GlobalSign Ltd, United Kingdom (a member of GMO Internet Inc group TSE:9449) offers online security services and has been operating a trusted Root Certificate Authority since 1996. GlobalSign Digital Certificates are trusted by all popular Browsers, Operating Systems, Mobile Devices and Applications and include SSL Server Certificates, Extended Validation SSL, Code Signing, Adobe CDS, Email & Authentication Digital IDs, Enterprise PKI and Certificate Authority root signing for Microsoft Certificate Services / Enterprise CA.

SSL

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) are widely used cryptographic protocols that provide channels for secure communication, typically between web browsers and web servers. As opposed to HTTP URLs which begin with "http://" and use port 80 by default, SSL connections use port 443 by default and create HTTPS URLs begin that begin with "https://".

HTTP is insecure and is subject to "man-in-the-middle" attacks which can let attackers gain access to sensitive information such as credit card details and account credentials. Sending or posting data through the browser using HTTPS, such information is encrypted and is secure.

SSL is activated on webservers by the website owner obtaining a SSL Certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority like GlobalSign.

SSL Certificates in Use

End users are alerted to SSL in use by the presence of the yellow padlock, the URL starts with https:// and, if Extended Validation SSL Certificates are in place, the address bar will turn green.

Site owners, particularly online retailers, should utilize SSL to not only secure online transactions, but to build customers' trust and increase conversions.