What is SSL certificate and why do websites need it?

As a website owner, one must always know that security and trust go hand in hand. One of the most effective ways to protect both is by implementing an SSL certificate. But what exactly is it, and why should you care? An SSL certificate is a vital tool that keeps your website secure and builds trust with your visitors. When your website has an SSL certificate, it encrypts the data exchanged between you and your users, making it much harder for hackers to steal sensitive information. It also has a part to play in building credibility and increasing the organic traffic on your site.

Are you curious to know more about what it is? This blog will give you all the details about the SSL certificate and guide you on how you can get one.

What is an SSL certificate?

An SSL certificate is a small data file that secures communication between a web server and a browser. When this is installed on the website, it encrypts the data transmitted, ensuring that sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, and personal data, is kept private and secure.

So, how will a visitor know if the website is secure? Simple. Websites with SSL certificates display a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar.

When a website’s URL begins with "https://", the "s" stands for "secure". This means the website has an SSL certificate installed, which encrypts the data transferred between the website and its visitors. On the other hand, a URL that starts with "http://" is not secure, meaning any data exchanged (such as passwords or payment information) is vulnerable to being intercepted.

To summarize

• "http://" = No SSL certificate (Not secure)

• "https://" = SSL certificate installed (Secure)

The "s" in "https" indicates that the website is using encryption to protect your data and ensure safe communication. Modern browsers even display a padlock symbol next to the "https://" in the address bar to visually confirm that the site is secure.

SSL certificate full form

The full form of SSL is Secure Sockets Layer. It’s the technology that creates a secure connection between a user’s browser and the website they are visiting. The SSL certificate is a digital certificate that authenticates the identity of a website and enables an encrypted is connection. It contains important information such as the website's domain name, the certificate holder's identity, the public key used for encryption, and the certificate authority (CA) that issued it.

Who issues the SSL certificate?

SSL certificates are issued by trusted entities known as Certificate Authorities (CAs). These organizations are responsible for validating the identity of the website requesting the certificate and ensuring that the website is authentic and can be trusted. It verifies the ownership of the domain and the legitimacy of the website before issuing the SSL certificate, providing a level of trust for users who interact with the site.

Why is an SSL certificate important for websites?

The SSL certification is very important for many reasons. Here are some listed out for you.

• Protects sensitive data: The SSL encrypts all data exchanged between your website and visitors, including login credentials, payment details, and personal information. Without SSL, this data can be intercepted easily by cybercriminals, leading to data theft, fraud, or identity theft.

• Confirms your website is authentic: SSL certificates act as proof of your website’s legitimacy. They ensure users are communicating with the real website, not a phishing site designed to steal their data. With this, there is no room for impersonation and it fosters trust among users.

• Builds trust of visitors: When users see "https://" and a padlock symbol in the browser, it signals that your site is secure. This is crucial for building trust, especially for websites that deal with sensitive information like credit card details. When users know that the website is secure, they confidently provide their details.

• Helps with SEO: For most of the search engines, the SSL certificates are considered as ranking factors. Websites with SSL are ranked higher in search results than unsecured sites, making SSL an easy way to gain a competitive edge in search engine visibility. Since the users visit the site because it is secure, the user engagement indirectly increases.

• Makes the website compliant: SSL certificates are often required by laws like GDPR and PCI-DSS for websites that handle personal or payment information. Using SSL ensures that your website is compliant with these regulations, protecting you from potential legal issues or fines due to inadequate data security.

Types of SSL certificates

There are different types of SSL certificates. The type you choose depends on the size and needs of your website. Here are some of them.

Domain Validation (DV) SSL Certificate: DV certificates are the most basic and quickest to issue. These are perfect for personal websites, blogs, or small projects where encryption is necessary, but extra verification isn’t required. They validate the ownership of the domain only, requiring minimal verification.

• Organization Validation (OV) SSL Certificate: OV certificates go beyond domain validation and also authenticate the organization behind the website. This type of certificate holds good for websites that need to provide a higher level of trust. It’s more suitable for organizations that deal with sensitive customer data and want to show their legitimacy.

• Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificate: EV certificates provide the highest level of security and validation. When installed, they show the organization’s name in the browser’s address bar, signaling to users that the site is legitimate. EV certificates are often used by large organizations and e-commerce sites.

• Wildcard SSL Certificate: A wildcard SSL certificate allows website owners to secure their domain and all its subdomains under a single certificate. It is a cost-effective solution for businesses with multiple subdomains.

How to install an SSL Certificate?

Installing an SSL certificate on your website may seem daunting, but most web hosting providers make it easy. Here’s a general step-by-step guide:

• Purchase an SSL Certificate: Choose an SSL certificate based on your website’s needs and purchase it from a certified authority. Ensure you are moving ahead with a trusted source for this.

• Generate a CSR (Certificate Signing Request): On making the purchase, you need to generate a CSR through your hosting provider’s control panel. This request contains information about your website and is used by the CA to issue the certificate.

• Install the SSL Certificate: Once the CA issues your SSL certificate, you’ll need to install it on your web server. Your hosting provider may offer tools to simplify this process.

• Update your website URL: After installation, update all of your website's internal links to use "https://" instead of "http://." Ensure that your website is fully redirected to the secure version.

• Test your SSL: Use online SSL testing tools to verify that the certificate is correctly installed and your website is secure.

Maintaining SSL Certificates

SSL certificates are not a one-time installation; they require ongoing maintenance.

• Renewal: SSL certificates typically expire after one or two years, depending on the type of certificate. Make sure to renew your certificate before it expires to avoid any disruption in website security.

• Stay Updated: Keep an eye on updates from your Certificate Authority. Occasionally, you may need to reissue or upgrade your certificate if there are changes in security standards or encryption algorithms.

In the past, securing websites often meant purchasing custom SSL certificates. However, times have changed, and now many websites are using Let's Encrypt, a free SSL certificate service that provides the same level of security. The main goal behind Let’s Encrypt is to make the internet a safer place, and it’s now widely adopted across the web.

At WEMASY, we’ve fully integrated Let’s Encrypt into our platform, ensuring that all pages on your site are securely encrypted without any extra cost to you. We believe in making security accessible and easy for everyone. So, whether you’re just starting out or managing an established website, you can trust that WEMASY has your back, keeping all your data safe and secure.