When an Internet user visits a secure web site, an SSL certificate provides identification information about the web server and establishes an encrypted connection. This process happens in a fraction of a second.
What Happens between the Web Browser and Server
- A browser attempts to connect to a web site secured with SSL. The browser requests that the web server identify itself.
- The server sends the browser a copy of its SSL certificate.
- The browser checks whether it trusts the SSL certificate. If so, it sends a message to the server.
- The server sends back a digitally signed acknowledgement to start an SSL encrypted session.
- Encrypted data is shared between the browser and the server.
