What is SSL and how does it relate to HTTPS?

Question

What is SSL and how does it relate to HTTPS?

Answer 1

Think of an SSL Certificate as being a safe encrypted channel to transmit data over the web.

The SSL (Secure Socket Layer) creates an encoded connection between a web server and a web browser, protecting sensitive, personal data that are recorded by a website, such as: credit card info, login info (username & password), contact info. In this way it allows for safe transfer of data on the web and ensures that no data will be stolen, altered or falsified.

The SSL Certificate has two specific functions:

1. Authentication and Verification: The SSL Certificate contains information about the accuracy of the ID of the person or company that has requested its issuance. Visitors are able to verify the website’s identity by clicking on the browser’s padlock symbol on the characteristic trust mark (e.g. the Norton™ Secured Seal). The inspection performed by the Certificate Authorities about whether or not an SSL Certificate should be issued, is very strict and varies according to the type of the Certificate.

2. Data Encryption: Encryption is the process behind SSL Certificates that allows for the safe transfer of data (numbers, text or files) through the web. During the exchange of this data, the information is encrypted in such a way, that a third party can’t access or read the data without the encryption “key”.

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to SSL Certificates (2017 Update)