What is a Security Certificate (SSL)?
SSL is an integral part of most web browsers and web servers and makes use of the public-and-private key system which encrypts and protects your data. In order to make an SSL connection, the SSL protocol requires that a server should have a digital certificate installed. A digital certificate is an electronic file that uniquely identifies individuals and servers. Digital certificates serve as a kind of digital passport or credential which authenticate the server prior to the SSL session being established. Typically, digital certificates are signed by an independent and trusted third party to ensure their validity. The “signer” of a certificate is known as a Certification Authority (CA), such as Thawte or Verisign.
