Strict SSL adds a greater level of security to any website by validating the origin server. It lessens the likelihood of an SSL exploit by making sure the connection is safe between both the visitor and the domain and the server and your network.
The simplest layer of SSL protection simply encrypts data as it is passed between a web browser and a website server. However, man-in-the-middle attacks attempt to trick your web browser by offering it a duplicate of a website and causing you to unknowingly interact with their website rather than the real one (e.g., a fake version of the PayPal website.)
That’s why strict or full SSL also makes your web browser check the authentication certificate of any website to make sure it has a valid, current, SSL certificate. Often, a man-in-the-middle attack can’t duplicate this certificate, and the web browser displays a warning, preventing a person from using that website further.
Can SSL Be Intercepted?
There are certain SSL vulnerabilities to be aware of. For instance, SSL can be intercepted, either for legitimate or illegitimate reasons. Interception is achieved through the use of «middleboxes,» which are between the website and the client’s machine. These middleboxes have proxy software that can delete and restart the SSL connection, allowing a middleman access to private information. This SSL certificate vulnerability can be avoided by using strict SSL.
