What is Secure Socket Layer Protocol – SSL Explained in Depth

The Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol is a common way of sending information securely across a network. SSL technology, developed by Netscape, ensures confidential and secure data transmission. It works by creating a secure connection between a Web server and a browser. TCP is the transport control protocol in SSL layer used for communication.
One must implement SSL to improve site performance and security. This blog will serve as a guide on SSL, explaining what it is, how it operates, and affects websites.

How Does SSL Work?

Secure Socket Layer or SSL layer ensures a high level of privacy by encrypting data sent over the internet. Thus, anyone trying to intercept this data will run into a confusing mix of characters. Moreover, it may be impossible to decrypt. SSL initiates an authentication procedure Between two communicating devices. It involves a handshake to verify that both devices are who they claim to be.

Additionally, SSL digitally verifies data to guarantee data integrity. Moreover, it ensures the data does not change before reaching its intended recipient.

The Objectives of SSL

The use of secure socket layer is to secure and verify the identity of a website or an online service. The following are SSL's main objectives:

• Information is secure against tampering via data integrity. These protocols maintain data privacy. The SSL protocol uses common cryptographic techniques to verify the authenticity of the client and server. Thus, you can explain SSL as a way of Client-server authentication.
• Transport Layer Security (TLS), a cryptographic method for safe data transit over the Internet, is the successor to SSL.

Types of Secure Socket Layer Protocols

SSL has mainly two protocols, record protocol and handshake protocol.

1. SSL Record Protocol

The record protocol controls the flow of the data between the two endpoints of an SSL session. The SSL Record Protocol provides two services for SSL connections:

• Confidentiality

• Message Integrity

2. Handshake Protocol

It is used for session establishment. This type of secure socket layer protocol enables the client and server to confirm their identity. Thus, they send each other a series of messages for confirmation. It is the initial SSL subprotocol that is available for use by a client and server. Further, they can transfer data over an SSL-enabled connection.

3. Change-cipher Spec Protocol

This secure socket layer uses the SSL record protocol. Thus, the SSL record Output is pending until the Handshake Protocol is finished. The Pending state changes into the current state using the handshake process. Each communication in the change-cipher protocol is one byte long and can have only one value. So, the goal of this protocol is to copy the pending state into the live state.

4. Alert Protocol

The detecting party warns the other party when a client or server fault happens. If the error is harmful the SSL connection is instantly split by both parties. Thus, it terminates both the client and server ends of the communication. Both parties delete the session IDs, secrets, and keys before the connection ends. The connection won't be cut off if the problem is small. However, the parties will fix the mistake and carry on with the process.

Types of SSL Certificates

There are three types of secure socket layer certificates available:

1. Extended Validation (EV SSL) Certificates

An EV SSL allows the Certificate Authority (CA) to check the right of the applicant to use a specific domain name. Moreover, it conducts a thorough vetting of the organization. Furthermore, all other sorts of enterprises can get EV SSL certificates including Government agencies and incorporated and unincorporated companies.

2. Organisation Validated (OV SSL) Certificates

The CA verifies the applicant's eligibility to use a particular domain name. Additionally, it also checks the organization's legitimacy. When clients click on the Secure Site Seal, more reliable firm information appears to them. Thus, it increases their understanding of who is in charge of the website and their ability to trust it. The certificate's ON field also contains the name of the organization.

3. Domain Validated (DV SSL) Certificates

The CA verifies the applicant's eligibility to use a specific domain name. These are also the most economical certificates. Owners of websites simply need to show their domain ownership to get it. DV SSL socket Certificates have the same complete support and browser recognition as OV SSL. But, they have the advantage that you can get them almost instantly without submitting business papers.

How to Apply SSL on Your Site

Let's look at how to install SSL on your website now that you are aware of what it is and its benefits. Although there are several ways to install an SSL certificate, steps usually involve:

1. Select an SSL provider you can trust, like Let's Encrypt, DigiCert, or Comodo.
2. Create a CSR with cPanel, Apache, or Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS). This file provides information on your organization, domain name, and public key.
3. The selected certificate authority will then run a background check and issue a signed certificate after receiving your CSR file.
4. The signed certificate is often sent to you through email. Download and install the certificate on the server hosting your website.
5. You can force HTTPS after your certificate is ready by inserting a small piece of code into your '.htaccess' file.

Conclusion

Secure Socket Layer (SSL) establishes secure communications between a client and a web server. Thus, all data transfers have encryption, preventing unauthorized parties from accessing sensitive data. Moreover, installing an SSL certificate enhances your website's security which may help it rank higher than a rival. It guarantees the secure and reliable transfer of sensitive data over the Internet.

This blog goes over what SSL is, how it works, and how to set up one on your website. Overall, the SSL certificate is a crucial part of online security as it offers capabilities like encryption, authentication, and integrity.