29 March, 2024 by

What Is SSL and Why Is It Important?

SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. It is a standard security protocol designed to secure data transferred between two systems. This includes the connection between a browser and a website or between two servers.

When a user connects to a website, SSL helps confirm the website’s identity and creates an encrypted connection to protect the data being transmitted. Without SSL, data travels in plain text, which can be easily intercepted. SSL changes this by converting HTTP to HTTPS and making the communication channel secure.

🤖 AI Overview:

What is SSL? SSL is a security protocol that encrypts data exchanged between a user’s browser and a website. Its main purpose is to protect sensitive information and ensure secure communication by enabling HTTPS on websites. SSL also helps verify the identity of the website for user safety.

Why Do Websites Use SSL?

SSL serves two main purposes: it encrypts the connection and verifies the identity of the website. This protects sensitive information such as login credentials, credit card details, personal data, and other confidential records.

SSL helps achieve three main goals:

  • Privacy
  • Authentication
  • Data Integrity

Most modern browsers support SSL and display a warning when users attempt to access websites without it. SSL is also used to secure protocols such as FTP, IMAP, and SMTP.

When SSL is active, the browser shows HTTPS in the URL and a padlock icon, indicating that a secure connection is established.

Why Do You Need an SSL Certificate?

As a website owner, you need an SSL certificate to establish a secure link between your website and users. It helps protect sensitive data from unauthorized access.

Without SSL, attackers can try to intercept personal and financial data. SSL helps secure login sessions, online payments, and private information. In addition, Google may show a security warning for websites without SSL, which can lead to lower user trust and reduced search rankings. SSL is now a ranking factor in search engine results.

Where Is SSL Used?

SSL is a cryptographic protocol that is commonly used in several cases, such as:

  • Securing communication between browsers and web servers
  • Protecting email traffic and internal networks
  • Encrypting online credit card transactions
  • Securing login forms and sensitive data

SSL encrypts the information exchanged between the user and the website, making online interactions safer.

How Does SSL Work?

SSL uses encryption, authentication, and certificate validation to create a secure connection. The process usually follows these steps:

  1. A browser or server tries to connect to a website with SSL.
  2. The website responds by sending its SSL certificate.
  3. The browser or server checks the certificate’s validity.
  4. If approved, the browser or server sends confirmation to the web server.
  5. An encrypted connection is established, and data is securely shared.

This process is known as the SSL handshake. Once it is complete, users can see HTTPS and the padlock icon in the address bar.

How to Use SSL

To use SSL, you need access to a server such as a Linux VPS or Windows VPS. If you do not already have one, you need to purchase a VPS first. Then, follow these steps:

  1. Buy an SSL certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority.
  2. Install the certificate on your server.
  3. Test the connection to make sure HTTPS is working.

How to Check Which SSL or TLS Protocol a Website Uses

You can check the version of SSL or TLS that a website uses with the steps below:

  1. Open a web browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
  2. Visit the website you want to inspect.
  3. Press F12 to open Developer Tools.
  4. Go to the Security tab.
  5. Under Connections, you will see the SSL or TLS version (for example, TLS 1.2).

How to Check a Website’s SSL Certificate

To review the SSL certificate of a website:

  • Make sure the website address starts with https://
  • Look for the padlock icon in the address bar.
  • Click the padlock to view details such as:
    • Certificate issuer
    • Expiration date
    • Encryption method

You can also use external tools such as SSL Checker to analyze the certificate.

How to Get a Free SSL Certificate

If you want to get an SSL certificate for free, the following services offer trusted options:

Let’s Encrypt

Let’s Encrypt provides free, automated SSL certificates. It is supported by major companies like Google, Amazon, Facebook, and Cisco.

You can use the installation tutorial to install Let’s Encrypt SSL on CentOS 8.

Cloudflare

Cloudflare offers free SSL and TLS support across multiple domains with built-in performance and security features.

SSL For Free

SSL For Free issues certificates using the Let’s Encrypt server. It is simple and fast to use.

ZeroSSL

ZeroSSL provides a 90-day SSL certificate free of charge. After verification, you can renew it every three months.

Popular SSL Certificate Providers

Several companies provide SSL certificates with different levels of service and support. Here are some widely used providers:

  • Certum: A leading Polish certificate authority serving over 50 countries.
  • Comodo: Offers affordable SSL certificates for small and large websites.
  • Entrust: An American provider known for reliable digital security services.
  • GlobalSign: A trusted provider for businesses and organizations using PKI infrastructure.
  • GoDaddy: A major hosting provider that offers SSL certificates with competitive pricing.

Types of SSL Certificates

SSL certificates are available in different types based on validation and usage.

Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificate

This certificate provides the highest level of verification. It shows the organization name, country, HTTPS, and padlock in the browser address bar.

Organization Validated (OV) SSL Certificate

OV certificates verify the business name and help protect sensitive transaction data. Users can view the organization name when clicking the padlock icon.

Domain Validated (DV) SSL Certificate

DV certificates only validate the domain ownership. They provide basic encryption for general use.

Wildcard (WV) SSL Certificate

Wildcard certificates secure a main domain and all its subdomains. This option is cost-effective for large websites.

Multi-Domain (MD) SSL Certificate

Multi-domain certificates protect up to 100 domains and subdomains. They support the SAN (Subject Alternative Name) feature for flexibility.

Unified Communications (UCC) Certificate

Originally designed for Microsoft Exchange, UCC certificates are now used to secure multiple domains for any type of website.

FAQ

TLS is the modern, more secure version of SSL. Both are encryption protocols, but TLS provides stronger security, faster performance, and improved reliability. You only need TLS, as it has replaced SSL in modern web servers.

HTTP sends data in plain text and is not secure. HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP, using SSL or TLS to encrypt communication. SSL (or TLS) is the protocol that powers HTTPS and ensures data protection.

Yes. Enabling SSL encrypts data, protects your users, prevents manipulation by ISPs, and increases site trust and security.

Without SSL, your data is unencrypted and vulnerable to attacks. Hackers can intercept or modify information, leading to serious privacy and trust issues.

SSL certificates are issued to domains but are used to secure the websites running under those domains. They work at the server level to protect user data during transmission.

Yes. Free SSL certificates like those from Let’s Encrypt or Cloudflare offer the same encryption as paid ones. They are secure but usually have shorter durations and limited support or warranties.

An SSL certificate protects user data, prevents theft, builds trust, and helps improve your website’s SEO and visibility.

Yes. Google and other search engines consider SSL a ranking factor. Websites with HTTPS often rank higher than those without.

It depends on your provider. - Paid SSL: every 1 to 2 years - Free SSL (e.g., Let’s Encrypt): every 90 days

Conclusion

Using an SSL certificate is one of the most reliable ways to ensure secure communication between a website and its users. By encrypting the data with strong algorithms, SSL protects sensitive information from unauthorized access.

In today’s digital environment, enabling SSL is essential not only for privacy but also for search engine visibility, user trust, and compliance. For better protection, secure passwords should also be used along with SSL certificates.

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