What is SSL...

Secure Sockets Layer, SSL, is the standard security technology for creating an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. This link ensures that all data passed between the web server and browser remain private and integral. SSL is an industry standard and is used by millions of websites in the protection of their online transactions with their customers. In order to be able to generate an SSL link, a web server requires an SSL Certificate.

Displaying the SSL Secure Padlock
The complexities of the SSL protocol remain invisible to web users. Instead browsers provide a key indicator to identify that their session is currently protected by an SSL encrypted session - the Padlock:


As seen by users of Internet Explorer

Clicking on the Padlock displays the SSL Certificate and details:


As seen by users of Internet Explorer

All SSL Certificates are issued to either companies or legally accountable individuals. Typically an SSL Certificate will contain your domain name, your company name, your address, your city, your state and your country. It will also contain the expiry date of the Certificate and details of the Certification Authority responsible for the issuance of the Certificate.