A website is a critical asset for small businesses, solopreneurs, and entrepreneurs. Whether running a travel blog, starting an online store, or creating a website for your dog walking business, your site acts as a primary point of interaction with customers and users. Without the right security measures in place, you risk exposing sensitive information and potentially damaging your reputation.  

But how do we combat cyber-attacks? The key is SSL certificates.  

In this article, we’ll discuss what an SSL certificate is, how it functions, and why it’s an essential component of a comprehensive website security strategy. 

What is an SSL certificate? 

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is the predecessor to the modern TLS (Transport Layer Security). SSL is a security measure that ensures a secure communication between your website and a user’s browser by enabling encryption algorithms to scramble user data, like payment details and login credentials, into unreadable ones. 

SSL encryption ensures that anyone who tries to access and obstruct the data shared from a user to a site will only be able to see mixed-up data. 

How SSL certificates work 

SSL certificates are digital certificates that provide websites with secure, encrypted connections. Each certificate contains a pair of encryption keys: a public key and a private key, along with relevant information about the business. To establish a secure connection, an SSL certificate must be installed on the web server hosting the site. 

When a user visits your website, their browser requests the web server to present the SSL certificate for your website. The web server sends the SSL certificate to the requesting browser to verify it and starts an SSL-encrypted session. With the help of encryption keys, the private key can decrypt the data while protecting it during transmission. 

Additionally, SSL certificates are integral to enabling HTTPS, the secure version of HTTP, which indicates a website’s commitment to security. 

Types of SSL certificates  

A Certificate Authority or CA is responsible for producing SSL certificates and verifying the information included within the certificate. It’s important to know that there’s more than one version of an SSL certificate. 

There are many types and sub-types of SSL certificates. They vary depending on the amount of information included in the certificate.  

Domain Validated (DV) Certificates 

A Domain Validated (DV) certificate offers a basic level of protection and is focused on verifying that the person or organization requesting the certificate actually owns the domain name of the website. 

To get this certificate, the website owner must prove that they have control over the domain. This is usually done through a simple process, where they receive an email or a phone call asking them to confirm their ownership. Once they confirm, the certificate is issued, allowing the website to encrypt data and show users that the site is secure. 

In short, DV certificates are a straightforward way for site owners to secure their sites and reassure visitors that their connection is protected. 

Single Domain SSL Certificate 

A Single Domain SSL Certificate is designed to secure one specific website. This means that if you have a business that operates in a single domain, like www.example.com, this certificate will protect that site alone.  

However, it will not cover any subdomains (like shop.example.com or blog.example.com) or any other related domains.  

This type of certificate is a good fit for businesses that only need to protect one website and do not require coverage for additional sites. 

Unified Communications Certificates 

Unified Communications Certificates, sometimes called multi-domain SSL certificates, are more versatile. They allow you to secure multiple domain names under one certificate. 

For example, if your business operates several websites, such as www.example1.com, www.example2.com, and www.example3.com, you can use a Unified Communications Certificate to protect all of them together. This not only makes it easier to manage your certificates but also helps improve security across your various online properties. 

Organization Validated (OV) Certificates 

Organization Validated (OV) Certificates offer a higher level of security compared to Single Domain SSL certificates. When you apply for an OV certificate, the issuing authority will verify not just the ownership of the domain, but also the identity of the organization requesting it. This means that the certificate will include the domain name, the name of the organization, and the physical address of the company.  

Having this information helps build trust with users, as they can see that the website is linked to a legitimate organization. 

Extended Validation (EV) Certificates 

Extended Validation (EV) Certificates are the most secure type of SSL certificate available. Obtaining one requires a thorough verification process that ensures the identity of the organization is confirmed in detail. This type of certificate is particularly recommended for eCommerce websites that handle sensitive information, such as personal data and financial transactions.  

With an EV certificate, users can feel more confident that they’re dealing with a legitimate and secure website, often indicated by a special green address bar in the browser. 

Importance of SSL certificates 

SSL certificates are important for both website owners and web visitors. Here are a few reasons why SSL certificates are important. 

Data protection  

When an SSL certificate is installed on a website, it activates the HTTPS. This protocol establishes a secure, encrypted connection between the website and the user’s browser. As a result, any information that customers share on your site, such as personal details or payment information, is kept safe from unauthorized access. 

With HTTPS in place, data is encrypted, meaning that even if someone tries to intercept the information being exchanged, they will only see scrambled, unreadable data. This ensures that your customers can trust that their information is protected while they interact with your website, whether they’re making a purchase or filling out a form. 

Trust and credibility  

More and more people using the internet are aware of the importance of online security. They often connect SSL certificates with trust and safety. When they see the padlock icon next to a website’s address or notice the “https://” at the beginning of the URL, it makes them feel more secure. These indicators show that the website is taking steps to protect their information. 

When you display these security features on your site, you’re sending a message to your visitors that their data is safe when they interact with your business. This sense of security can encourage them to engage more with your website, whether they are making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or simply browsing your content. Overall, having these security measures in place improves their experience and builds credibility for your business. 

SEO benefits  

Search engines prioritize websites that show strong security measures. By implementing SSL and switching to HTTPS, you signal to search engines like Google that your site is trustworthy and secure. This is important because search engines consider HTTPS when determining how to rank websites in their search results. 

When you secure your site with SSL, you not only protect your visitors’ information but also improve your chances of ranking higher in search results. This means that potential customers are more likely to find your website when they search for relevant terms. 

Compliance with rules and regulations  

When you have an SSL certificate, it shows that you follow important security standards, especially if your organization handles personal information from people online. This compliance helps ensure that you protect your users’ data according to legal and industry guidelines, which can help build trust with your customers. 

Protection from phishing attacks  

The internet is home to online businesses as well as hackers. Businesses use EV SSLs to protect users against unauthorized third parties. By having an SSL certificate, visitors can check the validity of your website through SSL indicators. 

How to check if a website has SSL  

There are a few things you can consider doing to check if a website is secure and has an SSL certificate.  

Check the browser address bar 

The website with an SSL certificate will have a URL starting with “https://” instead of “http://” or a padlock icon next to the URL, indicating that the site is secure.   

Use online SSL checker tools 

Various online tools can provide detailed information about a website’s SSL certificate, including its validity and expiration date, along with other relevant security details. These tools are user-friendly and can help you assess a site’s security quickly. 

Look for trust indicators 

Some secure and trusted websites display a security seal or essential information on the address bar, indicating that the website is secure and authenticated. A green address bar in web browsers can signify that a website has an Extended Validation SSL certificate. 

Reach out to the owner 

If you’re still having doubts, you can contact the website owner to ask about their SSL certification and the measures in place to protect user data. Direct communication can provide additional reassurance regarding a site’s security practices. 

How to obtain an SSL certificate 

You can obtain SSL certificates from several sources, including domain registrars, web hosting providers, or directly from Certificate Authorities (CAs), which are trusted organizations that issue these certificates. 

Domain registration platforms 

You can obtain an SSL certificate through domain registration platforms like Domain.com. Domain.com provides different SSL certificate options depending on your needs, such as Domain Validated (DV) SSL for basic encryption, Wildcard SSL to cover subdomains, or Extended Validation (EV) SSL for enhanced security with company name verification. 

Web hosting providers 

Many web hosting companies offer SSL certificates as part of their hosting packages. This option is convenient because you can manage your website and SSL certificate in one place. 

Certificate Authorities (CAs) 

You can purchase an SSL certificate directly from Certificate Authorities, which are trusted organizations that issue SSL certificates. The application process for a digital certificate is simple. You will need to send a certificate signing request to the CA to initiate the process. This request will typically require some essential information about your website and your organization. For example, you might need to provide your domain name, your company name, and contact details. The CA will use this information to verify that you own the domain and that your organization is legitimate. Once they confirm your details, they can issue the SSL certificate for your website. 

Secure your website before it’s too late 

Now that you know the vital role of an SSL certificate in securing your website, be sure to incorporate it. With an SSL certificate layered over your website, you establish trust among your customers. 

If you’re looking for a reliable solution, Domain.com is an excellent choice. It offers robust domain management and website security tools like SSL certificates and SiteLock Security, ensuring your website remains secure, trustworthy, and always accessible. 

Frequently asked questions 

What is an SSL certificate? 

An SSL certificate is a digital certificate that allows data encrypted connection. It helps protect users’ sensitive information, such as passwords and payment details, from hackers who try to access or duplicate the website. 

What is a Certificate Authority? 

The Certificate Authority (CA) is a trusted organization that manages and issues SSL certificates. They verify a website owner’s identity before issuing an SSL certificate, ensuring that the website can be trusted. 

Should I use SSL or not? 

Yes. An SSL certificate incorporated in your web server allows an encrypted connection between your web server and a user’s browser. An SSL certificate also protects your website and your customer’s personal data. 

What is a hypertext transfer protocol secure? 

The hypertext transfer protocol secure or HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP. It adds a layer of security protocol through the use of SSL encryption. When a website has HTTPS in its URL address bar, it means that all data exchanged between the user’s browser and the website is concealed. 

How long does an SSL certificate last? 

An SSL usually lasts a year. Make sure to keep track of certificate renewals to ensure continuous secure connections.