dealing with online payments are required
to have a site that meets the security standards to guard customer’s financial information
from attacks, thus instill customer’s trust and confidence while doing transactions online

7) INCREASE BRAND POWER AND BOOST RANKING

The use websites that are protected with an SSL certificate offers complete verification of
the business identity which further helps Google understand that customer protection is
adhered to thus help to boost the website ranking. An SSL protected site gives the user a
perception that the brand is secure. They will be less worried about security issues and will
engage more effectively.

DISADVANTAGES OF SSL

1) COSTLY

SSL certificates are bought and the prices vary depending on the level of identity
verification and the domains/sub domains that the certificate will host also the institutions
need to pay for infrastructure and maintenance..

2) PERFORMANCE

Web sites with a large number of visitors tend to be slower because the connections tend to
go forth and back in order to encrypt and decrypt the data before it can be used .Also
clients can create a buffer overflow which can take down the whole server

3) ALLOWS INSECURE ENCRYPTION

SSL allows computers to work together in performing encryption and decryption and
sometimes allow old software or misconfigured software to choose the encryption method
that can fail thus prone to malware.

4) EXPIRED CERTIFICATE

A SSL certificate is essential for the business because it protects the credibility of the
business as well as customer’s data and when expired customers will be notified that the
site is no longer secured and in order to retain customers and build a good brand image,
The certificate requires to be renewed periodically.

Typically an SSL certificate contains the company name, the company’s domain, the
address, the city, the state, the country, the certificate expiration date and the authority
responsible for the certificate issuances which are always verified by the certificate
authority. This validation ensures that the certificate is reliable thus shows customers that
your business is legitimate