SSL Web Hosting

How does SSL web hosting work? What does it stand for?

SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. When you are trying to process transactions securely on the web, you need to be able to transmit information between the web site and the customer in a manner that makes it difficult for other people to intercept and steal the information. Through a combination of programs and encryption/decryption, SSL takes care of this for you.

SSL Web Hosts

Using an SSL certificate on your account requires the hosting account to have its own IP address. Most hosting companies charge extra for it.  Some have IP addresses included in their higher end packages. Most hosting companies allow for hosting your own SSL certificate. And, like we stated earlier, there is often an additional charge added to your monthly web site hosting fee for this.

Shared SSL

A shared SSL certificate is a great alternative to having your own. They can usually be easily integrated into your shopping cart and can save you the expense and effort of getting your own certificate. Honestly, this is a great way to go when starting out.

These are the  primary SSL certificate providers

Verisign -- The oldest of the listed secure SSL certificate providers and currently has the most certificates issued.

Thawte -- Purchased by Verisign in 1999. These certificates are also recognized by virtually all browsers.

Entrust -- works with some of the most highly recognized public key encryption programs since 1994.

Baltimore -- Has been working in the secure transaction industry for a few years. Their certificates are accepted by all but the older versions of IE and Netscape.

GeoTrust – These certificates only validate domain ownership.

InstantSSL -- quick in processing, competitively priced, and providing good online support.