Secure Socket Layer

In 1994, Netscape introduced Secure Socket Layer (SSL) as a way to secure sensitive information sent and received over the internet. The latest version of the technology is called Transport Layer Security (TLS), although this is still known as SSL under the same umbrella.

Before SSL was introduced, it was difficult to ensure the privacy of online transactions on the internet. There as a general fear that any information sent over the internet, including sensitive information such as credit card details, could be intercepted by a malicious third party and used for nefarious purposes.

SSL is unique in that it can encrypt sensitive information and personal details sent over the internet. Because the content is encrypted, even if it were intercepted midway, the information is completely useless without the means to decrypt it.

Using SSL Certificates also provides another layer of trust for the user and the website as it establishes that the authenticity of the website is genuine. For ecommerce to succeed, this was an important step in order to build trust for the consumer, and many simply refused to have any dealings with an online merchant if they did not have SSL.

If SSL was not enabled, third parties with less than friendly intent could intercept and gain access to sensitive information such as credit card and personal details.

SSL keys come in 128-bits and 40-bits. A 40-bit key is usually enough to protect personal information, but the higher strength 128-bit key is used routinely by financial institutions to ensure greater protection.

If you are an online marketer, you will likely ask your customers for personal data. Having a highly secure website will determine their willingness to do business with you, or not. Do not be surprised if potential clients will avoid your website if they do not see evidence that SSL is employed. Modern consumers are now technologically savvy and even the novice user will look for the padlock symbol on their browser, which indicates that SSL is in use. The absence of a padlock indicates that transactions are unsecured.

SSL should always be implemented on websites that require login and password information, and also on sites that hold clients' personal information which should be kept secure. Some sites will have SSL protection for some sections, yet forgo the security for other pages that contain just as much sensitive information. As SSL is the de facto standard for securing internet communications, you would be wise to use SSL for any online marketing activities.