What is SSL Certificate And How Does It Work
Last Updated on 13th January 2022 by Ajmer Singh
What is SSL certificate and how does it work?
Are you wondering what an SSL certificate is and why you need one, well, In this article, you will learn what an SSL certificate is and how it works.
SSL certificates are security essential to the World Wide Web. They benefit both website owners and internet surfers.
Consumers can feel safe shopping online or accessing private information without the worry of having their credentials stolen by hackers over a wireless network.
Website owners enjoy the added protection from hackers as well as a boost in credibility with consumers more aware of cyber theft these days.
An SSL certificate is a form of digital identification that allows secure connections between websites and browsers, encrypting communications sent across networks such as WiFi hotspots or cellular data networks.
The SSL technology is now recommended worldwide by all major web browsers including Google Chrome, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera browser and others.
It was previously known as Secure Sockets Layer but has now evolved into Transport Layer Security or TSL.
The SSL technology is a means of security for data sent from a browser to a web server.
It establishes an encrypted link between them, which in turn ensures that all data sent remains private and under the sole control of the website owner controlling the webserver.
It also verifies that website owners are who they claim to be. All websites using SSL have a digital certificate that proves their identity when sending secure messages.
Due to recent Google changes, SSL certificates will become essential in ranking well on Google within the next year.
There is speculation as to exactly what score will be required for this change, however, it is certain that currently, SSL certificates do not directly affect rankings at all but because of the new changes, they soon will.
Websites that currently have SSL certificates and those that do not will be on the same playing field once these changes come into effect, so website owners should begin to take this matter seriously.
SSL certificates also add an extra layer of security that prevents e-commerce fraud such as credit card theft or identity theft.
The encrypted link makes it extremely difficult for hackers to intercept data being sent between the web server and browser because,
without the SSL technology, all data is sent in plain text using a numerical code system which can very easily be intercepted by electronic eavesdroppers.
Without SSL certificates, any online business transactions are impossible to ensure true privacy during transmission.
SSL certificates give website owners an opportunity to improve consumer confidence and increase business.
With SSL certificates it is easier to gain trust, which means more sales and greater revenue.
This has quickly become an expectation of all consumers especially after Google announced they would be requiring SSL certificates on all websites within the next year.
To summarize, an SSL certificate is a digital verification that proves website owners are who they say they are along with encrypting data sent between visitors using the internet (or wireless network) and the webserver.
It enhances consumer confidence which leads to an increase in revenue for website owners. All major web browsers require SSL technology or risk not being used by internet users worldwide.
Internet surfers can feel safe shopping online or accessing private information on unsecured networks. SSL certificates will soon affect Google rankings as well. SSL certificates are the future of internet security and web browsing.
What is SSL Certificate?
An SSL certificate is a file hosted in the origin of a web server that attaches a cryptographic key to a website/ organization details.
The main purpose of the SSL certificate is to provide a secured connection between a web server and a user’s browser.
What is SSL?
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) also known as TLS (Transfer Layer Security)is a security technology that enables encrypted communication between a browser and a server.
It is used to decrease the risk of losing sensitive information (like username, password, credit/debit card numbers, etc.) from hackers.
How does the SSL certificate work?
What it does typically is that it activates both padlock and HTTPS protocol thereby causing secured connections from a web server to a user’s browser.
Millions of sensitive information are transmitted by internet users on a daily basis ranging from bank statements to security numbers.
To avoid the interception and manipulation of this data by third parties, the SSL certificate was adopted.
It encrypts the data transmitted by internet users from a web server and decrypts it as soon as it gets to its destination.
They create a secured connection from a web server to a user’s browser.
Is it necessary to buy a Certificate?
Yes, it is, for preventing the loss of sensitive information to hackers, it is important to decrease such risk.
So, it is not that important to buy an SSL certificate but if your website may have some sensitive data such as your credit cards so it is important to purchase.
If you want to increase the traffic on your website so you need to turn the address on your visitor’s browser to green light so that they can easily trust and log into your website and do not think that it is the fake one.
So, it is not necessary to buy the certificate but it may be if your website collects sensitive data like credit cards.
If you want to improve your google ranking buy it because a green bar gives your audience confidence that they are not on a fake site. For more info see my guide Eliminate Your Fears And Doubts About http To https.
Where can you get the Certificate?
You can normally be able to purchase that from your domain registrar or from a website hosting provider.
Recommended website: Cloudways
How much does it cost?
To get the SSL certificate you need to purchase it from your domain registrar or you can buy it from the provider who provides website hosting and you have to pay only in the range of 60-80$ in a year.
Or you can get it free with hosting providers like cloudways.
How to install?
Manually – If you want to install the SSL certificate manually, you need to go to the setup or the manage option which is available on the site from where you can purchase the SSL certificate.
You need to give them the details they are asking for such as username, email address, mobile number, etc.
By using plugins – If you are using the plugin, then you need to download the plugin which is named Really Simple SSL, and then activate the same and hereby your certificate will get installed automatically and your system will be highly secure to use.
How will you know your SSL Certificate is installed or not?
- Padlock at the left of your URL
- https instead of HTTP
- Green address bar
You can know that if your SSL certificate has been installed, you must check on the padlock on the left side of the URL, and there HTTPS is flashed in place of HTTP and you can see the address bar in your browser is turning to green.
FAQS about SSL certificate!
Q: What is an SSL certificate?
A: An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a digital certificate that authenticates the identity of a website and encrypts information sent to the site.
This helps protect against man-in-the-middle attacks and ensures that the data transferred is not intercepted by a third party.
Q: Why do I need an SSL certificate?
A: An SSL certificate is required to run a secure website. It helps protect users’ sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, passwords, and social security numbers.
Q: What are the benefits of using an SSL certificate?
A: The benefits of using an SSL certificate include:
* Secures user data and transactions
* Keeps customer information private and secure
* Site looks more professional
Q: Is an SSL certificate the same as a domain TLS certificate?
A: SSL and TLS (Transport Layer Security) are cryptographic protocols that provide security over internet connections.
However, SSL is the predecessor to TLS. Most modern browsers only support TLS.
Therefore, if you want your site to be accessible to the widest range of web users, you should use a TLS certificate.
Q: What is the difference between a standard SSL certificate and an extended validation (EV) SSL certificate?
A: A standard SSL certificate verifies the identity of the website owner, but it does not do a background check on the organization that owns the website.
EV SSL certificates require extensive verification of the company behind a website before issuing them an SSL certificate.
If the owner of the site has undergone thorough screening, then you will see an address bar with green text indicating that this is a legitimate business.
Q: What are the minimum system requirements for using an SSL certificate?
A: The minimum system requirements for using an SSL certificate are:
* A web server running a version of Apache, IIS, Nginx, or LiteSpeed
* A domain name
* A valid SSL certificate
* The ability to set the correct HTTP headers
Q: How can I tell if my website is secure?
A: You can tell if your website is secure by looking for the padlock icon in your web browser’s address bar.
When you click on the padlock, you will see information about the SSL certificate that is being used by the website.
If the certificate has been issued by a trusted authority, then the browser will display the name of the authority in the address bar.
Q: How do I install an SSL certificate on my website?
A: You can install an SSL certificate on your website by following these steps:
* Purchase an SSL certificate
* Download the SSL certificate and save it to your computer
* Upload the SSL certificate to your web server
* Configure your webserver to use the SSL certificate
* Test the SSL certificate on your website
Q: How do I renew my SSL certificate?
A: You can renew your SSL certificate by following these steps:
* Download the renewal package from your provider
* Unzip the renewal package to your computer
* Upload the new certificate and private key file to your web server
* Update your web server configuration with the location of your SSL certificate files
* Test the SSL certificate on your website
Q: How do I replace my SSL certificate?
A: If you need to replace your SSL certificate, then you will need to follow these steps:
* Download the replacement package from your provider
* Unzip the replacement package to your computer
* Upload the new certificate and private key file to your web server
* Update your web server configuration with the location of your SSL certificate files
* Test the SSL certificate on your website
Q: What is an SSL certificate authority (CA)?
A: An SSL certificate authority is a company that issues SSL certificates. The most well-known CA is VeriSign.
CAs are responsible for verifying the identity of the person or company who owns the website and for ensuring that the information in the SSL certificate is correct.
Q: What are the most common types of SSL certificates?
A: The most common types of SSL certificates currently used are domain validated (DV) and organization validated (OV).
DV SSL certificates only verify that you own the website’s domain name,
whereas OV SSL certificates verify your business to a much greater extent and can include additional benefits such as advanced encryption and advanced browser trust.
Q: How do I get an SSL certificate for my website?
A: You can purchase an SSL certificate for your website from a reseller that specializes in SSL certificates.
Resellers will usually sell certificates from either Symantec, GeoTrust, or RapidSSL.
You can also purchase an SSL certificate from a web hosting company that provides SSL certificates, or you can generate a self-signed SSL certificate.
Q: What is a self-signed SSL certificate?
A: A self-signed SSL certificate is an SSL certificate that is signed by the owner of the website.
Self-signed SSL certificates are not as trusted as certificates that are issued by a CA, but they can be used for testing purposes.
Q: What is a mixed content error?
A: A mixed content error occurs when the SSL certificate is not configured correctly and non-secure HTTP content is displayed on an HTTPS website.
Q: What is a certificate chain?
A: A certificate chain includes all of the SSL certificates that are needed to create trust between multiple parties.
Q: Where can I find my SSL certificate files?
A: Your SSL certificate files will be located on your web server. Your provider will give you the location of your certificate and key files when you purchase the SSL certificate.
You will need to copy these files to your web server in order to use them.
Q: What is an SSL certificate file?
A: An SSL certificate file is a file that contains the SSL certificate and the associated private key. This file is used to install the SSL certificate on your web server.
Conclusion
Now, that your website is secured and showing such signs of safety, the visitors seeing your website will be comfortable to use the same without any hesitation.
And thereby increasing the traffic on your website and you will get the higher rank in the list of most seen websites.
So, it is important to purchase the SSL certificate so that you get to enjoy the benefits of SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
And when the user searches for something then the presence of some keywords will make your website at its peak and this is all done when your content is optimized.
After Google has announced that the SSL certificate is mandatory for a website, many developers have switched to the HTTPS connection in place of the HTTP connection.
Share if you like the article and comment when you are going to change your http to https.
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Ajmer Singh is the Founder & Author of Findmytricks. He is a Passionate Blogger, Content writer & WordPress developer. He loves sharing content related to WordPress and Blogging. He enjoys playing games in his free time.
CONTACT: [email protected]
Life Motto:
1. “Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.”
2. “First, learn the rules, then break them”
