Hosting: What is SSL?

SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer. It is basically a way for hiding information a web browser and a server send to each other.

For example, if you make any purchase online, notice how the http:// part switches to https:// (with the 's' added) - this is SSL in action.

Hosting companies can setup what is known as a digital certificate (SSL) for your website, but this costs around $200 to setup and $200 per year to maintain.

A common example to use SSL and a digital certificate is when an online business accepts credit cards or any other sensitive information from members of the public.

You'll need to discuss SSL with your web hosting company in order to obtain a digital certificate. Its not a simple one day process - it takes time.