Genx Notes

SSL certificate

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Genx

in Glossary

An SSL certificate (Secure Sockets Layer certificate) is a digital certificate that enables encrypted communication between a web server and a user’s browser. It ensures that the data transmitted between the two parties is secure and protected from eavesdropping, tampering, or forgery.

Key Functions of an SSL Certificate:

  1. Encryption: SSL certificates use encryption to protect sensitive data, such as credit card information, personal details, and login credentials, from being intercepted by malicious third parties.
  2. Authentication: SSL certificates verify the legitimacy of the website or business. This helps users ensure that they are communicating with the intended server, not a fraudulent or malicious one.
  3. Data Integrity: SSL certificates ensure that the data sent over the connection cannot be altered or tampered with during transmission.

How SSL Certificates Work:

  1. Handshake Process: When a user visits a website, the browser requests the server’s SSL certificate. The server responds by sending its SSL certificate, which contains its public key.
  2. Verification: The browser checks if the certificate is valid and issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA). If the certificate is trusted, the browser generates a session key and encrypts it using the server’s public key.
  3. Secure Connection: The server decrypts the session key with its private key, and both the server and the browser use this session key to encrypt and decrypt the data exchanged during the session.

Types of SSL Certificates:

  1. Domain Validated (DV): The most basic level of validation, where the CA verifies that the applicant owns the domain.
  2. Organization Validated (OV): In addition to domain ownership, this type validates the organization’s identity, providing more trust.
  3. Extended Validation (EV): The highest level of validation, which provides a green address bar (in some browsers), indicating a high level of security and trustworthiness.

Visual Indicators of SSL on a Website:

  • HTTPS: Websites with SSL certificates use “https://” instead of “http://”.
  • Padlock Icon: A padlock icon appears in the browser’s address bar, indicating a secure connection.
  • Site Seal: Some websites display a trust seal from the Certificate Authority.

Why SSL Certificates Are Important:

  • Security: They protect sensitive data from being stolen or altered.
  • Trust: SSL certificates assure users that they are interacting with a legitimate, secure website.
  • SEO: Google and other search engines give preference to HTTPS websites, improving their search rankings.

In summary, an SSL certificate is fundamental for securing online communications and building trust with website visitors, making it an essential component of modern web security.

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