SSL certificates ensure secure connection between websites and users, encrypting transmitted data and confirming website authenticity. Learn why SSL is essential for modern websites and how to obtain it for your site.
G. Ostrov
What is an SSL Certificate?
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a security technology that establishes an encrypted connection between a web server and a browser. An SSL certificate is a digital document that verifies the authenticity of a website and protects transmitted data from interception and hacking.
Modern systems use the more advanced TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocol, but the term SSL remains widely used to refer to this technology.
Why is an SSL Certificate Necessary?
1. Data Protection
When users visit a website with an SSL certificate, all data transmitted between the browser and server is encrypted. This means that confidential information (logins, passwords, credit card data) is protected from malicious actors who might try to intercept this data.
2. Increasing User Trust
Websites with SSL certificates are displayed in browsers with the HTTPS prefix and a padlock icon, signaling to users that the resource is secure. This increases trust in your website and company as a whole.
3. Improving Search Engine Rankings
Google and other search engines give preference to websites with HTTPS when ranking. Since 2014, the presence of an SSL certificate has been one of Google's ranking factors.
4. Compliance with Security Requirements
Many security standards and regulations (such as GDPR in Europe) require encryption of user data, making the use of SSL certificates mandatory for compliance with legislation.
Main Types of SSL Certificates
1. Domain Validation Certificates (DV)
The simplest type of certificates, confirming only the right to own the domain. The validation process is usually automated and takes just a few minutes or hours.
2. Organization Validation Certificates (OV)
In addition to domain validation, the certification authority checks information about the company. This process can take from several days to a week.
3. Extended Validation Certificates (EV)
Provide the highest level of trust. When visiting a website with an EV certificate, the company name is displayed in the browser's address bar. They require thorough verification, which can take several weeks.
4. Multi-domain Certificates
Allow protection of multiple domains with a single certificate (for example, example.com, shop.example.com, blog.example.com).
5. Wildcard Certificates
Protect the main domain and an unlimited number of its subdomains (for example, *.example.com protects any example.com subdomains).
How to Obtain an SSL Certificate?
1. Choosing a Certificate Authority
There are many Certificate Authorities (CAs) that issue SSL certificates: Comodo, DigiCert, Let's Encrypt, GlobalSign, and others. The choice depends on your needs and budget.
2. Creating a Certificate Signing Request (CSR)
A CSR contains information about your website and company. This request is generated on your server and sent to the certificate authority.
3. Information Verification
The certificate authority verifies the information provided in the CSR. The verification process depends on the type of certificate.
4. Receiving and Installing the Certificate
After successful verification, you receive an SSL certificate that needs to be installed on your web server. Many hosting providers offer automatic certificate installation.
Free SSL Certificates
If you have a limited budget, a free SSL certificate from Let's Encrypt can be a good solution. This is a non-profit certificate authority that provides DV certificates for free. Many hosting providers have integrated Let's Encrypt into their control panels, making the process of obtaining and renewing certificates extremely simple.
How to Check SSL Certificate Operation?
After installing an SSL certificate, it is recommended to check its operation using special online services, such as SSL Labs, SSL Checker, or Why No Padlock. These tools help identify possible problems with certificate configuration and ensure maximum security for your website.
Conclusion
SSL certificates are an essential element of a modern website. They not only protect confidential user data but also increase trust in your resource, improve positions in search results, and help comply with security requirements and legislation.
Investments in an SSL certificate pay off due to increased user trust, improved conversion, and protection against potential data leaks and associated fines.
Regardless of the size of your business and budget, affordable solutions are available today to ensure the security of your website using SSL certificates.
Additional information about SSL certificates can be found on the official Let's Encrypt website.
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