What is an SSL certificate & Why do you need this?

Understanding SSL Certificates: A Comprehensive Overview

An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a digital certificate that provides secure communication between a web server and a web browser. When you visit a website with an SSL certificate, your browser will establish a secure connection with the server, encrypting any data transmitted between the two. This prevents hackers and other third parties from intercepting and stealing sensitive information such as login credentials, credit card details, and personal information.

SSL certificates work by using a cryptographic key pair: a public key and a private key. The public key is used to encrypt data, while the private key is used to decrypt data. The certificate itself contains information about the website's domain name, the owner of the certificate, and the certificate's expiration date.

How SSL Certificates Work to Secure Your Website

SSL certificates work by establishing a secure connection between a web server and a web browser, encrypting any data transmitted between the two. When a user accesses a website with an SSL certificate, their browser initiates a handshake process with the server, exchanging information and establishing a secure connection.

During the handshake process, the browser and server agree on a protocol for secure communication and exchange digital certificates to verify each other's identities. The digital certificate includes the website's domain name, the certificate holder's identity, and the certificate's expiration date.

Once the handshake process is complete, the server and browser use a cryptographic key pair to encrypt and decrypt data transmitted between them. The public key is used to encrypt data, which can only be decrypted with the private key held by the server. This ensures that any data transmitted between the two parties is kept confidential and cannot be intercepted by third parties.

Different Types of SSL Certificates and How to Choose the Right One

Here are the different types of SSL certificates and how to choose the right one:

Domain-Validated (DV) Certificates: DV certificates provide basic encryption and only verify that the domain name belongs to the certificate holder. They are the most affordable and easiest to obtain, making them ideal for small businesses and personal websites.

Organization-Validated (OV) Certificates: OV certificates provide stronger encryption and require additional verification of the organization's identity. This includes verifying the organization's name, address, and other information. They are ideal for businesses that handle sensitive information, such as e-commerce sites.

Extended Validation (EV) Certificates: EV certificates provide the highest level of validation and require extensive identity verification. This includes verifying the organization's legal, physical, and operational existence. EV certificates display a green address bar in the browser, indicating a secure connection. They are ideal for businesses that handle highly sensitive information, such as financial institutions or healthcare providers.

When choosing the right SSL certificate for your website, consider the level of validation and encryption needed to protect your website and its users. If your website handles sensitive information, such as credit card details or personal information, it is recommended to choose an OV or EV certificate for added protection. Additionally, consider the reputation of the certificate authority (CA) issuing the certificate to ensure that it is trusted and recognized by web browsers.

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing an SSL Certificate on Your Website

Installing an SSL certificate on your website is an important step in ensuring that your website and its users are secure. Here is a step-by-step guide to installing an SSL certificate on your website:

Purchase an SSL certificate: Before installing an SSL certificate, you must first purchase one from a reputable certificate authority (CA). Be sure to choose the right type of SSL certificate for your website's needs.
Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR): A CSR is a file that contains information about your website and is used to generate the SSL certificate. Your web hosting provider can generate a CSR for you, or you can generate one using OpenSSL.
Submit the CSR to the CA: Once you have generated a CSR, submit it to the CA to receive your SSL certificate.
Install the SSL certificate: The installation process varies depending on your web hosting provider and server configuration. Most web hosting providers offer tools or tutorials to guide you through the installation process. You may need to install the SSL certificate manually or use a plugin to simplify the process.
Verify the SSL certificate: After installing the SSL certificate, verify that it is installed correctly and working properly. Use an SSL checker tool to confirm that your website is using HTTPS and that the certificate is valid and not expired.
Update your website: Once the SSL certificate is installed and verified, update your website to ensure that all links and resources are using HTTPS. This includes updating internal links, external links, and any third-party scripts or resources.

Choose the Right SSL Certificate Plan for Your Website Today

Protect your website and your visitors' data with our range of SSL certificate plans. Choose the right plan for your website and enjoy industry-standard encryption, increased trust from customers, and higher search engine rankings. With our easy-to-install SSL certificates, you can secure your website in just a few simple steps.

Check the various SSL certficate plans!