"SSL certificates are used by web servers on a different port - port 443, as opposed to port 80 used for HTTP. Port 443 is for HHTPS traffic. Let's look at how to set this up for your server. You need an SSL certificate, access to an installation of the Apache web server compiled with SSL support, and the operating system on which it is running, and the port 443 to be open.
How SSL Works
"Here's how SSL certification works:
"1. The client browser connects to the web server and gives a list of available ciphers.
"2. The server then picks the strongest cipher that both parties support, and returns a certificate with its name and public encryption key, signed by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA). The client checks the certificate with the CA.
"3. The client then returns a random number encrypted with the server's public key. Only the client knows the number, and only the server can decrypt it (using a private key)."
