Secured Socket Layers are also known as "SSL certificates" which are widely accepted and technologically proven standard security technique used for encrypting data. This is such a digital certificate that is applied with the popular security protocol on web. If this encryption is not there then packets of data would travel without confidentiality. Technically, Security Socket Layers or SSL ensures security of data transactions in between web servers and browsers. The SSL protocol use a third party which is a Certificate Authority to identify either both ends or single end of a transaction.

Websites are most commonly used for business purposes. Sites like Amazon, Dell, and Ebay are shining examples of the impact e-commerce has made on our society. They all use a rapid exchange of confidential information in order to transact such business. By using other payment gateway sites such as Paypal, they collect private information to charge credit cards, as well as personal addresses and more. This data would be vulnerable to internet hackers resulting in severe damage without proper protection.

Although there is no such thing as absolute protection, and hackers will do everything to find a way in, SSL technology works diligently to provide maximum protection. This vital piece of technology will restrict hacking to a great degree. SSL security is used by many e-commerce sites that collect vital customer data every day. When using a website to make a purchase, customers know to look for the 'HTTPS://" as a signal that the site they are using is secure. Most customers will shy away from a site where this is not seen.

The benefits that a properly installed SSL certificate can provide are many. Just a few examples of these are:

* Customer Confidence in SSL certification

The web host that is selected by website owner targets their exact requirement. The website owner can have several online customers who would like to purchase and exchange information with the website confidentially. The web host, based upon such requirements of the website owner, installs SSL certifications. SSL features three signs of security: A closed padlock which is visible in the browser window, 'https' in the URL and SSL site seal. These three security indications help the customers go tension free, this increasing reliability and authenticity of a website.

* Provides protection for privileged customer data:

The measure of your web host's success is the ability to install SSL certificates properly. The technology of encryption is measured by bytes. Your webhost will have knowledge of that for sure. If your web host can provide the necessary SSL certificates your customers information will be secure and your reputation will be stronger for it.

* Enable a quick certification

Your webhost can get your certification up online in a short amount of time. They have the personnel and knowledge to understand the complex needs of installing SSL certificates and the resources available to complete the process. If you plan on going it alone and installing your own certificate you need the knowledge to complete the act.

* Helps in meeting regulatory requirements

This can be a very tricky area and you must know all of the regulations surrounding your business in order to provide the proper security. A web host has a wide variety of clientele and should meet the needs of many different institutions. SSL certificates comply with the HIPPA and Sarbanes-Oxley and others to be sure you comply.

How to select the right web host for installing SSL certification:

* Easy to use control panel

Access to your web site controls is accessible through a web host's control panel. It should be easy to understand so that you can manipulate your website easily. Make sure you are comfortable with a web host's platform.

* A good web host will provide a dedicated IP address

A dedicated IP address is necessary for the installation of an SSL certificate. The web host you chose must be able to provide you with this as a matter of normal operation.

* All cost information should be easy to find:

The web hosts have a typical tendency to add hidden charges. After the installation is complete they include that in the list of charges. Such hosts, who don't provide a clear estimation, should always be avoided.

* Compatibility with a variety of browsers

The certification that they install should have maximum browser compatibility. Users should be able to log on and use the website from almost all the popular browsers.

* Information on turning on and off

The web host should posses ample knowledge of all the technicalities related to SSL installation. He/she should be able to guide website owners who are ignorant about exactly which pages will have to be encrypted and which will not. SSL provides an option to turn it on when required and off when not in use.

* SSL certificate sharing

Authentic web hosts often have shared SSL certificates issued to them. These hosts will always install the SSL certificate just like can be done with a dedicated SSL. These certificates are linked to the Secure Site Seal issued with each certificate to the domain owner. This enables the top-level domains to encrypt data on their own. It requires the special expertise of the web host and will be performed this delicate task.

The SSL certificate installation process

Step 1:

The domain where the SSL certificate would be installed should have its own dedicated IP address. The Web host has knowledge of it as they will be handling the entire process.

Step 2:

When they begin the installation process of the new SSL certificate they check to be sure the site owner has requested it.

Step 3:

When a web host opens the control panel they look for the 'Install SSL certificate and Setup the Domain, and click on it. A window appears with the wizard to install the certificate.

Step 4:

In that wizard, they paste the certificate which is obtained from SSL vendor. Note: This is not the same as that of CSR

Step 5:

Another box opens where in the Domain section, the domain where SSL would be installed in entered. In the "User" field the control panel name is entered followed by dedicated IP address on the other.

Step 6:

Finally to end the installation process the host pastes the RSA private key and it's complete. Note: The process may vary from host to host. The above is a general scenario to provide a description of the process.