SSL Certificates Introduction
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a method of ensuring that information submitted through your Web site is secure and cannot be accessed by unauthorized users. It enables the encryption and decryption of data between a Web site visitor's browser and the Web site's server so that sensitive information can be safely transmitted. The primary components that enable the encryption and decryption are the key certificates and the HTTPS protocol.
An SSL certificate, or a digital certificate, is an electronic document that contains the information necessary to establish a secure SSL connection. When used in credit card transactions, the Web site collecting the credit card information and the site to which the information is being transmitted must both have an SSL certificate.
Shared SSL Certificates - Free
A shared SSL certificate is included automatically with all ecommerce plans. While a shared SSL certificate does provide for secure online transactions, it is not in your company's name; when visitors to your site choose to view the certificate, they will see our company name on the certificate. The SSL certificate will be activated once you purchase the Merchant Manager or Miva Merchant e-commerce plans.
Customized SSL Certificates
You can, however, order your own SSL certificate. When you have your own SSL certificate, visitors who double-click the secure icon in their browser window will see information about your company.
Secure Server
Whether you have your own SSL certificate or are using a shared SSL certificate, you will use the secure server instead of your regular Web server for all of your SSL-secured transactions.
Surfing Securely
How do you know if a Web page is secure? You should notice that 1) the URL address on the browser should begin with "HTTPS" (note the "S"), and 2) there should be a lock symbol/icon
on the browser (varies with the browser).When a site offers an SSL-secured form, the information submitted via that form (typically credit card information) is encrypted using a special "certificate key" and then decrypted with another key after it has been transmitted.
