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SSL Certificates

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL): How It Works

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology secures your Web site by encrypting information and providing authentication - allowing customers to connect over a secure HTTPS connection.

You need VeriSign SSL protection if…

you accept credit cards or orders online.
business partners access confidential information on your extranet.
your offices share sensitive data over an intranet.
you process private data, such as address, licence or ID numbers.
you need to comply with privacy and security requirements.
… you value the privacy and trust of your customers.

Public and Private Keys to Privacy

An SSL Certificate consists of a public key and a private key. The public key is used to encrypt information and the private key is used to decipher it. When a browser points to a secured domain, a Secure Sockets Layer handshake authenticates the server and the client and establishes an encryption method and a unique session key. They can then begin a secure session that guarantees message privacy and message integrity.

Don't Reveal Yourself on the Internet

Without SSL encryption, packets of information travel networks in full view. Imagine sending mail through the postal system in a clear envelope. Anyone with access to it can see the data. If it looks valuable, they might take it or change it.

Without third-party verification, how do you know a Web site is an authentic representative of a business you trust? Every SSL Certificate is created for a particular server in a specific domain for a verified business entity. Like a passport or a driver's license, an SSL Certificate is issued by a trusted authority. When the SSL handshake occurs, the browser requires authentication from the server. If the information does not match or the certificate has expired, the browser displays an error message.

Not All Encryption Is Created Equal

Without an SGC-enabled certificate in place, Web site visitors using certain older browsers and many Windows 2000 users will only receive 40- or 56-bit encryption. VeriSign is the only leading SSL provider with SGC-enabled SSL Certificates, which provide 128- or 256-bit encryption to over 99.9% of Web site visitors. (SGC: Strongest SSL Encryption.)

128-bit encryption offers 2⁸⁸ times as many possible combinations as 40-bit encryption. That's over a trillion trillion times stronger.

The Most Trusted Mark on the Internet

VeriSign is the SSL Certificate provider of choice for over 93% of the Fortune 500 and the world's 40 largest banks, businesses that know the most about Internet security. They trust VeriSign because of our encryption technology and rigorous business authentication practices. When you secure your sites with VeriSign SSL Certificates and display the VeriSign Secured™ Seal, your customers know that their transactions are secure and you are who you say you are.