An SSL certificate is a digital certificate that provides website authentication. SSL is an acronym for Secure Sockets Layers. It’s a standard technology protocol that allows encrypted connections between a webserver and a browser.
The SSL certificate, in other words, is used to protect the internet from any malicious intent. It prevents any third party from reading, intercepting, or modifying any information sent.
An online store is a great use case for SSL certificates. They often have many transactions that contain personally identifiable information, such as credit card numbers. This sensitive data could be exposed to third parties without SSL certificates. It is essential to have an SSL certificate because the web hosts and servers can change frequently. This will ensure that your data remains safe. A Certified Authority must issue an SSL certificate. There are many options for website security certificates. These vary depending on your transaction volume, price range, and compatibility with other browsers.
Types of SSL Certificates
SSL certificates can be classified under three umbrellas: validation and encryption, as well as domain numbers. Each has three classes and can be requested on the SSL website. Certificate Authority (CA) is software that processes certificates. This software is specifically designed for granting and running these certificates.
There are three types of validation certificates for encryption and validation: extended validation, domain validation, and organization validation. The types of certificates that are defined by domain numbers include single, multidomain, and wildcard.
Extended Validation Certificates (EV SSL)
This certificate is the most valuable type of SSL you can obtain. It is expensive, but it is the most popular type of SSL certificate you can find on websites with high-profile owners. This is especially true if they are dealing with credit card information. If a website is equipped with an EV SSL, you can check the padlock at the address bar. It will show the owner’s information.
Obtaining an EV SSL Certificate usually requires a verification process that verifies the owner of the domain or if the person is authorized to legally use the domain.
Organization Validated Certificates (OV SSL)
The OV SSL certificate, like the EV SSL, provides the same level of security. However, to get it, the owner must go through a similar vetting process
OVS SSL is more affordable since it typically deals with personal information.
Domain Validated Certificates (DV SSL)
This certificates are the most popular ones you will see on blogs and simple websites. A DV SSL certificate is good for any website that doesn’t require data transfer. These certificates don’t display any information about their owner in the address bar, but it displays the HTTPS padlock symbol.
Wildcard SSL Certificates
Wildcard SSL Certificates fall under the “domain and/or subdomain number” category. Wildcard SSL certificates allow you to use the same certificate you purchased for one domain for multiple subdomains.
If you buy a Wildcard SSL Certificate, for example.com it can be used to its subdomains also like mail.example.com or blog.example.com. This is a cheaper option than multiple SSL certificates for the same number or domain.
Multi-Domain SSL Certificates (MDC)
Multiple domains or subdomains can be secured with MDC certificates. The one limitation is Each domain and subdomain must be declared, including those that use www. As well as that don’t use www for example, the user would need to apply wildcard certificate on www.websitemakr.com along with websitemakr.com.
Unified Communications Certificates (UCC)
UCC can also be applied on Multi-domain SSL certificates, (MDC). These certificates were originally used to protect Microsoft Exchange and Live Com Servers. However, any website can use them to protect multiple domains with one certificate.
The same organization validates UCC certificates. These certificates can be used to create an EV SSL and display the green padlock in your address bar. This will ensure a higher level of trust.
Why Do You Need SSL Certificates
SSL certificates are essential for any website, no matter how small or large website you are running especially if your website is a business website or ecommerce type. These are the practical reasons why do you need an SSL certificate for your website.
1. SSL Certificates Protect Against Hackers
HTTP is the text protocol that sends information between your device (and the website) you are visiting. HTTPS is the secure variant of this. It encrypts information so that anything sent between them is scrambled. This renders it nearly unreadable.
It is very important especially when you are entering sensitive information such as your password or credit card details, It also protects you against Man in the Middle (MITM) attacks. This is when a third-party (i.e., hacker intercepts transmissions between clients.
This might not seem like a big problem to you. A cybercriminal could display a fake website without encryption. This fake site can download malware or other malicious software to your computer.
Installing an SSL certificate will ensure that your readers receive the messages you want them to see.
2. You’re More Trustworthy to Users
It is obvious that visitors will trust secure sites more than ones that can cause harm to their devices. You should always verify that a website is secure by looking at the URL, especially eCommerce pages. To ensure a high level of security, some users will use a Virtual Private Network.
SSL certificates were not widely known until a few years ago. These certificates are now well-known and appreciated by many. Google can be credited with this increase in awareness.
A certificate is a way to send a message to your customers and readers, showing that you value their privacy. You’re also instilling confidence by doing this.
The website sending a red signal to your readers if an SSL certificate is not installed. This could cause them to avoid future visits.
3. Chrome Displays Your Site Properly
Google Chrome users who visit sites that don’t have SSL certificates will see a page warning that their connection is not private.
Google Chrome is the most used mainstream browser. Its interface is very user-friendly, and people loves its security. Chrome has used encrypted pages for most of its existence. Chrome displays a padlock on the page and a green “Secure” message to users that connection is secure.
4. SSL Certificates Give Improved Search Engine Rankings
SSL is part of Google’s search ranking algorithm. Chrome browser and google the search engine will not like your website if you don’t have SSL certificate installed on your website.
An SSL Certificate increases trust among readers not only readers but search engine too. This will result in more visitors and a higher ranking on Google.
5. SSL Certificates Result in Faster Loading
Site speed is a key factor in determining your website’s ranking. Your website’s speed will determine how many people visit it and how high you appear in search results.
Switching to HTTPS speeds up the loading time of pages. There is no evidence that an SSL certificate slow down anything on your website.
How Can I Get an SSL Certificate for my website?
First, determine the type of certificate that you require. If you host content on different platforms (on different domains/subdomains), it could mean that you require different SSL certificates.
Standard SSL certificates are usually available for one to two years. However, if you need longer-term options, you can consider advanced SSL certificates with longer time periods. Web hosting solution such as WEBSITEMKR provides Let’s Encrypt certificates with every plan at no cost. Customers don’t have to pay or do anything to get it active on their website..
How To Check if my Website has SSL Certificates?
Your web browser indicates if your connection is private or not.
Some online tools also allow you to check the SSL certificates status of any domains.
If the SSL Is running on your website, the URL will always display with HTTPS like the screenshot below.
If “https” is not displayed in your URL, it means that the SSL is not installed on your website.
If your website is safe, a padlock will appear on either the right- or left-hand side in the URL bar. Depending on which browser you use. It would be on the left for Safari and Chrome, for example. To learn more about the website or the company that issued the certificate, click on the padlock itself.
If the SSL Certificate is not installed, it will show as “not secure”
