Functionality And Application of SSL Certificates

It seems that the user often thinks that he has nothing to hide. But let’s switch to real life: Would you like to have a look in the cabin while trying on your clothes? Or when withdrawing cash over your shoulder? It’s about confidentiality, which is a matter of course in “normal” life. Organized fraudsters regularly trick unsuspecting bank customers into providing their online banking data on fake websites, including TANs and PINs. Wireless LAN, i.e. wireless networks, reveal what broadcast is – unencrypted radio signals are broadcast about as openly as radio broadcasts on the radio. This invites criminals to rob their identities.

With the “HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure” (HTTPS), the first step towards data security was taken in 1994. The data to be transmitted is encrypted thanks to HTTPS at 128 or 256-bit level, without additional software on the computer. HTTPS also checks whether the partner’s identity is correct. Phishing attacks by forwarding them to manipulated websites are made much more difficult by this type of authentication. Financial institutions, in particular, work via HTTPS servers. Many shops, however, ultimately leave it up to the user whether he uses the encrypted HTTPS or the unencrypted HTTP.

SSL is used when connecting via an HTTPS server. It is a pure recording protocol that regulates the encryption between two computers and at the same time checks whether the data entered on the user side is output exactly as it is on the provider side. If the technical details are simplified, SSL works like this: A second connection (“SSL Record Protocol”) is pushed over the existing line. Check digits are calculated and added at regular intervals from the data sent. This value is compared again at both ends of a connection.

However, the “SSL Handshake Protocol” ensures that the participants’ identification data is transmitted before the data is exchanged. It also negotiates the fragmentation and encryption methods that are to be used for the connection. Now coded bits of information flow through the ether of symmetrical algorithms: the receiving computer decodes, combines and makes the information readable for the user. Or, to put it more simply: The two computers involved agree on a code and a uniform size for the data packets to be transmitted.

The SSL certificate appears during the “handshake”: A certificate authority (CA) issued the digital identity card and assigned it to a person or organization using a publicly available signature verification key. The certification authority notifies this assignment by approving the certificate with its digital signature. If a certain code is used, the composition of the code can be used to deduce and confirm who is using this code.

Also Read: How SSL and Cyber Security Works

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How do the various hosting providers differ?

The most obvious differences are probably the price of the different tariff models. However, in order to find a good hoster, it is not enough to focus exclusively on the price. Rather, the services and tariff details offered are decisive when it comes to choosing a suitable hoster.

What is important?

First of all, the choice of the host depends on the needs and requirements of the website to be hosted. For fun projects or experiments it can be worthwhile to fall back on cheap webspace, but demanding or even professional websites should be hosted by quality hosts. In addition to personal requirements, the following aspects play a major role in the selection of the host:

Server availability

If the website is not available, nothing works. The reliable availability of the site is a basic requirement for proper operation. While hosting offers from cheap providers often struggle with failures, other providers ensure up to 100 percent availability.

Computing power

Especially when several users share a server, it is important that enough computing power is available at all times. If there are many customers on a server or if outdated hardware is used, loading times can be significantly extended or even failures can occur.

Backups

Loss of data is always annoying, especially if you have not secured yourself against data loss. When choosing a host, you should therefore ensure that the respective provider creates regular backups and makes them available. Some providers only store this data for a few days, others for several weeks.

Storage

If you don’t want to save tons of images or high-resolution videos, a few gigabytes of memory are sufficient for most websites. If you plan several web projects from the start, you should dimension the memory accordingly.

Number of databases

Usually, one database is sufficient for each web project. With several projects, a corresponding number of databases can provide a better overview. 1000 or more databases as many hosters offer with their hosting tariffs are way too many.

Number of email addresses

The behavior of the e-mail addresses is similar to that of the databases. It can make sense to create several addresses for different purposes or several people, but few will need more than 1000.

Domains

The number of domains is not in itself a decision criterion, it is easily possible to book afterward.

If you really want to run professional websites, you should also consider the following aspects:

PHP7

If you have to choose a hosting provider today, you should make sure that it also supports PHP7. In direct comparison to PHP 5, the current version is almost twice as fast. The cache engine OPcache can provide additional speed.

MySQL

The latest version of the MySQL databases should also be available (5.6 or higher). Furthermore, the InnoDB storage engine is preferable to the old MyISAM storage engine. Many cheap hosters only provide their customers with outdated versions.

SSL certificate

If you want to transmit data securely, you need an encrypted HTTPS connection. An SSL certificate must be installed for this. Here you should make sure that corresponding certificates are included in the respective tariff if possible.

Additional protection for companies

In contrast to private individuals, companies are more dependent on a secure hoster. They often store confidential data that must be protected in a special way. Hosters such as the Vautrin data center are specifically targeting commercial customers with their hosting offers and offer them tailor-made hosting tariffs. Both small and medium-sized companies and large corporations can benefit from the additional services of such hosters for commercial customers.

Private customers or traders should take enough time when choosing the right hoster and choose a hoster who can best meet their own requirements. In addition to good infrastructure, reliable customer support is also essential for fast communication with the hoster. This is especially true if you are planning a move or takeover or if you have an acute technical problem. In the best-case scenario, companies should take advantage of appropriate commercial offers to ensure reliable hosting.

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