Overview – SSL Certificates
In an era where online security takes precedence, an SSL certificate has become an indispensable element for every website.
If you’re wondering what an SSL certificate is and why your website needs one, you’ve come to the right place. In this multi-stage blog article, we’ll demystify SSL certificates, starting with the fundamentals and progressing to the reasons they are crucial for your online presence.
SSL Certificates – The Basics:
SSL certificates keep internet connections secure and prevents criminals from reading or modifying information transferred between two systems. When you see a padlock icon next to the URL in the address bar, that means SSL protects the website you are visiting.
What is an SSL Certificate?
SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. An SSL certificate is a digital certificate that authenticates a website’s identity and encrypts data transmitted between a user’s web browser and the webserver. In simpler terms, it ensures that data exchanged between your website and its visitors remains private and secure.
How Does SSL Encryption Work?
SSL encryption operates by establishing a secure, encrypted connection between a user’s web browser and the webserver. This encryption guarantees that sensitive information, such as login credentials, credit card details, and personal data, cannot be intercepted by malicious third parties. When a website possesses an SSL certificate, you’ll notice a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar, signifying a secure connection.
Types of SSL Certificate
SSL certificates are available in various types, and understanding them is essential for making the right choice for your website. Here are the three common types:
- Domain Validated (DV) SSL Certificates: These certificates verify that the domain is controlled by the certificate applicant. They are the most basic form of SSL certificates and are suitable for personal websites or blogs.
- Organization Validated (OV) SSL Certificates: OV certificates require a more rigorous validation process, including verifying the organization’s legitimacy. They are ideal for businesses and e-commerce websites.
- Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates: EV certificates offer the highest level of validation and security. They trigger the green address bar in browsers and provide strong assurance to visitors that your website is trustworthy.
Benefits of an SSL Certificate
1. Data Security
The primary reason for acquiring an SSL certificate is to ensure the security of data transmitted between your website and its visitors. It encrypts sensitive information, making it nearly impossible for hackers to intercept and decode the data.
2. Enhanced SEO Ranking
Search engines, such as Google, give priority to secure websites in their search results. Having an SSL certificate can boost your website’s SEO ranking, potentially increasing your visibility to users searching for products or services you offer.
3. User Trust
When users see the padlock icon in their browser’s address bar, they know their data is safe. This builds trust in your website and encourages users to share their information or make online purchases, ultimately increasing conversions and customer satisfaction.
4. Compliance with Regulations
Various data protection regulations, such as GDPR in Europe, require websites to protect user data. Having an SSL certificate is often a requirement for compliance, helping you avoid legal issues and potential fines.
You’ve probably seen when trying to sign up to a website that your device or browser may “suggest a strong password”. This will generate a password that is long and obscure enough and will save it, so you don’t have to remember it. If you do need to remember it, write it down, but keep it safe and destroy it if you don’t need it.
How to Obtain and Install an SSL Certificate
Existing Customers:
If you are an existing managed hosting customer you just need to submit a support ticket to request an SSL certificate to your website.
If you own a self managed website hosted with another hosting provider you can follow the intructions below:
1. Select a Certificate Authority (CA)
To obtain an SSL certificate, you’ll need to choose a trusted Certificate Authority (CA). Popular CAs include Comodo, DigiCert, and Let’s Encrypt.
2. Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR)
A CSR is a file containing your website’s details, which you’ll submit to the CA. The CA will use this information to issue your SSL certificate.
3. Complete Validation
Depending on the type of certificate you choose, you may need to undergo validation. This can involve verifying your domain ownership or organization’s legitimacy.
4. Install the Certificate
After receiving the SSL certificate from the CA, you’ll need to install it on your web server. The installation process varies depending on your hosting provider and server software.
Conclusion
In today’s digital landscape, an SSL certificate is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity for any website. It not only safeguards sensitive user data but also enhances your website’s credibility and visibility. Whether you’re running a personal blog, an e-commerce site, or a business website, investing in an SSL certificate is a vital step towards securing your online presence and earning the trust of your visitors. So, don’t delay—secure your website today!
