Difference Between Self-Signed and Third Party Security Certificate

SSL Security Certificates

In the current internet age, almost all web-based enterprises leave no stone upturned to engage their target customers across the globe, which happens to be a move that has inevitably become the most crucial step towards establishing a successful online business. In case of an online ecommerce industry, one may find it difficult to believe that 75 per cent of online consumers seek a security certificate before making any online purchase. That is to make sure that an online website is protected and verified by an SSL certificate.

Those who are unfamiliar with the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), it is a type of security certificates, which are provided mostly by Verisign, Comodo or one of the Symantec brands. In the absence of a valid SSL certificate by one of the reliable aforementioned brands, the reliability of the website is not confirmed and thus, online buyers generally click away and look for some other portals. A security certificate like SSL is actually an electronic credit card that verifies the identity and credentials of an online site, engaged in internet marketing and other types of retail transactions across the World Wide Web.

What is a security certificate?

A website's security certificate is issued by the Certification Authority (CA) and consists of name, serial number, expiration dates and a copy of its owner's public key access. A valid SSL certificate is usually required for encryption of information, messages and digital signatures. Additionally, an SSL certificate for website comprises the digital signature of a certificate issuing authority, in order to enable an online visitor to verify its authenticity and source. Further, security certificate like SSL can be listed in online registries, so as to facilitate authentication procedure for any consumer by allowing checking public keys for verification.    

What is better - Self signed or third party signed security certificate 

A few IT tech-heads believe that expenses on website verification can be easily cut down by removing third party SSL certification from the budget equation. Those with the idea of spending money on a SSL certificate for an ecommerce business portal or an official company site is nothing but trivial, and are walking on a tight rope. A self signed security certificate for an online retail/business website is not a viable substitute for paid certification, offered by Verisign, Comodo or Symantec. As per reports and market studies, the net cost of owning a valid SSL certificate is much greater than the actual price of the certificate. Since, the input costs on data centre storage space, management software and security hardware, amid others, easily add up to a huge sum for building a secure and self signed website.

What is SSL?

Secure Sockets Layer or SSL is basically an encryption technology that builds a safe and secure session between a website visitor and a website. An SSL Certificate is a digital computer file that is primarily used to encrypt or decrypt information that is send to and from the website.

SSL certificates are considered very crucial for businesses that indulge in taking online orders and payments or those that process crucial data, such as birth dates, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers among others.

These certificates help the website visitors to know that site belongs to who it says it belongs to. An SSL certificate also provides information about the holder of the certificate, the domain name that the certificate was issued to, and the name of the Certificate Authority who issued the certificate.

Why Do You Need Web Security Certificate?

SSL Certificates

In development countries, more shopping is done online than conventionally. Most of us have purchased railway tickets or air tickets on the net or paid our bills without a glitch. For those who cannot shop abroad, buying things that are made abroad has become easy using the internet. But the chance of things going wrong and data related to credit cards being stolen is very real. Every now and then we hear about phishing by cyber thieves resulting in loss of money for individuals.

New Weapon to Fight Cyber Squatters
Businesses that function online do not want to lose customers who may have reservations about using their credit cards. The latest weapon in the security armoury is secure SSL or Secure Sockets Layer. This is an internet protocol that encrypts online transactions. This ensures security and keeps data safe during transactions that take place over the net.

The coding and decoding is incorporated via the use of two keys. They are referred to as the public key and the private key. The private key can be accessed only by the website owner and the public key is used by all visitors to the site.

The Way It Works
Individuals who illegally break into sites to siphon off data are called cyber squatters. This encryption using server certificate makes it impossible to extract sensitive information from sites. This is the way it happens. When a visitor fills in sensitive information like bank details or credit card number, sites that are protected by web certificate generates a cryptographic key.

As soon as the browser tries to connect to the web server it is sent a request to check whether the site is protected by secure SSL. In response, the server transmits a facsimile of the server certificate to the web browser for checking. The browser now has to approve the web certificate. If the browser verifies the web certificate, it messages the server. When no accreditation is sent, the browser alerts the user who can choose to ignore the warning and go ahead or the attempt can be aborted. The onus thus rests on the user to make a correct decision.

The Functions
SSL and certificates have clear functions to make the web more secure. Most of the SSL and certificates that now exist in the industry have uniform features but it is a good idea to review them before deciding which ones suits a particular site. The first function is web browser authentication. The main web browsers should be able to read the SSL Certificates. 

If the browser keeps rejecting the SSL, it is going to create doubt in the minds of users of the safety of the website. The best choice for buyers is the encryption of 128/256 bit. Most certificates are of this level. The issuing of SSL should be done very fast so that customer service is good. Get to know the details regarding the policy regarding cancellations and guarantees.

Before choosing a particular SSL, make sure you are assured of technical support and you can email for assistance. The company should be available on phone and chat round the clock. Installing a SSL or Secure Sockets Layer can do a lot for your business.