Are you exploring an SSL certificate? If so, then you are at the right place. Today we are going to share a complete guide to SSL certificates. So, stay tuned to learn.
Definition
SSL certificates are defined as a digital signatures that authenticates the identity of the website. It creates a connection between the web browser and the webserver. It is a security protocol that ensures the protection of the website effectively.
All websites usually use it. Specifically, eCommerce stores and large organizational websites ensure to add SSL certificates to their business websites to secure the online transaction and keep the customer’s information secure and keep it private.
SSL certificates keeps the information of the website secure and out of the reach of hackers. It adds the padlock icon with the domain name that indicates that the website is safe and secure.
How does SSL work?
SSL certificate ensures that the data transferred between the two systems or users and websites are safe and cannot be read by any other third party. The data between the systems is a scramble and prevented from the hackers. Moreover, the data can be personal information, credit card details, and other financial details. Therefore, it needs to be secured at both ends.
Does your website need SSL certificates?
You can easily identify whether the website is secured or not by viewing the name of the website. If it finds HTTPS at the beginning of the website, then it is termed as secured with the website. At the same time, HTTP is a sign that the website is not secured. Moreover, a padlock icon is also an indication of the secured website with SSL certificates.
In a nutshell, the secured and unsecured website has:
- HTTPS is the sign of a secured website.
- The closed padlock icon shows a secured website.
- A warning sign that it is not secured.
What is Secured with an SSL certificate?
If you want to know what the SSL certificates provides, then click on the padlock icon located at the URL of the website. Usually, SSL certificates provide security to:
- The details of the domain are secured with SSL.
- The details of the person who purchased the SSL.
- Issue and expiry date of the SSL certificate.
- The public key
- Certificate authority and its digital signature.
Why is SSL Certificate Required?
SSL certificates are crucial for the website. The sign of the padlock shows that the website is secured and saved. Moreover, it saves the data, verifies the website ownership, and prevents hackers from reaching the website.
An SSL certificate ensures that the information is secured when reaching any website that asks to sign in and share information. Moreover, the users that visit the website with an SSL certificate are trustworthy, and people prefer it for making purchases and other related tasks. Whereas in comparison with the websites without SSL certificates.
SSL certificates contribute to securing the information:
- Sign-in or login credentials
- Credit card details
- Bank account information
- Personal information
- Medical database
- Legal documentation
Types of SSL Certificates
According to the validation levels, various types of SSL certificates are available.
- Extended Validation certificates (EV SSL)
- Domain Validated certificates (DV SSL)
- Organization Validated certificates (OV SSL)
- Unified Communications Certificates (UCC)
- Wildcard SSL certificates
- Multi-Domain SSL certificates (MDC)
One can pick any of them according to the needs of the website. It will be helpful.
After understanding the website’s needs, you might ask for the steps or methods to get the SSL certificates. For your ease, we have shared the easy steps you can follow.
- Prepare the server up and set the WHOIS database following the Certificate authority.
- Generate the certificate signing request and get information from the hosting companies.
- Please submit it to the certificate authority and validate the domain name.
- Install the certificate and proceed.
Is SSL Free?
SSL certificate is paid; however, you get a free SSL certificate for one website by purchasing a web hosting from any web hosting provider. Besides this, paid SSL certificates are also available. Moreover, keep in mind that the SSL certificates also expires. It may last for 27 months. You will get a message or email from the SSL certificate provider that your website is no longer secured, and SSL is expired. Afterwards, you can renew it.
Conclusion
SSL certificates are very crucial in the security and development of the website. It saves and protects the information and stays away from hackers. You can get it free and paid and make sure that the website gains trust from the visitors.
You can visit the hosting providers and SSL certificates providers to get the SSL certificate. In conclusion, an SSL certificate is necessary for every website as you need a guard/ gate for your house or a pin for your mobile phone to stay out of mishaps.
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