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  4. What is Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)?
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What is Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)?

The Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is an obsolete encryption and security standard that was originally developed to improve the security of data transmission on the Internet. It was later replaced by the more modern and secure Transport Layer Security (TLS). Nevertheless, the term "SSL" is often used to describe both SSL and TLS, since TLS is in many ways an evolution of SSL and serves similar purposes.

The main function of SSL (and TLS) is to encrypt communications between a client and a server and to ensure that the data being transmitted is confidential and protected from unauthorized access. It also provides mechanisms to authenticate the server and, if necessary, the client. Here are some of the key features of SSL or TLS:

  • Encryption
    SSL/TLS encrypts the data that is transferred between the client and the server. This means that even if someone intercepts the traffic, the information cannot be read without the proper decryption key.
  • Authentication
    SSL/TLS enables authentication of the server so that the client can ensure that it is communicating with the intended server and not a fake one. Server authentication is performed using digital certificates.
  • Integrity protection
    SSL/TLS ensures that the transmitted data cannot be tampered with during transmission. It uses mechanisms to verify data integrity.
  • Forward and backward secrecy
    Encryption in SSL/TLS provides both forward and backward secrecy. This means that both past and future communications are protected, even if the server's private key is compromised.
  • Compatibility
    Although SSL is deprecated in most applications, TLS is widely used and supported in web browsers, email systems, VPNs, and other applications.

The current version of TLS is TLS 1.3, which offers significant security and performance improvements over previous versions. TLS is typically used for secure web connections, where the URL often starts with "https://", with the "s" standing for "secure", indicating an SSL/TLS encrypted connection.


How does SSL work?

The SSL protocol uses asymmetric encryption, in which a public key is used to encrypt data and a private key is used to decrypt it. When a user accesses a secure website (recognizable by "https://" instead of "http://"), the web server initiates the SSL handshake, during which the identity of the server is verified and a secure communication channel is established. This means that an attacker only sees an unrecognizable, almost indecipherable character string if they want to intercept the connection. Furthermore, all data sent and received is digitally signed to ensure data integrity. This makes it impossible to manipulate the data.


Why is SSL important?

SSL plays a critical role in maintaining online security. Here are some reasons why SSL is important:

  • Data encryption
    SSL encrypts transmitted data so that sensitive information such as personal data, passwords, and payment information is protected from theft.
  • Trustworthiness
    Websites with SSL are considered more secure because they have verified the identity of the owner. This encourages visitors and customers to trust your website.
  • Search engine ranking
    Search engines prefer secure websites and reward them with higher rankings. So SSL is not only important for security, but also for SEO.
  • Protection against manipulation
    An SSL certificate prevents attackers from manipulating the data during transmission.

What types of SSL certificates are there?

There are several types of SSL certificates, including:

  • Domain Validated (DV) certificates
    These only confirm domain ownership and are the easiest to obtain.
  • Organization Validated (OV) Certificates
    Here, a more thorough verification of the organization takes place, which creates a higher level of trust.
  • Extended Validation (EV) Certificates
    These require rigorous validation and activate the green bar in the browser, indicating the highest level of trust.

How do I obtain an SSL certificate for my website?

To obtain an SSL certificate, you must first purchase one from a trusted certificate authority (CA). Then, the certificate must be installed and configured on your web server. Many web hosting providers today offer simplified processes for acquiring, installing and maintaining SSL certificates.

If you have any further questions or need assistance implementing SSL on your website, don't hesitate to contact us.

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