A brief explanation of SSL encryption, and why it's an important tool for internet security.
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a way of securing communication between an internet browser and a website. You can tell when you are using SSL because the web address in your browser starts with “https” instead of “http”, and a little padlock image is displayed. SSL is frequently used on the internet where data needs to be kept private and secure – making credit card transactions, logging in to check email, etc.
If a website doesn't use SSL it sends and receives information in plain text - including usernames, passwords, and even financial information (in the case of an ecommerce website). This information can be easily intercepted by those with malicious intent. This is a particular problem when you are connecting to a website using an untrusted network connection, such as public WiFi or an internet cafe. But bear in mind that your data travels along a huge number of servers, routers, and hubs on its journey between your computer and a website - sending this information without SSL encryption is like writing your details on the back of a post card and popping it in a post box.
Line Industries' flagship CMS product,
PubliSite, uses SSL to ensure that site administrators are managing their website in a secure way. SSL is also used when public users sign up to the website to register for newsletters, participate in forums, etc. Enabling SSL on a website is slightly more complicated than setting up an unsecured website, and does have an additional annual hosting cost (for the SSL certificate). Because of this, PubliSite can be optionally configured so that it does not require SSL. However, we would recommend that where possible SSL is used to ensure maximum security and piece of mind.