At Pirsonal, data protection and security are two critical aspects of what we do. This is why it is mandatory for us and for our clients to use SSL certificates for all content processed through and from Pirsonal’s personalized and automated video platform.
This is where SSL certificates come into play.
In this article, we will explore what SSL certificates are, how they work, their benefits, and their impact on various aspects of Pirsonal’s products. For other security measures we take at Pirsonal to protect your organization, data, and customers, please make sure to read this article.
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Understanding SSL Certificate
An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a digital certificate that establishes a secure and encrypted connection between a web server and a user’s web browser.
It ensures that the data exchanged between the two entities remains confidential and protected from unauthorized access.
How SSL Works
When a user visits a website secured with an SSL certificate, the web server initiates a secure session by sending a digitally signed certificate to the user’s browser.
The browser verifies the authenticity of the certificate, and if it’s valid, it creates an encrypted connection using cryptographic algorithms.
This encryption process prevents attackers from intercepting and deciphering the transmitted data.
Thanks to SSL certificates, when your data is processed by Pirsonal is encrypted from the origin. Similarly, when you use any of our applications, including Pirsonal’s personalized landing pages and interactive video player, the content is also encrypted.
Benefits of SSL
SSL certificates offer several benefits to both website owners and visitors. Firstly, they provide data security by encrypting sensitive information such as login credentials, credit card details (which we do not store), and personal data.
This encryption ensures that even if intercepted, the data is unreadable to unauthorized individuals.
Secondly, SSL certificates enhance privacy by authenticating the identity of the website, assuring users that they are communicating with the intended entity and not an imposter.
Types of SSL Certificates
There are different types of SSL certificates available, catering to varying needs and levels of assurance. The three main types are:
- Domain Validated (DV) certificates: These certificates verify the ownership of the domain and are the most basic type of SSL certificate. This is the minimum our platform supports whenever you use dynamic or static images, videos, or audio files stored by any third party that is not Pirsonal.
- Organization Validated (OV) certificates: In addition to validating domain ownership, OV certificates also authenticate the legitimacy of the organization behind the website.
- Extended Validation (EV) certificates: EV certificates provide the highest level of validation, requiring extensive scrutiny of the organization’s identity and legitimacy.
Choosing the Right SSL Certificate
Selecting the right SSL certificate depends on several factors. Considerations include the level of trust and security required, the type of website or service, and the level of assurance desired by the users.
It’s essential to evaluate these factors and choose a certificate that meets the specific needs of your organization, website, and video personalization project.
Obtaining an SSL Certificate
SSL certificates are issued by trusted certificate authorities (CAs) who verify the identity and legitimacy of the certificate applicant.
The validation process typically involves confirming domain ownership and validating organization details.
Once the validation is complete, the certificate authority issues the SSL certificate to the applicant.
Installing an SSL Certificate
To implement SSL on a website, the SSL certificate needs to be installed on the web server.
This process involves configuring the server to use the certificate and enabling HTTPS (HTTP Secure) protocol. HTTPS ensures that all communication between the server and the user’s browser is encrypted and secure.
SSL Certificate Renewal
SSL certificates have an expiration date, typically ranging from one to three years. It’s crucial to keep track of the expiration date and renew the certificate before it expires.
Renewal involves going through the validation process again to ensure the continued security and authenticity of the website.
SSL and SEO
In addition to providing security, SSL certificates can also have an impact on search engine rankings. Major search engines like Google consider HTTPS as a ranking factor and prioritize secure websites in search results. Implementing an SSL certificate can help improve the website’s visibility and credibility in search engine rankings.
SSL Best Practices
To ensure the effectiveness and longevity of SSL certificates, it’s essential to follow best practices. Regular updates and monitoring of the certificate’s validity and security are necessary.
Keeping up with the latest industry standards and recommendations for encryption algorithms and protocols is also crucial for maintaining the highest level of security.
Common SSL Certificate Errors
While SSL certificates enhance security, they can sometimes encounter errors that impact the user experience. Common errors include certificate mismatches, expired certificates, and mixed content warnings.
Troubleshooting these errors requires attention to detail and may involve renewing the certificate, fixing configuration issues, or resolving content compatibility problems.
Also, for security reasons, Pirsonal only supports valid certificates. If you ever find an error related to SSL certificates, make sure to read this article.
Buying SSL Certificates for Your Personalized Video Project
Here is a list of some of the companies that sell SSL certificates online.
- Comodo CA – https://www.comodo.com/
- DigiCert – https://www.digicert.com/
- Symantec (now operated by DigiCert) – https://www.symantec.com/
- GlobalSign – https://www.globalsign.com/
- GoDaddy – https://www.godaddy.com/
- Thawte – https://www.thawte.com/
- GeoTrust – https://www.geotrust.com/
- Entrust – https://www.entrust.com/
- RapidSSL (owned by DigiCert) – https://www.rapidssl.com/
- Sectigo (formerly known as Comodo CA) – https://sectigo.com/
Although we can’t provide SSL installation services, feel free to reach out if you have any questions about SSL certificates and Pirsonal.