SSL Certificate

An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate has two important functions. It allows your customers' web browser to:

• Verify the identity of your web site.
• Encrypt the data sent to or received from your web site.

Given that confidential information is commonly exchanged using the Internet, having a method of transmitting data securely is not merely optional; It is mandatory. Yet, if the recipient of the information is not the entity it claims to be, meaning the website is fraudulent, then what's the point of encrypting the data? This is the reason why SSL certification begins with a thorough verification process.

Verification

To put it simply, to obtain an SSL certificate, the entity which owns the website must prove to a Certificate Authority (CA) that it owns the domain name in question. Thus, the entity must provide identifying information about itself and the domain name. If the proof is sufficient, then the Certificate Authority creates a time-restricted SSL certificate for the website; SSL certificates have an expiration date. The entity can then install the certificate on the website, which then allows web browsers to verify the website and transmit data securely.

Encryption

Computer encryption schemes are complex, so to keep it simple we'll take the liberty of describing the process loosely. In a nutshell, when happens is that the website and customer's web browser perform a dance called a key exchange during which they both agree on a secret. This secret is the encryption key which is used by both to transmit encrypted data between each other. Meaning, the key is used on one end to encrypt data, and at the other end to decrypt it.

The encryption process helps to prevent sensitive data from being accessed by other parties. As you can imagine, this is a must-have in today's Internet-connected world.

Free SSL certificate

Our WordPress hosting plan comes with a free SSL certificate. This SSL certificate is automatically activated when your domain name is attached to the hosting plan, but keep in mind it may take up to 30 minutes for the activation to complete. Additionally, the SSL certificate is designed to be hassle-free by automatically renewing every year. However, it does require the purchase of an annual hosting plan.

To learn more about our deluxe WordPress hosting plan, visit our home page here.