How SSL Certificates Work
You will likely look for an "S", or padlock, when you visit a site. This indicates that the site is secure, which is a good thing for online security and privacy. You should also understand how SSL functions, especially if your goal is to learn how to protect your data and website from hackers.
SSL's first step involves creating an encrypted key session between the server and client. The key will be used by both the client and the server to encrypt information during the session.
For this to happen, the server needs to send a client an initial set information called a Handshake. This includes a number of cipher suites, the maximum SSL version that the server supports, and information about the public key and intermediate certificate that the server provides to verify it is authentic.
Following the initial hello phase, both parties will be ready to start the symmetrical encryption phase. This is done by exchanging new symmetric keys between client and server. These keys encrypt the data both parties send to each other, using an algorithm that was agreed upon in the hello phase.
The encryption key is known only by the server, and therefore no one can alter or intercept it. But that doesn't stop hackers from finding other ways.
What are digital certificates?
No matter what type of communication is secured by a digital certificate, it all relies on a pair of keys. In the context of SSL certificates this key pair can be referred to as a Public Key and a Private Key.
If someone receives a certificate digitally, they can confirm that it was issued from a certified authority. These CAs were established as trustworthy and reliable. They include organisations such as Symantec Comodo, and GoDaddy.
Before issuing SSL certificates, CAs often verify a few things. The most important ones are whether the certificate has been trusted by all the major browsers, and if it was issued by an CA the browser trusts.
This is all easy to do with a browser. The SSL connection will fail if the server fails these tests. A browser error message will then appear.
Understanding Certificates
The public key of an SSL certificate is available for anyone to view and use, but the private key must be kept incredibly safe and protected from prying eyes. Public key infrastructure (or PKI) is the term for this. It is one aspect of SSL that's crucial.
It is a fascinating and complex topic, but one that can be easily learned and understood. You can find a variety of online courses and books that will teach you to create your own SSL certificate.
FAQ
How do I create a free website?
This depends on what kind of website you're trying to create. Are you trying to sell products online, create a blog or build a portfolio of websites?
It is possible to create a basic website with HTML and CSS (a combination HyperText Markup Language & Cascading Style sheetss). It is possible to make a basic website with HTML and CSS. However, many web developers recommend using a WYSIWYG editor, such as Frontpage or Dreamweaver.
A freelance developer may be the best choice if you don't have any experience in designing websites. They can help create a custom website for you based on your requirements.
A freelance developer can charge you a flat fee per project or hourly rate. The amount of work they do within a certain time frame will affect the cost of hiring a freelancer.
For example, companies may charge 50-100 dollars an hour. You'll usually get higher rates for larger projects.
You can also find jobs on many freelance websites. You could search there first before contacting potential developers directly.
What is a static web site?
Static websites are those where all content is stored on a web server and can be accessed by users via their web browsers.
The term "static", as it is sometimes called, refers not to dynamic features such changing images, videos, animations, etc.
This site was originally intended for corporate intranets. However it has since been adopted and modified by small businesses and individuals who require simple websites without complex programming.
Because they are easier to maintain, static sites have been growing in popularity. They are much easier to maintain than fully-featured sites with many components (such a blog).
They load also faster than their dynamic counterparts. This makes them perfect for users who are using mobile devices or have slow Internet access.
Also, static websites are more secure that dynamic counterparts. A static website is impossible to hack. Hackers have only access to data stored in a database.
There are two main options for creating a static website.
-
Use a Content Management System (CMS).
-
Create a static HTML web site
Which one you choose depends on your requirements. A CMS is my recommendation if your first website was created.
Why? Because you have complete control over your website. A CMS means that you don't have to hire someone to set up your website. Upload files to the website server.
It is possible to still learn how code can be used to create static websites. You'll have to invest time learning how programming works.
What Is Website Design Software?
Graphic artists, photographers, illustrators, and writers use website design software to create websites and other digital media.
There are two types of website design software available: cloud-based and desktop apps. Desktop apps are downloaded to your computer locally and you will need additional software. Cloud-based apps are hosted remotely on the Internet and do not require any additional software. This makes them perfect for mobile users.
Desktop Applications
While desktop applications offer more advanced features than those in cloud-based solutions, they aren't always necessary. Because it's more convenient, some people prefer to use a desktop app. Others prefer the same tool, no matter if they are using it on a mobile device or a laptop.
Cloud-Based Solutions
Web designers who want to save time and money should choose a cloud-based solution. These services enable you to edit any document from anywhere with an internet connection. This means that you can work on your tablet while waiting to brew your coffee.
If you decide to go with a cloud-based service, you'll still need to purchase a license for the program. You won't need to purchase additional licenses if you upgrade to a later version.
If you have Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator, these programs can be used for creating web pages.
Is WordPress a CMS?
Yes. It's a Content Management System. CMS allows you to manage the content of your website from within a web browser, instead of using applications like Dreamweaver and Frontpage.
The best part about WordPress is that it's free! Hosting is included in the price, but you don't need to pay anything else.
WordPress was initially designed as a blogging platform but now offers many different options, including eCommerce sites, forums, membership websites, portfolios, etc.
WordPress is very easy to set up and install. To install WordPress, you will need to download the installer file from their website. Once it is downloaded, upload it to your server. Then, you simply visit your domain name through your web browser and log in to your new site.
After installing WordPress, register for a username/password. Once you've logged in, you'll see a dashboard where you can access all of your settings.
Here you can add pages and posts, images, menus, widgets and plugins. You may skip this step if you feel comfortable editing and creating content.
However, if you prefer to work with someone else, you can hire a professional web designer to handle the whole process.
How much does a website cost?
The answer depends on what you are trying to achieve with your website. Google Sites, for example, might not be necessary if you are merely looking to share information about your business or yourself.
You will likely need to spend more if you want to attract people to your site.
The best option is to use a Content Management System, such as WordPress. These programs make it easy to create websites without any programming knowledge. This is because the sites are hosted and maintained by third-party companies. You don't have any risk of being hacked.
Squarespace is another service that can be used to build websites. Squarespace offers a variety plans that range from $5 per person to $100 per person, depending on what information you want to include.
What should I include?
These things should make up your portfolio.
-
You can also see examples of your previous work.
-
Links to your website (if applicable).
-
You can also find links to your blog.
-
These links will take you to social media websites.
-
Other designers' online portfolios can be found here.
-
Any awards you received.
-
References.
-
Get samples of your works.
-
These links show how to communicate with clients.
-
You are willing to learn new technologies.
-
Here are some links to show you are flexible.
-
Links that show your personality
-
Videos showing your skills.
How much does it cost to create an ecommerce site?
This will depend on whether you are using a platform or a freelancer. eCommerce websites start at about $1,000.
Once you've chosen a platform you can expect to pay $500-$10,000.
A template is usually less than $5,000 if you plan to use it. This includes any customizations that you might need to suit your brand.
Statistics
- Did you know videos can boost organic search traffic to your website by 157%? (wix.com)
- It enables you to sell your music directly on your website and keep 100% of the profits. (wix.com)
- It's estimated that chatbots could reduce this by 30%. Gone are the days when chatbots were mere gimmicks – now, they're becoming ever more essential to customer-facing services. (websitebuilderexpert.com)
- In fact, according to Color Matters, a signature color can boost brand recognition by 80%. There's a lot of psychology behind people's perception of color, so it's important to understand how it's used with your industry. (websitebuilderexpert.com)
- When choosing your website color scheme, a general rule is to limit yourself to three shades: one primary color (60% of the mix), one secondary color (30%), and one accent color (10%). (wix.com)
External Links
How To
What is website hosting?
Website hosting is the place where visitors go to visit a website. There are two types.
-
Shared hosting - This is the cheapest option. Your website files reside on a server controlled by someone else. Customers visiting your website send their queries over the Internet, to that server. The owner of the server then hands off the request to you.
-
Dedicated hosting – This is the most expensive option. Your website is located on only one server. There are no other websites sharing space on the server. Your traffic remains private.
Because shared hosting is more affordable than dedicated hosting, most businesses opt for it. The company hosting the server will provide the resources necessary to manage your website.
There are pros and disadvantages to each option. Here are the main differences between them:
Pros of Shared Hosting
-
Lower Cost
-
It's easy to set up
-
Frequent Updates
-
It can Be Found On Many Web Hosting Companies
Hosting shared can be as low as $10 per month. Keep in mind, however, that bandwidth is usually included in the price. Bandwidth refers the data that you can transfer over the Internet. Even if only you upload photos to your blog or website, high-volume data transfers may incur additional charges.
You'll soon discover why you paid so much more for your previous host when you get started. Most shared hosts have very poor customer support. You'll be on your way after they walk you through setting it up.
You'll want to look into a provider that offers 24-hour phone support. They will assist you with any problems that may arise while you're sleeping.
Cons of dedicated hosting
-
More Expensive
-
Less is More
-
Requires Special Skills
You're getting everything you need with dedicated hosting to operate your website. You won't have worry about whether your website is using enough bandwidth, or whether it has enough RAM (random-access memory).
This means that you will have to pay a little more upfront. Once you get started with your online business, you will find that you don't require much technical support. You'll become an expert at managing your servers.
Which Is Better For My Business:
The answer depends on what kind of website you want to create. Shared hosting might be best if you just want to sell products. It's easy to set up and maintain. You'll probably receive frequent updates because you are sharing a server hosting many other sites.
However, dedicated hosting is the way to go if you want to build a community around your brand. Instead of worrying about traffic, you can concentrate on building your brand.
Bluehost.com has both. They offer unlimited data transfers per month, 24/7 support and free domain registration.