By Poly, Solution Sales Specialist at Flat Rock
Since the beginning of the Internet Age, the topic of cyber security has troubled the online audience – would my data be secured, can I trust this website, is it a good idea to share my contact or credit card details here, etc.
Ever since then website owners have paid extra attention on how to obtain and protect their customers’ data. And this is where online security certificates take place. The most commonly used and a mandatory requirement for any online business is the famous SSL certificate. Even though it has been a security tool for years now, there are still many people who don’t know how it actually protects your users.
What is SSL and why use it?
The Secure Socket Layer, or in other words SSL, is a protocol, which provides a secure bridge for the sensitive information, which is exchanged between the web server and your browser. The protocol encrypts the communication between the server and the person visiting the website. This means that every time you log in, transfer data or type in details, the information is vulnerable without SSL. It is most commonly used when inserting passwords, credit card details, data transfers or whenever logging in using social media networks.
There are two main reasons why you need to use an SSL Certificate. The first one is in the case that you accept credit card payments on your website. The second one applies if you have sensitive and confidential information, which you would like to keep secure while it is being accessed through the web. SSL certificates also protect your passwords from being intercepted when they are typed in a secure login page.
How will it help my business?
Using SSL certificate will secure:
> Your and your clients’ online payment transactions
> System logins and any sensitive information exchanged via the web
> Your webmail and applications (Outlook Web Access, Exchange and Office Communications Server)
> Any workflow and virtualization applications (such as Citrix) or cloud-based computing platforms
> Files transfer over https and FTP services (for example in the case that you own a website and update new pages on the platform/transfer large files)
> Hosting control panel login and activity connected with Parallels, cPanel, etc.
> Intranet based traffic – internal networks, chats, file sharing systems, extranets, database connections
Whenever you decide to set up an online business, the SSL protocol is the first thing to think of. Never forget to comply with the regional, national and international standards and regulations for data privacy, security and integrity. If you need a helping hand that will help you figure out the world of online security, don’t hesitate to contact us on +44 (0) 20 7193 8298 or alternatively by email.
