Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology encrypts information from a customer PC to your web site. SSL is implemented using what is known as digital certificates that bind an identity to a pair of electronic keys that can be used to encrypt and sign digital information.
A Secure Server ID makes it possible to verify someone's claim that they have the right to use a given key, helping to prevent people from using phony keys to impersonate other users. Used in conjunction with encryption, Secure Server IDs provide a complete security solution, assuring the identity of one or all parties involved in a transaction.
More information at: http://digitalid.verisign.com/server/about/aboutFAQ.htm
When don't I need SSL?
If you are planning to use an electronic banking gateway that takes the customers credit card information at their own site, then you don't need SSL on your own web host. When the person gets to the point of needed to enter payment information, the button goes of to an SSL protecting electronic gateway.
VP-ASP supports many of the most popular electronic gateways See our description of electronic gateways.
Do I Need SSL?
Maybe.
If you are planning to take credit card information using standard VP-ASP facilities then yes you probably do. Internet buyers will only trust their credit card if they know it is securely transmitted.
But you may not need to buy a digital certificate. Many web hosting companies let you use their digital certificate for free or for a small charge. Check with you web hosting company.
Configuring VP-ASP to use SSL
If you are planning to use SSL on you web site with VP-ASP, here are some tips.
For VP-ASP change the shop configuration value
xssl=https://yourweb.com/shopping
It must have https to use SSL encryption
Can my SSL be on a different Server?
A "secure server" is an invention of your web hosting company. It is a way to use an SSL certificate without actually buying one. Every web hosting company that supplies a "Secure Server" facility does it differently. Please read our information on Shared SSL.