What is an SSL?

An SSL is a Secure Socket layer. The basic description is that it is a protocol installed on your server that encrypts information that is passed through the user and the server (e.g. credit card transactions). You can read more information at the Wiki.

Why get it?

An SSL is necessary if you choose to sell online and accept credit card transactions. Not only do some gateways require that you have an SSL to use them, but many users will navigate away from your online shopping cart if they do not see the familiar padlock or “https://” It inspires confidence in your site and ensures that transactions are secure. Customers are more likely to purchase from your online store.

How does it work?

Once an SSL is installed on a store, it generally is applied to the checkout pages (where credit card information is entered). When a user submits their information, the SSL protocol is enacted and it encrypts the information being passed to the server. In the case of credit cards, gateways generally decrypt the information once it is passed through.

Where can you get one?

There are numerous companies that sell SSL certificates. It is generally adviced to buy from a familiar one just to reassure your clients. You can try Comodo, GeoTrust, Thawte,  and Verisign.

Tags: e-commerce, e-commerce ssl, online security, security, shopping cart, shopping cart security, shopping cart ssl, ssl

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 11th, 2008 at 3:01 pm and is filed under E-Commerce Guide | . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.