SSL Certificates
ProcessingPoint is not a provider of SSL certificates, but this information is merely an informational write-up on the importance of using an SSL. A secure socket layer ("SSL"), an internet protocol, is a set of specifications that allow two devices to communicate with each other via the Internet, securely. The SSL allows the web browser to authenticate with the web server using digital keys and certificates embedded in the clients browser. After a secure connection (or handshake) is made, information is encrypted on the server-side, and then transmitted securely. The SSL here, in particular ensures that the information is transmitted without being intercepted.
How do you know if a site is secure?
There are a few ways in determing if a site is securely encrypted. The first method, is to look at the URL. An SSL can only work by adding an "s" to the end of HTTP, so "HTTPS" is the first sign of an SSL in use. If this is the case, your browser should been/have verified the certificate (ie: Thawte, Geotrust, etc..), to ensure the certificate is registered by a trusted CA. Lastly, your browser will check with the trustree to see if the matching domain is registered. If it is, a small lock icon will appear in the bottom right corner of your browser.
