Learn More about Website Security

What is SSL?

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a protocol for enabling data encryption on the Internet and for helping web site users confirm the owner of the web site. SSL is most commonly used to protect communications between web browsers and servers. However, it is increasingly used for server to server communications and for web-based applications. RapidSSL® Certificates help you keep your customers’ transactions secure with strong encryption, and you’ll speed through enrollment with automated domain control validation. We keep our costs down and pass the savings on to you.

What is domain control validation?

RapidSSL will confirm domain control by sending an email to the administrator listed with the registrar for the domain. In addition to validation by email, you will be asked to provide a telephone number where you can be reached immediately after submitting your enrollment. If everything checks out, the SSL certificate is issued.

What is encryption and why are there different levels?

Encryption is a mathematical process of coding and decoding information. The number of bits (40-bit, 56-bit, 128-bit, 256-bit) tells you the size of the key. Like a longer password, a larger key has more possible combinations. When an encrypted session is established, the encryption level is determined by the capability of the web browser, SSL certificate, web server, and client computer operating system.

How do web site visitors know if a web site is using SSL?

When a browser connects to a secure site it retrieves the site's SSL certificate and checks that it has not expired, that it has been issued by a Certificate Authority the browser trusts and that it is being used by the web site for which it has been issued. If it fails any one of these checks, the browser will display a warning to the end user. If it succeeds, several security indicators are built into modern browsers to indicate that SSL is enabled.

• The beginning of the URL or web address changes from http:// to https://
• A padlock on the browser window changes from open to closed
• The address bar will turn green and display the name of the web site owner when connecting to a web site protected by an Extended Validation SSL certificate.

In addition, a trust mark such as the RapidSSL site seal may be added to web pages on a secure site.