SSL, a.k.a. Secure Sockets Layer is a protocol which many online services, like e-commerce stores and password encrypted forms, use to communicate over the Internet in a secure fashion.

The SSL protocol allows client/server applications to communicate in a way designed to prevent eavesdropping, tampering, and data forgery. SSL protects network access, online communications, and digital transactions by enabling a secure channel between your servers and your users. With SSL in place, information transmitted from your online store (e.g., via web forms) is encrypted before it is sent over the Internet.

In a layman term, SSL makes it difficult for eavesdroppers to try and 'listen in' to the communication between your customer and you via your website. You can tell whether a site is installed with SSL certificates or not with the letter "s" at the end of "http". In other words, sites that are secured start with "https" instead of the normal "http".

Below are 3 simple steps on how does SSL work:

  • An SSL Certificate enables secured encryption of information and data during online transactions and communications;
  • Each SSL Certificate contains unique and authenticated information about the owner and his/her identity; and
  • A certified authority verifies the identity of the certificate owner when it is issued.