SSL Certificate: Everything you need to know about it

How secure is your website, exactly? It is essential to make use of SSL certificates in order to not only provide users with secure experiences but also to protect the data of your company. Any kind of digital strategy, from blogging to online shopping, absolutely requires the use of SSL certificates as one of its core components.

Can you explain what an SSL certificate is?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SSL certificates are a type of digital certificate that validate the identity of a website and allow for communication between two parties to take place in an encrypted format. These certificates may be purchased online. The Secure Sockets Layer protocol is a security measure that encrypts the connection that occurs between a web server and a web browser. The acronym SSL refers to this security measure, which may be found in full as the Secure Sockets Layer protocol.

In order to maintain the privacy of their customers‘ personal information and guarantee the safety of financial transactions conducted online, companies and other types of organizations are required to install SSL certificates on their websites.

SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer, is a protocol that, in a nutshell, maintains the safety of internet connections and prevents cybercriminals from accessing or modifying information that is being transferred between two distinct computer systems. If the website you are reading contains a symbol of a padlock in the address bar next to the URL, this indicates that secure socket layer (SSL) technology is being used to safeguard the page. However, if Instagram In Security SSLip-Up is not implemented correctly, it can leave websites vulnerable to cyber attacks. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that SSL certificates are installed correctly and regularly updated to keep your website secure

Since its inception some 25 years ago, the SSL protocol has undergone numerous revisions of implementation. Each of these versions has, at some point in its history, been beset by problems relating to data security. The subsequent version, which underwent some revisions and was eventually given the name TLS (which stands for “Transport Layer Security”), is the one that is currently in use. However, the initials SSL have survived, and as a consequence, the revised version of the protocol is still generally referred to by its original name. This is because SSL stands for secure sockets layer.

How do SSL certificates actually work?

SSL encrypts data transferred between users and websites or between systems. It encrypts data in transit to prevent data thieves from accessing it as it travels. This prevents hacking. This sensitive information includes names, addresses, credit card numbers, and other financial details.

This is how the process is carried out:

1. A browser or server will attempt to make a connection with an SSL-encrypted website, commonly known as a web server, in the event that the website supports such a connection.
2. Before proceeding, either the web browser or the web server will inquire as to the identity of the web server.
3. The web server will deliver a copy of its SSL certificate to the browser or to another server as a form of response when requested to do so.
4. The browser and the server both perform an analysis on the SSL certificate to decide whether or not they can have faith in it. In such a scenario, it communicates to the webserver the information that the event in question has taken place.
5. Following this step, the web server will then send an acknowledgment that has been digitally signed in order to begin an SSL-secured session.
6. The data that is sent between the web browser or server and the web server is always encrypted, regardless of which one is doing the sending.

“SSL handshake” describes this method. The process takes milliseconds despite sounding long.

HTTPS begins a website’s URL when it’s secured with an SSL certificate. Without an SSL certificate, just HTTP will be displayed, not HTTPS. In the URL bar, a lock icon appears. This gives website visitors confidence.

Click the browser’s lock icon to view an SSL certificate. SSL certificates include:

• The domain name for which the certificate was issue
• Which individual, organization, or device received it?
• It was issued by which Certificate Authority?
• The digital signature of the Certificate Authority
• Subdomains that are related
• The certificate’s issue date
• The certificate’s expiration date
• The open key (the private key is not revealed)

Why is an SSL certificate required for websites?

An SSL certificate is needed to protect user data, confirm website ownership, prevent attackers from creating a phony site, and gain user trust.

SSL certificates’ public-private key pairing enables SSL/TLS encryption. Web browsers get the TLS public key from the server’s SSL certificate.

SSL certificates authenticate clients to the domain owner’s server. This prevents attacks like domain spoofing.

Enterprises need an SSL certificate for HTTPS web addresses. SSL/TLS encrypts HTTPS websites’ traffic.

HTTPS protects user data in transit and increases website trust. Many consumers won’t notice the difference between http:// and https://, however most browsers label HTTP sites as “not secure” to encourage migration to HTTPS and boost security.

An SSL certificate helps to secure information such as:

• Login credentials
• Credit card transactions or bank account information
• Personally identifiable information — such as full name, address, date of birth, or telephone number
• Legal documents and contracts
• Medical records
• Proprietary information

Types of SSL certificates

There are different types of SSL certificates with different validation levels. The six main types are:

1. Extended Validation certificates (EV SSL)
2. Organization Validated certificates (OV SSL)
3. Domain Validated certificates (DV SSL)
4. Wildcard SSL certificates
5. Multi-Domain SSL certificates (MDC)
6. Unified Communications Certificates (UCC)

The number of businesses employing SSL certificates has substantially expanded during the past few years. As SSL has been more widely utilized, so have its uses. For instance:

• SSL may be necessary for communication privacy (to prevent eavesdropping) or to establish trust with the person you are speaking to (identity in private communication).
• You might also want to demonstrate that you can have faith in the person you are speaking with (identity in private communication)

Customers must be able to trust they are accessing the legitimate website of the retailer they are purchasing on as people turn away from brick and mortar establishments and expand their online banking and shopping habits. Online, this is more challenging to demonstrate.

By having an outside third party verify your personal and business data, you can demonstrate your identity. Three groups of SSL Certificates can be distinguished based on this verification or vetting process.

How To Check Whether A Website Has An SSL Certificate?

The simplest way to check whether a website has an SSL certificate is to check the address bar in your browser. If the website begin with HTTPS rather than HTTP, this indicates that the website is secured with an SSL certificate. Moreover, a secured website display a closed padlock icon, which you can click to get security information. The most reliable websites would have green padlocks or address bars.

• If the URL begins with HTTPS instead of HTTP, that means the site is secured using an SSL certificate.
• Secure sites show a closed padlock emblem, which you can click on to see security details – the most trustworthy sites will have green padlocks or address bars.
• Browsers also show warning signs when a connection is not secure — such as a red padlock, a padlock which is not closed, a line going through the website’s address, or a warning triangle on top of the padlock emblem.

How is an SSL certificate obtained for a website?

Valid SSL certificates come from certificate authorities (CA). CAs distribute SSL certificates. The CA will digitally sign the certificate with their private key so clients can validate it. Most CAs charge for SSL certificates, but not all.

The website’s origin server must install and activate the certificate once issued. Most web hosting companies can help. Once HTTPS is enabled on the origin server, all website traffic is encrypted and protected.

What is a self-signed SSL certificate?

Technically, anyone can generate their own SSL certificate by producing a public-private key pair and containing all of the necessary information. Self-signed certificates are so-called because the digital signature used, rather than one from a CA, is that of the website’s own private key.

However, there is no outside authority to verify that the origin server is who it claims to be with self-signed certificates. Browsers do not trust self-signed certificates and may nevertheless flag sites with them as “not secure,” despite the https:// URL. They may even disconnect the connection entirely, preventing the website from loading.

Is it possible to obtain an SSL certificate at no cost?

Many website proprietors avoid SSL because of the cost. Many small websites were vulnerable to data theft. Fortunately, you may get a free SSL certificate to minimize your website’s cost.

Let’s Encrypt, a non-profit, provides a free certificate authority.

This certificate authority helps website owners get free SSL certificates. More sites using SSL will make the Internet safer.

• Google, Facebook, Shopify, WordPress.com, and others immediately supported the initiative due to its importance.
• Installing Let’s Encrypt’s free SSL certificate for a beginner involves coding and server system knowledge.
• Many of the best WordPress hosting companies now offer free SSL certificates (some use Let’s Encrypt).
• Choose one of these suppliers to avoid installing the free SSL certificate yourself.

The following are the top WordPress hosting companies that include a free SSL certificate with their hosting packages.

• Bluehost \SiteGround
• HostGator
• WPEngine
• InMotion Hosting by Dreamhost
• GreenGeeks
• Liquid Web Hosting

Activate your free SSL certificate from your hosting panel if you already have an account with one of these companies. Simply to the ‘Security’ section of your cPanel.

My Sites › Manage Site is where Bluehost users may find free SSL. You may now enable a free SSL certificate for your website on the security page.

Depending on your hosting company, your control panel may seem different. If you can’t find free SSL, ask your server to enable it. If your web host doesn’t offer free SSL, you can shift hosting and migrate your sites using our approach.

Summary:

SSL and TLS demonstrate visitors they may safely communicate sensitive data to and from the server. It encrypts data transmissions so hackers and scammers can’t decipher them.

If a website uses SSL/TLS, look for a padlock icon or green bar in your browser. Click the browser icon to see who owns the certificate.

SSL/TLS affects security, SEO, and can help your site outrank a competition. SSL/TLS certificates should be utilized because they’re best practice, not because you think they’ll boost your SEO.

If you need help with SSL certificates or want lifetime SSL security, contact us. We’ll help!