Why do I need a SSL certificate?

Information which is transferred over a normal internet connection can be 'tapped' and used for illegal actions. To prevent this it is necessary to encrypt the information so it can not be intercepted. This is not only necessary for online financial transactions but also for sensitive personal information and all other confidential information. The Dutch Personal Data Protection Act demands that processing of personal data has to be protected  against loss and misuse. A SSL connection is an encrypted and therefore secure connection. You need a SSL certificate to establish a SSL connection.

What is SSL? How does it work?

SSL is a standard  internet protocol which establishes a secure encrypted connection between a web server and the browser of a visitor. Data send over a SSL connection can not be intercepted by third parties. For a SSL connection you will need a SSL certificate. 

What information has to be secured by SSL?

All information which you want to protect against unauthorised access by third parties. For example:

• Credit Card information
• Shopping cart and order information
• Financial transaction data
• Personal contact data
• Registration information and account data

What are the risks?

There are more risks involved then you might think. Intercepted information can be misused or sold to others. A simple example is your e-mail address, it gets intercepted and you get spammed. This is rather harmless, but what about your online order for a new television set, including the delivery address and delivery date. Next day your house has been broken into. An online consult with your medical doctor reveals confidential information about yourself, but you don't want your neighbour to find out. If you run an online business you are responsible for the protection of the data submitted through your site.

What is my responsibility as a site owner?

See the first section of this page. According to the Dutch Personal Data Protection Act you are responsible and liable for all privacy information which is processed by your website. If you don't comply with this 'Wet bescherming persoonsgegevens (Wbp)' law, you could be fined  4,500.- euro.

What about computer hackers?

SSL only protects the interception of data transfers to and from your web server. For protection against hackers, people who try to break into your computer system, you need to take other measures, for instance the use of a firewall.