For the large majority of websites out there, extra security while browsing isn't necessary if the website if just offering reading content and doesn't request lots of personal details from a visitor or doesn't sell products from the website, like in the case of online shopping.

But if you do have intentions of either setting up an online shop or adding one to an existing site then you will definately want an added level of security to keep the details of paying customers safe while they enter their credit/debit card details and perform a transaction.

One level of security that fits this need is the use of SSL certificates which stands for secure sockets layer, if you have ever purchased goods from an online shop you will have possibly noticed a few differences when you are paying for the goods, one that is usually quite noticeable is that the address bar will turn yellow when there is a secure connection in place, also the http://www that you get at the beginning of a Url will have an S added to it, like the following https://www notice the s in place that is not normally there.

Also if you look at the bottom of your browser it will display a padlock icon, these are all visual ways of letting you know that the connection is secure while your using card details to do your online shopping.

Without this level of security it would be quite dangerous for you to purchse anything from a website, using a credit card for example where they have not got a secure connection in place upon the moment of transaction.

If an online shop has a payment option in place like paypal then equally as you go through the purchase process and then login to your paypal account to complete payment this will take you through a secure connection that paypal has in place, and the same will apply with other payment processors.

SSL certificates are used for a variety of websites, not only for shopping, but basically where private information needs to be keep private and where communication over the web needs to be protected.

Many web hosting companies will provide seperate SSL certificates as part of one of the services that they offer, but not all provide this service, and sometimes you can find a suitable online company who will tend to specialise in online security products and services.

But for the web hosts that do offer the availability of SSL certificates you will usually have options to choose from, depending on the level of security that you need for your website.

For a standard SSL certificate for a basic level of security for your website you can usally find them priced at around $30 and this will sometimes cover a number of domains for an additional charge, then you can usually find up to 2 other SSL certificates with added security in place and priced a bit higher for that added security.

Each type of SSL certificate will usually be explained fully on the website that you purchase it from, to let you know what level of security you will receive, and after purchase of the certificate and having set everything up properly you can then display an image on your website to let your customers know that their credit card details will be safe while shopping at your website or performing whatever other action it is on your website that demands that level of security.

So when your checking out web hosting companies, have a look to see if they can provide you with SSL certificates, should you ever need to use one on one of your websites.

Payment for an SSL certificate will usually be for a 12 month period but you can purchase them for longer and save a bit of money at many web hosts for a longer term purchase.

If your website needs it then give piece of mind to your customers and to yourself knowing that important and sensitive information is safe and secure when it is most needed.

Filed under: General Web Hosting Info by admin Published June 15, 2008