I get these questions a lot about SSL’s and HTTPS. Since mid-2018 Google and most web browsers have been forcing websites to implement SSL certificates. SSL certificates are designed to make users feel secure while using the internet. Without them, you could be jeopardizing your business, as well as your customer’s sensitive data.
I have put some Q and A below (most of this was copied and pasted from Google FYI, you can find more answers there too).
Q – Does First Wave offer SSL’s?
A – YES! First Wave includes complimentary “basic SSL’s” for free for every hosting client and all of their domains. These SSL’s result in the HTTPS protocol. We also offer SiteLock as another level of protection.
Q – What is the difference between SSL and non-SSL and why do I need SSL?
A – An SSL certificate is a small digital file that encrypts the communications between a web browser and a web server. Without an SSL cert, all the sensitive data travels in plain text and becomes an easy target for cyber-attackers. Non-SSL means the obsolete HTTP protocol where personal information is never safe.
Q – What is the difference between HTTP and HTTPS?
A – HTTP is unsecured while HTTPS is secured. HTTP sends data over port 80 while HTTPS uses port 443. HTTP operates at the application layer, while HTTPS operates at the transport layer. No SSL certificates are required for HTTP, with HTTPS it is required that you have an SSL certificate and it is signed by a CA.
Q – What does SSL Stand for?
A – SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer and, in short, it’s the standard technology for keeping an internet connection secure and safeguarding any sensitive data that is being sent between two systems, preventing criminals from reading and modifying any information transferred, including potential personal details.
Q – What are the different types of SSL certificates
A – There are three types of SSL Certificates available today; Extended Validation (EV SSL), Organization Validated (OV SSL), and Domain Validated (DV SSL). The encryption levels are the same for each certificate, what differs is the vetting and verification processes needed to obtain the certificate.
Q – Do I need a positive SSL?
A – If your website doesn’t collect sensitive data, like credit cards or social security numbers, you may not have needed an SSL certificate in the past. However, with the new browser notifications, it’s now essential to ensure every website has an SSL certificate and is loaded via HTTPS.
Q – Can SSL be hacked?
A – Let’s answer this question right off the bat: it’s unlikely. Though not impossible, the chances of an SSL certificate itself being hacked is incredibly slim. However, just because you have an SSL installed, that doesn’t mean your website isn’t vulnerable in other areas.
#SSL #HTTPS #Q&A
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