What is SSL? Do I need SSL?

Published on January 22, 2008 What is SSL? Do I need SSL?

SSL is an encryption technology to protect the privacy of personal information as it travels across the Internet. Does your web store need it?

If you are accepting credit card information through the Internet, in many cases you’ll need to use a technology called SSL to protect the privacy of that information as it travels over the web. SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. It is an industry-standard encryption technology that creates a secure link between a website and a web browser. It is used to protect the integrity of online transactions.

How does SSL validate the identity of a website?

SSL uses a third party called a trusted Certificate Authority to validate the identity of the website before the transaction proceeds. When an SSL transaction goes through, the website provides a software file called a Certificate to the browser. The browser software then checks that it was issued by a trusted Certificate Authority, that the site being visited is the one in the Certificate and that the Certificate is still valid. The transaction can then be encrypted and proceed.

How does the encryption process work?

The transaction is then encrypted using a pair of keys that can only be decrypted together: one key decrypts the other one. The encryption key is made public so anyone can use it to send an encrypted message that only the intended recipient can decode. This process is called Public Key Cryptography.

Do I need SSL?

If you are accepting credit card information through the checkout in your ecommerce store then you will need SSL. In fact, many payment gateways now make SSL mandatory. If you transfer customers to a third party to collect their credit card information (e.g., if you are using PayPal or Paymate), SSL is an optional add-on, but could be employed to enhance your online credibility: you can then make the statement that you take security and privacy very seriously and have gone beyond your minimum requirements as a trader. It can give you more perceived integrity from your potential customers, especially ones who do not understand when SSL is and isn’t required.

SSL Certificates are included for free for the first year in all Ozcart packages and renew for the SSL renewal price after that. See our SSL page for our current prices.