What Is SSL?
SSL (Secured Sockets Layer) is a protocol which encrypts data between the web browser and server. This is especially important for sites such as online shops where customers are asked to enter their credit card details. Typically a normal website sends all these details in "clear text" (no encryption) and it is possible for a third party to "sniff" these details during transmission. SSL cures this problem by encrypting the information with a key which only only the webserver can decrypt. There are various strengths of keys available. The Church of Ireland Online server uses 128 bit encryption from Thawte .

Secured URLs can be determined by a padlock () display at the bottom of the screen of the web browser, or https:// in the address line. Here, visitors can click this to view information about the URL they are viewing.

For the sake of efficiency and speed, only put pages which will be used to collect sensitive information onto the SSL server (such as HTML forms). There is a 10mb quota set per SSL folder.

The Church of Ireland Online SSL server is a shared server meaning that the URL used to access your secured area will always be https://vault1.secured-url.com/yourfoldername.

Please note that each SSL folder will incur a separate charge

Contact Church of Ireland Hosting Services if you wish to set up an SSL folder on your website.