Site identity certificates (also know as SSL certificates) are a complementary technology to the secure socket layer protocol in that they provide a mechanism for a web server to be uniquely identified during SSL communication. This type of security is important because it covers a weakness of SSL: the risk of server impersonation. Although it would be difficult, it is possible that a hacker could intercept or redirect a customer on your web site to a different web server disguised as your order page. If your site used SSL and had a certificate, your customer's web browser would immediately detect that the hacker's server was missing the correct certificate that identifies your site and an error message would be displayed.

Although such attacks are very rare, web shoppers are becoming increasingly concerned about the security of their personal information. Using SSL and a certificate for your site gives your customers a sign that you have taken steps to assure their online safety. All of ShonLee Studios' virtual server web hosting plans include a free, shared SSL certificate and support dedicated certificates if you wish to purchase one specifically for your site's domain name. See our article on secure socket layer for information on these two options or click here for details on our hosting plans and pricing.