What is an SSL certificate?
Have you ever wondered why certain URLs begin with http:// and others begin with https://? Perhaps you have noticed the extra "s" when visiting some websites that need you to provide private information, such as on bill payment websites. But what does that extra "s" mean, and where did it come from? Simply put, the extra "s" indicates that your connection to that website is secure and encrypted, and that any information you provide is safely exchanged with that website. SSL stands for "Secure Sockets Layer," and it's the technology behind that little "s." What is an SSL certificate? SSL certificates are short data files that establish a secure connection between a web server and a browser using cryptography. This connection ensures that all data sent back and forth between the web server and the browser remains private. A hacker can intercept the information you enter on a page with a form to fill out and submit on an unsafe websi...