Secure Socket Layer (SSL) is an application's layer-encryption protocol which encodes and transfers sensitive data over the internet. Sensitive data may be credit card numbers, passwords and customers' personal information. The encoding is done primarily to shield the transmission between the local computer and the remote server from sniffers - external programs that captures packets transmitted over a network. By using a public key cryptosystem, securely encrypted data is rendered unreadable to unintended recipients while it is transmitted through the internet. Websites with SSL protect users' privacy and offer confidentiality, authentication and security for client-server communication. SSL is now a required standard by the ecommerce industry and a must-have for the PCI compliancy of the credit card companies. dbDirector requires a unique SSL per domain, which needs to be approved by the SSL generator and a dbDirector IT specialist.

How SSL Works
Security Socket Layer (SSL) uses a private/public key to ensure encrypted data by one key can only be decrypted by its matching pair key. The length of encryption complexity is dependent on the number of bits by which it is processed. When a browser requests a secured page, the server sends the public key and certificate to the browser in order to verify that it is issued by a trusted party. In the event that it is valid, the browser uses the public key to produce an encryption key. Once the encryption key is sent to the server along with the URL address, the server sends the requested encrypted data. The browser receives the data, decrypts it, and allows the data to be displayed to the viewer.

SSL Certificates for Ecommerce
The SSL certificate is installed on the server which hosts the ecommerce website. The web browser on the customer's local computer displays a lock icon, identifying the connection as secured. The certificate checks the the website information, the certificate holder, the issued domain name and the SSL issuing authority. SSL certificates communicates trust and make the online store customers feel confident to buy on that web store. SSL certificates come in various encryption levels, the most basic is 256 bit SSL.

Websites, online stores and shopping cart security
Buying products and services online is now a common practice all over the world. Customers feel confident to enter their personal information into the shopping cart checkout form and buy online. Implementing SSL communicates professionalism and trust to the customer and encourages return shopping and referrals. By protecting your customers' private information, you protect your business as well. Installing SSL on your website adds value to your brand and improve customers' loyalty. dbDirector's shopping cart provides a built-in SSL installation protocol. Contact us for more information about installing SSL for your website.