SSL Certificates is a Powerful Tool for Virtual Authentication

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is one of the most important tools for maintaining a secure internet connection. In order to ensure privacy, SSL software encrypts messages and network connections between web browsers and web servers. An SSL Certificate is an electronic document that holds information about a website owner in order to verify that he/she is connected to the site in question. Only those web servers deemed trustworthy are provided with the keys for decryption, in turn ensuring that only certified, secure sites are accessed. SSL Certificates are necessary tools for virtual authentication.

When a web browser attempts to connect with a website secured with SSL, the browser first requests that the web server identify itself by providing its SSL Certificate. The browser then determines whether the server is trusted before allowing the transfer of any information. Next, the server is given a public key that only it can decrypt if it is truly secure. Once the SSL encrypted session has started, the browser and web server may exchange information privately and safely.

SSL Certificate providers include many aspects of security on many different levels. Private information such as names, addresses, phone numbers, emails, credit card information and passwords are all kept safe. Additionally, the encryptions and limited access to decryption make it virtually impossible for internet hackers to access any personal information that is exchanged between a browser and a server. The identities of both web browsers and web servers are authenticated so that neither is threatened with the access of information by an untrusted third party.

Overall, SSL Certificates serve as virtual certification that the exchange of information between web browsers and web servers is secure. A website without an SSL Certificate is not always trustworthy. With the complex encryption involved in SSL, on the other hand, a web browser can share any information with a web server and ensure it is not exchanged elsewhere.

Author Bio

Jim Armstrong is part of the expertly trained rapidSSLonline.com team. RapidSSLOnline is one of the most inexpensive SSL certificate providers in the world. RapidSSLOnline offers Wildcard SSL, SAN SSL, and Code Signing SSL certificates of major SSL brands such as VeriSign / Symantec, GeoTrust, Thawte, and RapidSSL on global scale.