by Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a standard security protocol or technology that provide communication security over a computer network. Summary of the article:
- What is SSL?
- History and Development
What is SSL?
Secure Sockets Layer or SSL is a standard security protocol for establishing encrypted links between a web server and a browser in an online communication. This link ensures that all data passed between the web server and web browsers remains private and encrypted. This is an industry standard and is used by millions of websites to protect their online transactions with their customers.
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is the predecessor of Transport Layer Security (TLS) and both frequently referred to as SSL. It allows sensitive information such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, and login credentials to be transmitted securely. Normally the web server and web browser transfer data in plain text. That’s why the attacker can easily see the data. Currently all the web browser have the capabilities to interact with the SSL protocol. To create an SSL connection a web server requires an SSL certificate.
History and Development
The first version of SSL version 1.0 was developed by the Netscape. But due to serious security flaws version 1.0 never publicly released. The second version SSL 2.0 was released in February 1995. This version also has number of security flaws. Version 3.0 was released in 1996.
How It Works?
The SSL protocol contains two sub protocols. One is record protocol and another one is “handshake” protocol. The handshake protocol defines how a client and server establish an SSL connection. It defines which cryptographic systems will be used by each host for communications. It also defines the cryptographic material, such as public keys and session keys for encryption or authentication of transmitted data.
The record protocol defines how all the communicating hosts exchange data using SSL. It defines the specifications for how data is to be prepared for transmission and how it is to be verified or decrypted on receipt.
How do we know a site is using SSL?
We can easily tell a site is secure with SSL or using SSL. All the Internet browsers (Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer) has a built-in mechanism for that. Just type the address or URL of any web site (https://cybarlab.com/). If the URL of the site begins with https://, we can say it is secured. Then the browser will show a padlock icon in the address bar. Some SSL certificates will cause the address bar to rung green and indicates the site user information’s.
What are the benefits of using SSL?
With SSL all the sensitive data begin encrypted and protected. By using SSL you can get the following benefits.
- You will build trust with your visitors and it may improve conversion rates.
- You know ‘for sure’ you are communicating with the intended recipient.
- Traffic to your website may increase.
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