As A Small Business, Do You Need A Https Certificate?
What Is HTTPS
HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is a combination of the HTTP and the SSL/TLS (Secure Socket Layer/Transport Layer Security) protocols that provides a secure channel over an insecure network. HTTPS connections are a necessity for e-commerce and for sensitive transactions within corporate or organizational networks. In 1994, Netscape began using SSL (a newer edition is called TLS) to transmit sensitive data over the internet. An HTTPS certificate or SSL certificate is verification by third party testing that you (the site requesting data) are who you say you are and your site is secure.
How Does It Work
HTTP is the highest layer of the Open Systems Interconnect (OSI) model but the protocol for security operates in a sub-layer where it encrypts HTTP messages before transmission. The SSL cryptographic system utilizes two keys, one public and one private, for data encryption. The process begins when a client (browser) accesses a secure website. In response, the host server provides the website's digital certificate that validates the site. The client browser next generates a private key for encryption of the session with the host site. Finally, the browser encrypts the private session key using the host's public key so only the host site can read the private key. Evidence that a secure connection has been made varies with the browser and its version. Some highlight the HTTPS address and often a closed padlock is shown and the TM of the certificate provider.
Why Is HTTPS Necessary for a Small Business?
Prior to the introduction of SSL and eventually TLS protocols, privacy for transmission of sensitive, private correspondence or data over the web was almost non-existent. The fledgling e-commerce sector suffered from distrust by potential customers of the ability to conduct safe online transactions. There was, especially with the new awareness of identity theft, a natural fear that credit card information and personal data was open to interception by third parties or the site itself could be a fraud. SSL encryption techniques make credit card and other personal data useless to anyone without the decoding keys.
If you are a small business, even without an online marketplace, you have invested in a website that should be user friendly and security is incredibly important. If an online marketer, your customers will be required to impart personal data, particularly credit card information, address, phone number, or even a SSN.
Well-informed consumers will look for an indication of a secure sight and avoid any online retailer without HTTPS certification. A certification recognized by the major browsers shows your site is protecting your customers' personal details and shows potential customers that you care about their safety as much as you want their business and loyalty.
Obtaining SSL Certificates
Compare SSL certificate features with browser compatibility and acceptance as a key element. Your SSL certificate's value will obviously increase with maximum customer reach. Costs will vary as will period of certification. Free Certificate Authorities are meaningless on an e-commerce or financial web site. A wildcard SSL Certificate for *.domain.com allows certification for unlimited sub domains.
by: Jamie Whittleton
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