I get a lot of similar questions sent into me about SSL certificates. So, I thought it might be a good idea to tackle three of the SSL related questions that I get sent to me the most in order to help you all know a little more about the web hosting term.
What does SSL stand for and what does it do?
SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer, and it is a set of rules uses in exchanging information between two computers (or in web hosting, the visitor’s computer and the web hosting server). Think of it as the Cone of Silence on the old Get Smart TV show. You have a secure communication between the server and the client.
What is the job of the SSL certificate?
The best way I know how to describe it is to think of it as an electronic key that the web browser checks for that will encrypt transmissions between two computers, or in the world of web hosting – the connection between the web site visitor and the web hosting server. The secondary job of the SSL certificate is to confirm that a message that you received actually came from the person identified. In most cases, SSL certificates are used to protect person information such as passwords, credit card numbers and other personal data, when you are transmitting them over the Web.
What is the difference between the shared SSL certificate my web host provides, and the dedicated SSL certificate they are offering as an additional service?
Most web hosts give you two options when it comes to SSL certificates. They are often referred to as shared SSL certificates and dedicated SSL certificates.
- Shared SSL Certificates – These are the ones provided by the web host and their server setup. The use of them is often limited, and when somebody check out the SSL certificate via the browser, they will see your web host’s information and not your own. That may not seem very professional to people wishing to login to use your services or send their encrypted information to you. Good thing is it is free with most web hosts.
- Dedicated SSL Certificates – These are SSL certificates that are setup just for you. Often sold with a dedicated IP address included (or for an extra fee), these will include your own business information, and will be able to be used with more services. The dedicated SSL certificate is less limited that the shared SSL certificate. You will need to pay for it though.
So you can used the shared SSL for your web site, if needed. However, if you want a more professional look and feel, and want to do more with it – you might want to look into getting a dedicated SSL certificate.
