What is a SSL certificate? A SSL certificate is a tool that ensures the safe communication of sensitive data upon submission to a website, particularly personally identifying information and credit card numbers. The SSL certificate encrypts this information as it's transferred between internet sites.
How do SSL certificates work? SSL certificates encrypt information at the time of transmission so it cannot be read as it is reaching its intended target. Once the data reaches the intended destination, it is then decrypted into original form for use.
