SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) ensures secure internet communication. Moreover, it encrypts data using asymmetric encryption algorithms like RC4 or IDEA. The SSL protocol secures the session key with RSA public key encryption.
What is the SSL Protocol?
Secure Socket Layer, designed by Netscape Communications Corporation in 1994, uses cryptographic techniques. As a result, it creates specific Internet channels using digital certificates and signatures.
SSL ensures data security for credit card information transmitted in encrypted form. As a result, it provides a secure environment for sensitive data. SSL also aims to provide a secure connection between browsers and websites. Besides, it securely transmits private data online.
Features of SSL
SSL establishes guarded interaction at the socket level using a negotiation protocol. As a result, it provides a safe layer between the user and the server. The secure web server verifies the Digital Certificate to ensure its validity. It uses the Digital Signature for data integrity, authentication, and privacy protection.
So, it makes things more secure by turning your data into a secret code at exceptional communication. It keeps your information safe and hidden before sending it to its destination.
Compression splits blocks, reassembling them at the receiver. This process also speeds up data transfer. They also cut data size to improve transmission. The OSI and TCP/IP reference models were put in place. It sits between the Application and Transport layers, providing an intermediate layer.
Additionally, it boosts functionality. It does this by configuring operating system sockets on port 443.
SSL Versions
The latest SSL version is 3.0. It incorporates encryption methods like symmetric DES, TRIPLE DES, RC2, RC4, and IDEA. Additionally, it supports asymmetric RSA, MD5 hash function, and SHA-1 signature algorithm.
How Does SSL Work?
This protocol uses a negotiation protocol to establish secure interaction. It occurs at the socket level, providing transparency to users and applications.
When a client requests a secure connection, the server creates an encrypted port. Thus, it establishes a guarded interaction. SSL Record Protocol software manages this port and operates on top of TCP.
The SSL Handshake Protocol makes secure transmission. It involves the client and server using the protocol and open port.
When the SSL Handshake Protocol happens, the client and server communicate by sending messages. These messages talk about making the Internet safer. The first part examines ways to keep things private and ensure they’re yours.
During information exchange, a critical phase occurs. This phase creates a master key shared by both parties. Subsequently, it generates a key for data transmission security between client and server.
Server verification uses RSA as the key exchange algorithm. It authenticates the server for the client.
If the client requires authentication, the client authentication phase starts. The server requests an X.509 certificate from the client, establishing a secure session. Moreover, this ensures a safe interaction.
It is about how data gets wrapped up and sent around. Plus, it makes sure that communication is safe and protected.
For this reason, the data part of the protocol has three components;
- MAC-DATA (the authentication code of the message)
- ACTUAL-DATA (it sends application data)
- PADDING-DATA (data required to fill the message using block encryption)
Why Do We Use a Secure Certificate?
It secures online transactions for millions of websites and banks. Additionally, it protects customer data. A web page needs SSL encryption for security. Moreover, it protects confidential data like credit cards and passwords.
Secure sites use recognized certificate authorities like Comodo or Let’s Encrypt. So, shopping and money transfers remain safe.
Why is a Secure Certificate Required?
The Internet has created new global business opportunities for companies doing business online. Yet, this growth has also attracted scammers and cybercriminals. So, they attempt attacks to steal sensitive information.
Any hacker can intercept data traffic. Encryption secures the connection between a computer and a website, preventing interception. Using SSL is essential to prevent attacks on online platforms. So, private user data remains secure in online transactions.
How to Issue Certificates to Websites?
A Certificate Authority (CA) issues SSL certificates to websites. A CA gives a certificate after verifying the company’s identity. This includes the requesting person’s information.
The Trusted Root certificate (CA domain) adds them issued to a website. So, the popular browsers below store this authorization info;
Browsers check for rooted website certificates in the store. If found, they allow HTTPS connections. The server establishes a secure connection between the user and itself. If the system does not see an authorization, it warns the end user about an unsafe connection. So, it advises against entering any private information.
Legally responsible companies or individuals with domain and company details receive certificates. This information typically includes domain name, company name, address, and location. It may contain information about the authority and issue/expiry dates. As a result, users can verify the certificate’s legitimacy.
The browser establishes an HTTPS connection and checks the certificate’s expiry. Also, it contains the certificate’s root. Moreover, it ensures the certificate’s legitimacy from the store. The browser alerts the end user if these checks fail during the check phase.
Differences According to the Use of Certificates
There may be significant differences depending on the certificates used in online platforms. Differences include the certificate’s validity period, independent operability, and browser address names. Furthermore, these factors affect the certificate’s management and usage.
- Certificate Validity Period
The critical difference is the validity period of the certificates. Paid certs have more extended validity periods. Free certs have shorter validity periods. Paid ones are active for 12-24 months, while free ones expire after 90 days. As a result, browsers alert users when certificates are near the end. At this end, the renewal of the free ones requires manual action.
- Certificate Creation and Management
If you have paid for a certificate, you can access the necessary tools to create and manage it. Free certs lack management tools and need manual operations for some time. Thus, users must handle the certificate tasks themselves.
- Independent Employability of the Certificate
Complimentary SSL/TLS cert: one domain address. Paid cert: many projects allowed. So, paid certificates offer more flexibility and versatility for different domains.
- Names of the Certificate at the Address Location in Browsers
The company name appears in the browser’s address bar. Web-based projects or e-commerce sites use it. A unique paid certificate ensures security. However, this feature is not available with a free one.
Differences Between Paid and Free Certificates
Advantages of Using an SSL Certificate
Encryption is essential for confidential transactions, such as online e-commerce and banking. As a result, it ensures data privacy and security during sensitive activities. SSL protocol provides encryption and security, protecting users’ information on online shopping platforms. Also, it initiates a secure operation for safer online transactions.
An SSL certificate boosts user confidence and enhances a company’s growth potential. For this reason, online platforms can establish trust with their customers more effectively. SSL works across operating systems. Additionally, it provides a significant advantage.
The browser used does not matter, and you do not need any more software. As a result, anyone can establish a secure connection. Additionally, there are no restrictions.
Disadvantages of Secure Sockets Layer
SSL certificates are vital today, but they have a slight disadvantage. Website loading time affects user experience; SSL-secured servers have longer load times.
Suppose any website contains heavy firewall rules or specific restrictions. Establishing an HTTPS connection with an SSL certificate may take longer. So this can lead to increased web page loading time, which might be a drawback for specific users.
You can configure online security and certificate loading times. So, careful consideration ensures performance and safety.
TolgaBagci
Hi, I'm Tolga, a computer expert with 20 years of experience. I help fix computer issues with things like hardware, systems, networks, virtualization, servers, and operating systems. Check out my website for helpful info, and feel free to ask me anything. Keep yourself in the loop about the newest technologies!
