Using SSL For Online Commerce
In 1994, Netscape began using a protocol called Secure Socket Layer (SSL) to transit sensitive information over the web. The newer version of this technology is called Transport Layer Security (TLS), although this is commonly know by the SSL designation.
It was difficult to ensure the privacy of online transactions before the introduction of SSL. As a result, there was a general distrust of online transactions, and a fear that credit card details or other personal information could be intercepted by a third party and used for unauthorized purchases or other malicious activities.
The unique feature of SSL is the encryption technique that it uses to send credit card and other sensitive data over the web. This encryption technique makes the data useless to anyone but the intended recipient, who has the ability to decode it. If a third party intercepts information encrypted in this way, they cannot change it into a useful form.
To provide an additional level of trust, SSL Digital Certificates have been created. These digital certificates verify the users’ authenticity. Because many savvy consumers avoid retailers that don’t use SSL, the use of digital certificates is an important way to instill trust in customers and potential customers.
Third parties with questionable motivations could obtain passwords and personal identification numbers without the proper use of SSL, so it’s important to implement it in the right way.
The level of encryption increases the high bit the key has. Therefore, a 128-bit key is harder to break than a 40-bit key, and so it typically protects personal account information more effectively. If a name and address is the only thing being protected, a 40-bit key is usually sufficient. Most financial institutions only use 128-bit keys for the security of their clients’ data.
As an online marketer, you will likely ask your visitors to provide personal data. There’s a good chance that your potential customer will determine their willingness to do business with you based on the security of your website. Customers will often check for the SSL symbol, a lock symbol in the lower right hand corner of the browser window. If the symbol is unlocked, SSL is not in use on the site. Customers that don’t find the symbol in the locked position will most likely move on.
Some sites place SSL on some pages with sensitive information but not all. It’s important to use it on all pages that are password-protected, or on pages that contain personal data your customers would like to keep private. For the sake of your ecommerce business, it’s recommend that you implement the SSL protocol effectively to protect your customers.
