Indeed, getting a website is easier and more affordable than it has ever been before.  When considering all the features and services that can help to make your site successful, you should never forget about one of the most important aspects – security.  If your plans involve creating a site that collectives sensitive information from visitors or customers, you need to know that this information is at great risk unless it is secured during the transmission phase.  The internet provides anyone who has a method of connectivity with access to the World Wide Web, hackers and other cyber criminals included.  Aware of all the scams and security breaches, customers are increasingly searching for signs of security before they decide to share sensitive data with a website.  If you want to instill trust within your visitors to the point where they feel comfortable handing over their user names, passwords, contact details and credit card numbers and other confidential information, it is a must that you make sure your website transactions are secure.  The solution – SSL encryption.

Why Verisign?

An SSL certificate is a security mechanism that provides website visitors with the ability to confirm that a particular site belongs to the organization or individual they intend to communicate with.  Most importantly, it provides exceptional protection for the sensitive data they transmit over the internet.  While there are a number of Certificate Authorities to choose from, Verisign is a leading provider and among the most reliable.  Certificates produced by this internet security firm offer a strong level of encryption and its VeriSign Secured Seal has become the must trusted mark on the World Wide Web.

VeriSign Products

VeriSign offers a number of products to ensure the security of your website transactions.  Two of its most popular offerings include:

Secure Site Pro with EV – You can give your customers the confidence they need to make purchases with VeriSign Secure Site Pro with EV, VeriSign’s most popular SSL product.  EV (Extended Validation) displays a green address bar in the web browser indicating the legitimacy of the site while true 128-bit ensures that their personal information is completely secure.

Secure Site Pro SSL Certificates – With this VeriSign product, you can transmit sensitive data with protection from the strongest SSL encryption possible.  Secure Site Pro SSL Certificates offers the option of 128 and 256-bit encryption to provide your customers with the utmost security.

You can get yourself an SSL certificate directly from VeriSign or request one from your web hosting provider.  Either way, you will be rewarded with the most rigorous authentication and security methodology in the industry.

]]> http://www.webhostingfan.com/2009/06/genuine-strong-ssl-encryption-with-verisign/feed/ 1 http://www.webhostingfan.com/2009/05/the-need-for-ssl-in-e-commerce/ http://www.webhostingfan.com/2009/05/the-need-for-ssl-in-e-commerce/#comments Thu, 21 May 2009 15:52:29 +0000 gracechen http://www.webhostingfan.com/?p=21 You don’t have to be all that familiar with the internet to be aware of online credit card fraud and identity theft.  Just like you, consumers grow more weary with each publicized security breach. This added consciousness results in more shoppers who are reluctant to provide their credit card details online.  Unfortunately, this reality also has a direct impact on any business with an online storefront.  Consumer confidence is declining rapidly but you can help maintain it by incorporating SSL into your site.

What is SSL?

SSL (Security Sockets Layer) is a security protocol used to enable secure communications online.  With an SSL certificate, you get the benefit of a proven method that creates an encrypted tunnel between the customer’s web browser on the client side, and your website on the server side.  Therefore, instead of traveling over the insecure internet in vulnerable plain-text, credit card numbers are encrypted and scrambled so they can’t be read by intruders.  Right now, 128-bit encryption is the standard for SSL certificates as previous versions have been rendered insecure.  The algorithm used to form this security level of security is virtually impossible to break, ensuring that the communications between you and your customers are safe.

Where to Get a Certificate

In order to get an SSL certificate, you must go through a company known as a CA or Certificate Authority.  Verisign is the most popular and trusted authority with GeoTrust and Thawte making up the next reputable options.  At the basic level, all SSL certificates provide the same type of security.  A 128-bit certificate from GeoTrust will encrypt the communications between the server and client just as one from VeriSign would.  This is good news for smaller needs as basic certificates are more affordable and provide adequate security.  You will find that the price soars when adding on additional services that you may or may not need.  Because some authorities will try to sell you whatever they can, it is important to do some investing before you go spending beyond your requirements.

Installing Your Certificate

In most cases, installing an SSL certificate is relatively easy regardless of your technical abilities.  Most hosting providers offer certificates as add-on products and generally provide guidance for installing it.  This process is usually a simple one that can be performed through an advanced control panel interface on your own.  If not, a good host will be more than happy to install the certificate for you.  Once installed, the certificate is immediately activated and starts protecting your website transactions right way.  Do yourself a favor by finding a provider that allows you to incorporate your own certificate should you choose not to purchase it from them.

Keep the Internet Criminals at Bay

There are some features your e-commerce site can do without but an SSL certificate isn’t one of them.  Consumers grow more conscious about shopping online everyday as internet fraud is at a record high.   Gather some information about the most reliable certificate authorities and choose one that can provide the best level of security for your site.   Remember this: your inventory will collect a lot of dust if no one feels safe purchasing it.