Server FAQs >  SSL

SSL FAQs

What is Secure Sockets Layers (SSL) technology?

The SSL protocol ensures that the connection between a client and a server is private and only seen by those two parties. A secure WWW server uses SSL technology to establish an encrypted connection and authenticate the server and possibly the client. The SSL technology does not have anything to do with how monetary transactions are processed.

Why do I want to use SSL?

There are many reasons why you would want to use SSL - perhaps you would like to protect a form that is submitted on your web site that contains personal details. Perhaps you want to protect credit card numbers / info from being viewed by others on the internet. The level of security depends on the bits and key size of the certificate.

How do I set up SSL?

There are two types of SSL certificates. The difference between these two types lies not in the security, but in the URL that is displayed in your browser.

1. Shared SSL's

Accessed through a URL at your hosting provider's secure servers, the URL will appear to be longer and is secured through your hosting provider rather than through your company. Users will see:
https://ssl.yourhostingproviderdomain.com/~yourusername/xyz.html

2. Non-shared SSL's

These are usually purchased through third party providers. Once installed, encrypted pages will appear more professional as:
https://www.yourdomainname.com/xyz.html
The costs of third party certificates vary from provider to provider - we advise using a reputable company or SSL partners of your web hosting company.

What are the differences between different SSL certificates?

SSL have key sizes of a certain number of bits. The key size of 1024 bits approaches industrial standards required for encryption.

Does SSL process credit card transactions?

No. SSL only protects the connection between the client's computer and the server, i.e. the information entered on the order form of your web site is protected by SSL. However, it has nothing to do with processing payment - SSL does not understand the information it protects. For information on payment processing, read up on our eCommerce section.

Does SSL protect e-mail orders?

If your order forms are submitted to your email, there will be a security risk. Your email account needs to be secured with PGP encryption. PGP and SSL need to work together in order for a transaction to be secure.

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