The SSL (and TLS) protocol is the Web standard for encrypting communications between users and SSL (secure sockets layer) e-commerce sites. Data sent via an SSL connection is protected by encryption, a mechanism that prevents eavesdropping and tampering with any transmitted data. SSL provides businesses and consumers with the confidence that private data sent to a Web site, such as credit card numbers, are kept confidential. Web server certificates (also known as secure server certificates or SSL certificates) are required to initialize an SSL session. Customers know when they have an SSL session with a website when their browser displays the little gold padlock and the address bar begins with a https rather than http. SSL certificates can be used on webservers for Internet security and mailservers such as imap, pop3 and smtp for mail collection / sending security.

The Internet has been a revolution to commerce and the transfer of data in general, which has developed new global business opportunities for all, including major enterprises, small to medium sized businesses and individuals alike. However e-commerce has inevitably attracted crime and developed a new breed of online criminals ranging from fraudsters and hackers to cyber terrorists. The growing concerns associated with conducting e-commerce have now resulted in the fact that security is an essential factor for online business success.

The market is now educated in the basics of online security and the majority of online users now expect security to be integrated into any online service they use and as a result they expect any details they provide via the Internet to remain confidential and secure.

This white paper explains how SSL can be utilized as the core security technology to protect customer's online transactions and informs users that the security of the online business is being taken seriously. In fact SSL provides proof of a digital identity and allows online customers to visibly see that their digital transaction will be confidential. These are essential factors in gaining customer confidence and remove the concerns and risks associated with sending sensitive data over the Internet.

SSL is essential to allow the true benefits of the Internet to be realised.

SSL is not generally, nor should it be used for all pages on a website. SSL is most commonly used for the sending and receiving of sensitive information such as credit cards, membership ID's, or customer billing information access. SSL need only be used on the "particular" page where the secure activity is taking place. ALWAYS use SSL when asking for credit card information. If visitors do not observe the https// appearing on the form URL, and the "SSL Symbol", does not illuminate in their browser, they won't be doing a whole lot of business with you. No one wants his or her credit card information intercepted and stolen as the result of a site not using SSL encryption!

• What do I need to consider when purchasing a SSL certificate?
• Give me 10 reasons why I should buy from FreeSSL.com?
• How do website visitors know if a website is using SSL?
• What is required for a webserver (website) to use SSL?
• What does a SSL certificate look like?
• What is a Certification Authority (CA)?
• Who are the CAs and why are there so many providers of SSL?
• Who are the top 2 CAs?

Product	Description	Price/yr	Order Now
StarterSSL	• Price includes a dedicated IP • FREE Installation • Stable, single root install 128 bit SSL certificates ideal for sites conducting low volume / low value levels of ecommerce. • StarterSSL is issued by a root owned by FreeSSL.com and provides around 96% browser recognition rates.	$89/yr	Order Now
ChainedSSL WildCard	• Price includes a dedicated IP • FREE Installation • Chained root install 128 bit Wildcard SSL certificates that allow you to secure multiple sub domains on a single domain name. • ChainedSSL Wildcard certificates are ideal for sites conducting low volume / low value levels of ecommerce. • ChainedSSL Wildcard is issued by a stable chained root owned by FreeSSL.com and provides around 96% browser recognition rates.	$299/yr	Order Now
QuickSSL Premium	• Price includes a dedicated IP • FREE Installation • Highly trusted and highly credible SSL Certificate • Single certificate install - no chained installation • Fully automated 10 minute provisioning process • ChoicePoint Business registration (DUNS number equivalent) • Real-time, two-factor telephone authentication • Compatible with 99% of all browsers and webservers • Fully supported by GeoTrust Rapid Response Team - tel, email and web • Strong 128 bit SSL encryption • Risk free: 7 day refund and reissue policy	$229/yr	Order Now
True BusinessID	• Price includes a dedicated IP • FREE Installation • Combines Professional Level SSL Certificate and True Site in single package • Application manually vetted by GeoTrust Validation Officer • Fully supported by GeoTrust Rapid Response Team - tel, email and web • Risk free: 7 day refund and reissue policy • Highly trusted and highly credible SSL Certificate • Single certificate install - no chained installation • Compatible with 99% of all browsers and webservers • Strong 128-bit SSL encryption • Delivers useful and confidence-building information about your company to your website visitors • Seal displays your company name and time/date stamp • Your website visitors see confirmed identity of your business on the seal itself - without the need to click or hover over the seal • Your company profile (address, tel, fax) available to website visitors by clicking on the seal • Site owners and website visitors are protected from spoofed (copied) sites that can harm rightful owner • Unlimited annual use	$299/yr	Order Now