News

Researchers analyze the global SSL market

As companies are trusted with an increasingly wide range of data, they must determine how to best protect that information. A recent analysis from Reportlinker discovered that a growing number companies have adopted SSL certificates to improve their security standings and recognize SSL as "an essential piece of encryption technology."

Researchers noted the increasing popularity of online transactions as a primary factor in market growth, and certificate authorities have responded by expanding their offering portfolios. For example, rather than only offer certificates, many vendors also have management solutions available to make it easier for customers to track and update the technology accordingly. 

The ability to better manage SSL certificates has become a key value proposition. According to Reportlinker, companies may change who is responsible for tracking the technology. Even in cases where organizational restructuring does not play a role, businesses may not have accurate databases of installed certificates. As a result, CAs are playing a more vital role in not only offering the technology but in helping customers effectively implement and support it. 

"Certificate authorities have reported improved efficiency and effectiveness in their businesses, and many are investing in their infrastructure and training programs to deliver high-level results," the report stated. "Retail, financial, government, and tech/telecommunication verticals are the top adopters of SSL certificates in their businesses. This is driven by the need for trusted lines of communications, value-added solutions provided by CAs, and the improved efficiency created by the baseline standards."

Encryption trends
The study aligns with Ponemon Institute research from earlier this year. The firm's report suggested that businesses successfully employing encryption technology were those that used it in a wide variety of scenarios and made it a core component of their risk management paradigms. Analysts identified a number of related trends within the computer and website security fields, including:

  • Encryption usage correlates with an effective security posture
  • Non-IT employees have gained influence over the decision to incorporate encryption
  • Authentication and data discovery were identified as top information security priorities

The report commended financial institutions in particular for utilizing encryption technology on a large scale. However, many businesses can benefit from utilizing an effective mixture of data centric-safeguards. For example, healthcare regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act (HIPAA) as well as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) require encryption for stored sensitive information as well as the use of SSL certificates to protect the channels used to transfer critical data. 

Whether to remain compliant or to gain consumer trust, it is important for businesses to incorporate effective data security tools. Get your SSL certificate from Thawte today.

corporate office

Thawte
The Gateway
Century Lane
Century City, 7441
Cape Town
South Africa

Postal Address:
P O Box 15986
Panorama 7500
Cape Town
South Africa

Call: +27 21 819 2200
Fax: +27 21 819 2950