What is SSL certificate for? Is it even useful

Do you recall the tiny padlock that appears whenever you access a website? How does that secure you and you and your data, and what does that exactly mean?

An SSL certificate validates the identity of a website and makes communication secured. SSL i.e., Secured Socket Layer is an added protocol for security that establishes a connection with much better protection with web server and a web browser. SSL safeguards online transactions and protects customers information. SSL certificate should be installed on an organization's and company's website. It prevents hackers from altering and reading data transferred between two or more devices. Padlock icon next to address bar shows that website has SSL certificate.

Why do we need it?

If you're interested in how attacks happen, a hacker installs a small, covert listening application on the server that houses a website without ant protection. While a visitor types information into the page, the malware waits in the background for them to do so. Your typing is beginning to capture data, which is then transferred back to the hacker. On the other hand, when you visit a website that uses SSL encryption, your browser will establish a connection with the web server through text, check the SSL certificate, and then bind your browser and the server.

SSL's work

By virtually hard to read, SSL encrypts data exchanged between users and websites or between two systems.

It uses encryption techniques to jumble data in transit, guarding against hacker access as it moves across the network. Therefore, even if someone were to launch a man-in-the-middle attack and intercept your data, they wouldn't be able to see the actual data, including usernames and passwords.

The work process is as follows:

• A browser or server tries to connect to a website that uses SSL encryption (i.e., a web server).
• The browser or server will ask the web server to verify its identity.
• In response, the web server sends the browser or server a copy of its SSL certificate.
• The SSL certificate is examined by the browser or server to determine its trustworthiness. If it does, a notification is sent to the web server.
• An SSL-encrypted session is then started after the web server provides a digitally signed acknowledgment.
• Between the browser or server and the webserver, encrypted data is exchanged.

This procedure is referred to as a "SSL handshake." Although it could seem like a protracted process, it is finished in milliseconds.

When an SSL certificate encrypts a website, the phrase HTTPS (short for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) appears in the URL. If you don't have an SSL certificate, only the letters HTTP - i.e., without the S for Secure - will show up. There will also be a padlock icon in the URL address box. Because of this, website visitors will feel more secure.

By clicking on the padlock icon in the browser bar, you may check the details of an SSL certificate. The following details are commonly included in SSL certificates:

• The person, organization, or device for which the certificate was issued, as well as the domain name for which it was issued.
• The Certificate Authority's digital signature.
• Subdomains with a common theme.
• Date of Issue and Date of Expiration of Certificate.
• The public key is a key that is accessible to everyone, everywhere (the private key is not revealed).

An SSL certificate aids in protecting data like:

• Login information.
• Information on bank accounts or credit card transactions.
• The following are examples of personally identifiable information: complete name, address, date of birth, or phone number.
• Legal papers and agreements.

Conclusion

For your safety when entering sensitive information online, especially on websites like banks and airlines, you must have an SSL certificate.

Nowadays, the majority of websites have an SSL certificate, particularly now that Google regularly modifies its algorithm and favors safe websites.