Security on web is a big concern when so much is communicated on networks such as internet that can be misused. SSL Certificates are used across the internet as a security protocol designed to prevent eavesdropping and tampering. Its need is more in the sector where the vulnerability could lead to a leak of important or meant-to-be-confidential private data. Ecommerce, thus, strongly needs this security feature as it asks for private data such as credit card or other billing information. This cryptographic protocol hides such information by converting the normal data to a scrambled form which appears to have an indecipherable gibberish of letters and numbers.

A security feature like SSL plays a key role in building a sense of trust among the online shoppers, who do online purchasing despite knowing that they will need to fill in certain important details that should not leak out. A closed padlock in the address bar of the web browser is indicative that the site has installed a valid SSL Certificate. This means the site is secure, protected, and trustworthy. In fact, PCI (Payment Card Industry) guidelines make it mandatory for an Ecommerce site to have a valid SSL Certificate and noncompliance to this can have serious implications like heavy fines or even shutting down.

At present, a 128-bit encryption is much in use by the Ecommerce sites. A 128-bit encryption brings about much higher security, something that is necessary where there is online collection of credit card or banking information, addresses, social security numbers, or date of births for payment processing or other reasons. This ensures maximum resistance from the hackers who may try to crack it, and the customers get protection irrespective of the browser that they use.

Whether to obtain a shared or a dedicated SSL Certificate through his web host or an SSL provider such as VeriSign is an online storeowner’s choice. A shared certificate means a common certificate to all the sites on one server, and a dedicated certificate will be for a particular site only on a server. As the dedicated certificates offer additional security, they cost more; average around $150-$200 per year. Shared SSL Certificates are also provided free to the Ecommerce clients by many web hosting companies. SSL Certificates have to be renewed yearly.

An SSL Certificate holds value to the online business and customer both. If a closed padlock is not seen on the address bar, a conscious shopper will definitely drop your website to purchase from another site which is trustworthy. Moreover, it is mandatory for an Ecommerce site to have a valid SSL Certificate, otherwise it can be understood that it is operating illegally and it is a fraud business. Thus, if you are doing an online business with serious intentions, you need to guarantee it using a valid SSL Certificate!