Online security is paramount, given the sensitive information we daily share online. That’s why securing your accounts, passwords, and your website should be a top priority. You wouldn’t leave your front door open, would you?
In the context of websites, you don’t want to give cyber-criminals any chances. That’s where Secure Sockets Layer, or SSL certificates, comes in. They’re the digital locks that safeguard your website and visitors’ data.
What are SSL certificates?
Secure Sockets Layer is a protocol for establishing authenticated and encrypted links between networked computers.
An SSL certificate, on the other hand, is a digital badge that verifies a website’s identity. It’s a cryptographic key that encrypts data to protect an organization’s sensitive details. SSL was once the standard for secure online communication. While TLS, its successor, is now the industry standard, many people still call digital certificates ‘SSL certificates.’
SSL certificates are like digital passports for websites. When installed on a web server, they activate the padlock and https protocol. This creates a secure connection between the server and your browser.
SSL certificates also encrypt data sent back and forth. This keeps sensitive information like credit card numbers and login details safe from hackers.
However, an SSL certificate does more than encrypt data; it also acts as a digital seal of approval for your website. By getting your certificate from a trusted authority, you’re proving to other internet users that your site is verified and safe—the padlock icon in the browser is the indication of the SSL/TLS certificate verification process.
Types of SSL certificates
There are various types of SSL certificates, each offering different levels of validation and security.
Domain validated (DV) certificates
DV certificates require only basic verification and are easily obtained. They are best for personal websites or blogs where sensitive data isn’t shared.
Additionally, the certificate details don’t display any organization information. They only provide the browser’s padlock icon and “https://,” assuring basic encryption.
Organization validated (OV) certificates
OV certificates require more extensive verification, including confirming the organization’s identity and legitimacy. They are best for businesses and organizations that want to establish trust with their visitors. The organization’s name is displayed in the certificate details, adding a layer of transparency.
Extended validation (EV) certificates
These offer the highest level of validation and are considered the gold standard of SSL certificates. Hence, a certificate authority must rigorously vet them.
Websites with EV certificates display the organization’s name in the browser’s address bar, giving visitors an extra layer of trust. They display the company name in a green address bar, which gives customers the highest level of assurance.
These certificates are ideal for eCommerce sites, financial institutions, and any organization handling sensitive customer data. These certificates instill maximum confidence and trust, potentially increasing conversions and customer loyalty.
In addition to these standard certificates, there are also specialized certificates available, such as:
- Wildcard SSL certificates. These are perfect for businesses with multiple subdomains (like blog.yoursite.com or shop.yoursite.com). Instead of purchasing individual certificates for each, a Wildcard SSL certificate covers them under one umbrella. These types of certificates can simplify management and potentially save costs.
- Multi-Domain SSL certificates. Also known as SAN (Subject Alternative Name) certificates, these are a great fit if you manage several distinct domains. A single Multi-Domain SSL certificate can secure all of them, streamline the process, and offer a cost-effective solution compared to buying separate certificates for each domain.
Where to get SSL certificates
Certificates come from ‘certificate authorities’ (CAs), specialized companies responsible for creating and issuing certificates. Running a CA is complex, involving both the creation of certificates and the verification of the information they contain.
CAs are audited annually to ensure trust and must adhere to strict security standards. Only then will their certificates be recognized and accepted by web browsers.
Why you need SSL certificates
With the many online transactions and daily data sharing, SSL/TLS certificates have become the foundation of website security. They offer many benefits that extend beyond just encryption and secure online transactions.
Safeguarding sensitive data
SSL/TLS certificates encrypt sensitive information like credit card numbers, login credentials, and personal details. This makes sure that data remains confidential and protected from prying eyes.
Building trust and credibility
The green padlock icon and the “https://” in the address bar indicate a secure. This encourages users to interact with your site and potentially share their information.
Boosting search engine rankings
Search engines like Google prioritize websites with SSL/TLS certificates, giving them a slight edge in search results. This helps better your online visibility and organic traffic.
Ensuring regulatory compliance
In many industries, such as healthcare and finance, SSL/TLS certificates are mandatory to comply with data security regulations. Implementing SSL helps you avoid penalties and legal complications.
Safeguarding online identity
SSL certificates authenticate your website’s identity, ensuring visitors interact with a legitimate site rather than a malicious imitation. This helps prevent phishing attacks and protects your brand reputation.
Enhancing customer experience
A secure website provides visitors with a seamless and worry-free experience. They can browse, shop, and interact with your site, knowing their information is safe.
For these reasons, an SSL/TLS certificate is not just a technical requirement. SSL/TLS certificates are a strategic investment in your website’s security, credibility, and overall success.
How SSL certificates work
To activate SSL on your website, you’ll need an SSL/TLS certificate. This is a small file installed on your web host or server. It combines an encryption key (the ‘public key’) with identifying information about your website, such as its domain name, business name, and address.
But the magic behind SSL certificates lies in encryption and the SSL/TLS handshake. Here’s a simplified overview of how SSL certificates work.
- Encryption. SSL certificates encrypt data using a combination of public and private keys. The public key is freely available, while the private key is kept secret on the web server. Data encrypted with the public key can only be decrypted with the corresponding private key.
- SSL/TLS handshake. When visitors access a website with an SSL certificate, their browser initiates an SSL handshake with the web server. During this process, the server presents its SSL certificate, which the browser verifies with a trusted certificate authority. Once the certificate is validated, a secure session is established, and all data transmitted between the browser and server is encrypted using session keys.
How to tell if a website has SSL
Determining a secure website is easier than you might think. Here are a few quick ways to check if a website has SSL protection.
Look for the padlock
The most obvious sign is a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar. This indicates that the website has an SSL/TLS certificate, and your connection is encrypted.
Check the URL
Secure websites use “https://” instead of “http://” at the beginning of their URL. The “s” stands for “secure.”
Look for the green address bar
Some browsers display a green address bar or other visual cues to indicate an SSL certificate. This helps you determine if a website is SSL protected.
If you don’t see any of these signs, proceed with caution. Avoid entering sensitive information on websites that lack SSL/TLS protection.
Do you really need an SSL certificate?
Considering the higher risks of cyber threats lurking, an SSL/TLS certificate is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Whether you run a small blog or a large e-commerce store, an SSL/TLS certificate protects your website and visitors. It safeguards sensitive data and boosts your website’s credibility and search engine rankings.
How to get an SSL certificate
Obtaining an SSL certificate is a straightforward process. Here’s a quick guide.
- Choose the right certificate. There are different types of SSL certificates, each with varying levels of validation and features. Consider your website’s needs and the level of trust you want to convey to your visitors. Web.com offers a range of options to suit your specific requirements.
- Generate a CSR. A certificate signing request (CSR) is a block of encoded text generated on your web server. It contains information about your organization and the domain name required for the certificate issuance process. You can get this from your web hosting provider.
- Submit your CSR to your SSL provider. Select a trusted certificate authority (CA) or SSL provider and submit your CSR. They’ll validate the information first and issue your SSL certificate.
- Install your certificate. Once issued, you must install the certificate on your web server. This process can vary depending on your hosting provider and server configuration. Web.com provides expert support to guide you through this step, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free installation.
- Configure your website. After installation, configure your website to use HTTPS. This involves updating your website’s settings and ensuring all internal links point to the secure HTTPS version.
If you’re looking for a reliable and convenient way to get an SSL/TLS certificate, consider purchasing one from Web.com. We offer a variety of SSL certificates to suit your needs and expert support to guide you through the process.
Secure your website with an SSL certificate
An SSL certificate is critical for any website today. It provides essential security, fosters trust, and enhances your website’s credibility. By encrypting data and verifying your website’s identity, an SSL certificate protects you and your visitors from the threat of cyberattacks.
However, navigating the world of SSL certificates can be a bit overwhelming. That’s where Web.com steps in as your trusted partner. We offer various SSL certificate options tailored to your specific needs, along with expert guidance to ensure your website is properly secured.
Secure your website with an SSL certificate today!
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of an SSL certificate?
An SSL certificate encrypts data transmitted between a website and its visitors. This protects sensitive information from hackers who try to steal it. Additionally, it also authenticates the website’s identity, which ensures that visitors communicate with the legitimate site.
Do I really need an SSL certificate?
You’ll need an SSL certificate to protect your website and your visitor’s data. It also helps boost your website’s credibility and search engine rankings.
How does SSL work?
SSL uses a combination of public and private keys to encrypt data. During an SSL/TLS handshake, the server presents its SSL certificate, which the browser verifies with a trusted certificate authority. Once validated, a secure session is established, and all data transmitted is encrypted.
How do I get an SSL certificate?
You can purchase one from a reputable SSL provider, like Web.com. You must generate a CSR on your web server and submit it to the CA for validation. Once issued, install the certificate on your server.
