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by: MattHedges
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Secured Socket Layers are also known as "SSL certificates" which are widely accepted and technologically proven standard security technique used for encrypting data. This is such a digital certificate that is applied with the popular security protocol on web. If this encryption is not there then packets of data would travel without confidentiality. Technically, Security Socket Layers or SSL ensures security of data transactions in between web servers and browsers. The SSL protocol use a third party which is a Certificate Authority to identify either both ends or single end of a transaction.

Websites are hosted mostly with the objective of business. E-commerce sites like that of E-bay, Amazon.com, Dell etc, involve exchange of confidential information through internet. Other sites like, Paypal which is a payment gateway, involve payments through credit cards. Customers use their PIN numbers and other confidential information for such online payments. If encryption was not there, for all these confidential information, then such data would have been extracted by miscreants resulting into severe damages.

Manipulation of secured data could have been possible too. Though SSL technology for securing data is not absolute, still hacking can be restricted to a large extent. This digital certificate is used by several e-commerce sites where valuable customer data are exchanged everyday. After conducting a transaction process via a website, users often get to see a change in the URL, it becomes "HTTPS://". This also signifies that the information exchanged till now, with the website, is secure.

There are manifold benefits of SSL certification installation which a professional web host can provide:

* SSL certification increases customer confidence:

The web host that is selected by website owner targets their exact requirement. The website owner can have several online customers who would like to purchase and exchange information with the website confidentially. The web host, based upon such requirements of the website owner, installs SSL certifications. SSL features three signs of security: A closed padlock which is visible in the browser window, 'https' in the URL and SSL site seal. These three security indications help the customers go tension free, this increasing reliability and authenticity of a website.

* Protects the confidential customer information:

The success of a web host is measured when they are able to install SSL certificates effectively. Encryption technology can be measured in bytes, of which the web host will have a vivid knowledge. If they can implement it, secured data of customer can be shielded, thus building reputation of the website.

* Enable a quick certification

Web hosts can help you obtain quick certification in a short time. They are always stuffed with ample resources and skilled people thus installation of SSL certification is always at their finger tips. But if someone is planning to do it alone for his/her own website, then adequate knowledge coupled with resources will have to be there.

* Your web host will make sure you meet all regulatory requirements

Web hosts can cater to all types of clientele or website owners right from health care to finance. But there are several company websites that need to abide by government regulations as far as the protection of confidential data is concerned. SSL Certificates help in meeting such regulations like HIPPA or Sarbanes-Oxley etc.

How to select the right web host for installing SSL certification:

* Easy to use control panel

The control panel is used to manage the features of an account. Control panel would enable management of server easily. Look for such a host who can provide a user friendly control panel.

* Dedicated IP address provisions

Your host must be able to provide you with a dedicated IP address. This is essential for using SSL certificate programs and FTP accounts.

* Watch out for hidden charges

Some web hosts will have hidden charges that may be difficult to find. They don't tell you what the extra charges are until after the installation is finished. If the web host you are considering does not provide clear accurate fee information look in another direction.

* Compatibility with a variety of browsers

The certification that they install should have maximum browser compatibility. Users should be able to log on and use the website from almost all the popular browsers.

* Proper instructions

There are many intricate details of SSL certificate installation that each web host should not only be aware of, but be able to pass on to you as the website owner in order to operate your control panel effectively. SSL has the option to turn off and on as each page requires it. Your host should walk you through the process completely.

* Shared SSL certificate

Shared SSL certificate is often issued to authentic Web hosts. These web hosts are responsible for installing SSL certificate in the same way as they do with dedicated certificate. However, such secured certificate is linked with each Secure Site Seal that is issued to every domain owners. Such shared SSL certificates enable the top-level domains to encrypt their data. A web host performs all these tasks as they have special expertise.

The SSL certificate installation process

Step 1:

The domain where the SSL certificate would be installed should have its own dedicated IP address. The Web host has knowledge of it as they will be handling the entire process.

Step 2:

The web host will check to see if a owner has requested the installation of a certificate before installing any programming.

Step 3:

The control panel will have an option for 'Install SSL certificate and Setup the Domain'. Your host will check this and a wizard to install an SSL certificate will come up.

Step 4:

In that wizard, they paste the certificate which is obtained from SSL vendor. Note: This is not the same as that of CSR

Step 5:

Once the above is complete a box comes up with a Domain section. This is the domain where the SSL is to be installed. Enter the control panel name in the 'user' field followed with the IP address.

Step 6:

The process is complete when the host pastes the RSA key. Note: This process is for general information and each host may have a different procedure to follow.

About the Author

Republished with permission from WebHostingMadness.com, a provider of hosting company ratings, articles and helpful guides on the web hosting industry.

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