SSL - Secure Certificates
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David
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February 20th, 2012
SSL is short for Secure Socket Layers and is the protocol for for transmitting private documentation and information across the internet. You'll need this to encrypt the credit card information that your website visitors enter when purchasing products and services from you.
You'll find that when a page is secure that the page is names https rather than http. This along with the fact that most browsers will display a closed padlock ensure that your web page is secure and that your SSL is working properly.
Setting Up An SSL Certificate
An SSL certificate can be purchased from a variety of website providers. Sitetoad.com offers an SSL certificatethat will encrypt the data being sent to your server, it just won't require that you go through the in-depth verification process.
Now actually installing an SSL certificate can be quite tricky and most web hosting providers will offer to install an SSL free of cost.
Due to the fact that this is an in-depth process I'd recommend that you check with your hosting provider along with the SSL provider because the steps to install the SSL are going to vary between each SSL and hosting provider.
Do I need An SSL Certificate?
If you intend on accepting credit cards on your website you'll be required by law to have an SSL certificate setup for your website.
Before your hosting provider will install your SSL certificate they will also require that you setup a dedicated IP address. If you're on a dedicated server you will probably already have this but if you're setup on a server that's being shared with other websites you'll need a dedicated IP address.
Webmaster Forum
I invite you to visit my webmaster forum, it's a great place to discuss websites and ask questions to fellow webmasters regarding topics that you may still have questions on.