Why you need security for your site

The Internet has created many new global business opportunities for enterprises conducting online commerce. However, the many security risks associated with conducting e-commerce have resulted in security becoming a major factor for online success or failure.

Over the past 7 years, consumer magazines, industry bodies and security providers have educated the market on the basics of online security. The majority of consumers now expect security to be integrated into any online service they use, as a result they expect any details they provide via the Internet to remain confidential and integral. For many customers, the only time they will ever consider buying your products or services online is when they are satisfied their details are secure.

This guide explains how you can utilize Aust Domain Secure SSL Certificates to activate the core security technology available on your existing web server. You will also learn how Aust Domain Secure SSL Certificates allows you to protect your customer's transactions and provide visitors with proof of your digital identity - essential factors in gaining confidence in your services and identity.

Using Aust Domain Secure SSL Certificates to secure your online transactions tells your customers you take their security seriously. They will visibly see that their online transaction will be secure, confidential and integral and give them the confidence that you have removed the risk associated with trading over the Internet.

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 web sites 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.

When you choose to activate SSL on your web server you will be prompted to complete a number of questions about the identity of your web site (e.g. your web site's URL) and your company (e.g. your company's name and location). Your web server then creates two cryptographic keys - a Private Key and a Public Key. Your Private Key is so called for a reason - it must remain private and secure. The Public Key does not need to be secret and is placed into a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) - a data file also containing your details. You should then submit the CSR during the SSL Certificate application process Aust Domains, the SSL Certification Authority, who will validate your details and issue an SSL Certificate containing your details and allowing you to use SSL.

Your web server will match your issued SSL Certificate to your Private Key. Your web server will then be able to establish an encrypted link between the web site and your customer's web browser.

For detailed application and installation instructions please refer to section "Step by step instructions to set up SSL on your web server" of this guide.

Displaying the SSL Secure Padlock

The complexities of the SSL protocol remain invisible to your customers. Instead their browsers provide them with a key indicator to let them know they are currently protected by an SSL encrypted session - the Padlock:

As seen by users of Internet Explorer

Clicking on the Padlock displays your SSL Certificate and your 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.

When a browser connects to a secure site it will retrieve the site's SSL Certificate and check that it has not expired, it has been issued by a Certification Authority the browser trusts, and that it is being used by the web site for which it has been issued. If it fails on any one of these checks the browser will display a warning to the end user.

Why Should You Use an Aust Domain Secure SSL Certificates?

Comodo, the Certification Authority behind Aust Domains, is the fastest growing SSL Provider in the world. Unlike other Certification Authorities, Comodo does not just provide SSL Certificates - they are a world-renowned security and cryptography service provider. When you are a customer of Aust Domains, you can feel safe knowing that your website security is provided by experts.

Aust Domain Secure SSL Certificates are the most cost-effective fully validated and fully supported 128 bit SSL Certificates you can buy today! You can also feel safe in the knowledge that Aust Domains will validate your application in accordance with the latest digital signature legislation pertaining to Qualified Certificates. This validation is done effectively and quickly, ensuring you need not wait the traditional 5 working days normally associated with a fully validated SSL Certificate.

Aust Domain Secure SSL Certificates boasts industry leading browser ubiquity - comparable to Verisign and Thawte, however without the costs associated with other SSL Providers. Aust Domain Secure SSL Certificates are compatible with over 99% of browsers - including Internet Explorer 5.00 and above, Netscape 4.5 and above, AOL 6 and above and Opera 5.00 and above.

Aust Domain Secure SSL Certificates benefits summary:

Aust Domain Secure SSL Certificates are the most cost effective SSL Certificates you can buy which include:

• Full validation conducted quickly - in many cases you can expect your SSL Certificate to be issued within minutes
• Telephone, email, web support
• Over 99% browser compatibility
• 128 bit strong encryption security
• Backed by warranties ranging from $2,500 to $10,000

Aust Domain Secure SSL Certificates provide you with the key to successfully using SSL on your web server.

For more information about this service please contact us.