Cybersalad.net and SSL

Secure Sockets Layer ( SSL ) is a protocol for encrypting internet transmissions. It relies upon keys and key authenticating agents. A typical scenario might be an order form containing passwords or credit card numbers. When the shopper clicks a submit button pointing to a SSL encrypted web server ( https://etc ) a handshake occurs wherein the client is handed a certificate from the server and checks this certificate with a third party certificate authority (CA). After the server ( and optionally the client ) is verified an encrypted connection is setup between the two machines.

You have three basic options if you require https for your site.

1. Use a self signed cert. This is only desirable if the audience of the service does not mind having their browser freak out about the cert. The user will have to go through a few steps in order for the browser to agree to work with the cert. This is not going to work well with a public order form!
2. Use our thawte ( one of the best CAs ) signed certs. Many of our customers opt for this as it is easy and inexpensive and their visitors browsers will not complain at all. With this option you end up with URLs like https://secure.cybersalasd.net/yoursite/yourpage.html.
3. Get your own cert signed by a CA. With this option your URL would be https://yourdomain/etc and so long as you choose a legitimate CA your visitors browser will behave. Currently costs are range from $150 - $350 a year at reputable CAs. Cybersalad.net will assist customers in generating initial certs, installation of final cert, and give support during the application phase. Cybersalad.net is a thawte hosting partner and can handle the complete process for customers wishing to have their own thawte signed cert.

For further information on SSL see:

• Webopedia's Definition
• Netscapes SSL Introduction
• Thawte ( reputable CA )
• Verisign ( reputable CA )