Make Sure Your SSL Certificate Is Secure

SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer, is an online protocol that encrypts information transmitted on the website so that a third party cannot intercept it. SSL is typically used to protect proprietary information, such as credit card numbers or social security numbers. This form of encryption is important to online merchants, since it gives their customers the confidence to enter financial data onto a website's order form.

To use the SSL technology, a web merchant must first purchase an SSL certificate. The certificate allows the merchant to use the technology and display a logo on her website that affirms the certification. Obtaining an SSL certificate requires the website to have a dedicated IP address, rather than using shared hosting.

SSL certificates are usually good for 12 months. After this time, the owner must pay another fee to renew. In some cases, however, website owners can purchase certificates that are valid for more than one year.