SSL Certificates Are Vital For Internet Security

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) Certificates are a security protocol used across the Internet to prevent eavesdropping, interference, fraud, theft and forgery. This security feature is generally used in the world of e-commerce when sites are processing vulnerable and private data such as credit card and other billing information. SSL uses cryptography to hide information by converting normal data into a sort of indecipherable gibberish of letters and numbers.

SSL has had a major impact on the world of e-commerce and online shopping by establishing a sense of trust between the consumer and the online business. When you see a closed padlock in the address bar of your web browser that means that the site is using a valid SSL Certificate. With an SSL Certificate installed, customers can feel safe knowing that the site is secure, trustworthy and they are protected. In fact, in order to even process credit card payments according to the PCI (Payment Card Industry) guidelines, a store must possess and use a valid SSL Certificate. E-Commerce sites must be PCI compliant or they will face severe fines and could even be shutdown.

Currently, most e-commerce sites on the net offer 128-bit encryption. This ensures that their customers will be protected no matter what browser they are using. If a store handles payments or collects private information such as credit card or banking information, addresses, social security numbers, or dates of birth then it needs to use 128-bit or better encryption. Sites using 128-bit or better encryption are virtually immune to hackers and their customers can feel truly safe to entrust these sites with their private information.

Online storeowners have the choice to obtain either a shared or dedicated SSL certificate through their web host or an SSL provider such as Verisign. A dedicated certificate is used by only one site on one server. A shared certificate is used by all stores on that server. Dedicated certificates are generally more expensive because they offer additional security and average around $150-$200 per year. Many web hosts will provide shared SSL Certificates for free with e-commerce accounts. Remember, SSL certificates must be renewed on a yearly basis.

SSL Certifcates are necessary in order to not only protect your business from hackers and those with malicious intent but to protect customers and make them feel safe and secure doing business with your site. Chances are that if a shopper gets to the checkout phase and they do not see the closed padlock in their address bar, they are not going to purchase from your site and will move on to another more trustworthy website. Without an SSL Certificate, an online business will not be taken seriously in the e-commerce arena. Furthermore, with no SSL Certificate, a site cannot be PCI Compliant and is technically operating illegally and will not be able to even accept credit card payments. In order to be successful, e-commerce operators NEED a valid SSL Certificate.

Forrest Yingling is the Marketing Director for WebNet Hosting, premier Miva Merchant Hosts offering reliable Miva Merchant Hosting and basic web hosting services at the industry's most affordable prices. With any new e-commerce account, WebNet Hosting offers a free Miva Merchant license (A $995 Value), free store setup as well as free migration from previous hosts. Check out webnethosting.net for more details on our e-commerce hosting packages.