An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a digital certificate that authenticates a website's identity and enables an encrypted connection. It ensures that data transmitted between a user's browser and a web server is secure.
SSL certificates protect sensitive data, such as credit card numbers and login credentials, by encrypting the information transferred between your website and its visitors. They also help to build trust with users and improve SEO rankings.
An SSL certificate works by using encryption protocols to scramble data during transmission, making it unreadable to anyone except the intended recipient. It also uses a public and private key system to authenticate the server's identity.
Domain Validated (DV): Validates ownership of the domain.Organization Validated (OV): Includes domain validation and verifies the organization's identity.Extended Validation (EV): Offers the highest level of validation, with thorough vetting of the organization.Wildcard SSL: Secures a domain and all its subdomains.Multi-Domain SSL (SAN): Secures multiple domains with one certificate.
The type depends on your needs: DV is sufficient for blogs or small websites. OV is suitable for eCommerce sites. EV is recommended for sites that handle sensitive information, like financial transactions. Wildcard SSL is ideal if you have multiple subdomains. Multi-Domain SSL is best if you manage several domains.
A Wildcard SSL certificate secures a domain and all its subdomains under a single certificate, making it cost-effective for businesses with multiple subdomains.
The process generally involves generating a CSR (Certificate Signing Request) on your server, purchasing an SSL certificate from a trusted authority, and then installing it on your web server. Specific steps vary depending on the server type.
DV SSL certificates can be issued within minutes, while OV and EV SSL certificates may take a few days to a week due to the validation processes.
SSL certificates typically need to be renewed annually or every few years. The renewal process involves purchasing a new certificate, revalidating your domain or organization, and reinstalling the certificate on your server.
If your SSL certificate expires, your website will display a security warning to visitors, indicating that the connection is not secure. This can result in lost traffic and damage to your site's reputation.