When a browser connects to a secure site it retrieves its SSL certificate and checks that it has not expired, that it has been issued by a certificate authority the browser trusts, and that it is being used by the website for which it has been issued. If it fails on any one of these checks the browser will display a warning to the end user. If it succeeds, several security indicators are built into modern browsers to indicate that SSL is enabled. The beginning of the URL or web address changes from http:// to https:// A padlock on the browser window changes from open to closed The address bar will turn green and display the name of the website owner when connecting to a website protected by an Extended Validation SSL certificate. In addition, a trust mark such as the RapidSSL site seal may be added to web pages on a secure site.

SSL is the backbone of our secure Internet and it protects your sensitive information as it travels across the worlds computer networks. SSL is essential for protecting your website, even if it doesn't handle sensitive information like credit cards. It provides privacy, critical security and data integrity for both your websites and your users personal information'.