SSL, TLS, and HHTPS: What This Means For You - Charlotte Web Design

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Every Internet user has had concerns about security at some point in time. It seems, though, that most are more concerned about programs stealing their information by downloading themselves onto their computers than they are concerned about freely giving their information away. They are usually worried about the latest virus, spyware, trojan horse, worm, malware, or adware while there are numerous web pages that take in valuable information without protecting it. It is very uncommon to find someone who does not protect their computer from all these mysterious, dangerous software but it is very common to find one who quickly trusts a website with their credit card or other information. I say all of this to make one point: securing a website is just as important, if not more, than securing your computer.

SSL/TLS is short for Secure Sockets Layer and Transport Layer Security and it is basically the most efficient means of providing data integrity for you and your customers. HTTPS is the prefix that signifies a website that uses SSL. What this means for you is that all forms of communication between the client and the server are safe. It could be anything from sending an e-mail address to forms that hold valuable financial information. The short explanation of how this technology works is as follows: the client and server “agree” on a means of encryption, then encrypted data is sent, and finally the server uses the information to decrypt the files and they are safe in the control of the rightful owner.

If all of this seems like mumbo jumbo to you, that’s perfectly fine… normal even. The main idea to understand though is that SSL is very important, mandatory even, for a website that deals with any kind of forms or other data sent over the Internet. Not to mention the added safety that your customers feel when their browser tells them they are on a secure site and that nobody can take their information. After all, your customer comes first and the absolute last thing you want is to in avertedly spread their valuable information.

I hope this brings a better understanding of why we use SSL/TLS, what it means, and why it is important to bring it to your website. It is vital for websites that deal with valuable customer information to be secured. Some of you might be saying “well great, something else to slow my website down”. Well fear not, securing a website takes very, very little extra time. It is extremely likely to be completely imperceptible if anything.