If you’re a website owner, you may have heard the term SSL certificate thrown around. But what exactly is it, and why does your website need one? In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about certificates, from how they work to how to obtain one for your website. We’ll also cover the benefits and the different types available. By the end of this article, you’ll understand why every website needs an SSL certificate.
Table of Contents
Introduction
In the early days of the Internet, websites were primarily used for sharing information. Back then, security wasn’t a major concern, as little sensitive information was transmitted online. However, as the internet evolved and e-commerce became prevalent, it became clear that stronger security measures were needed. This is where SSL certificates come in.
What is an SSL Certificate?
An SSL certificate is a digital certificate that authenticates a website’s identity and encrypts data transmitted between the website and its visitors. When a website has a certificate, its URL will begin with “https” instead of “http”. The “s” in “https” stands for “secure”, indicating that the website is using a certificate to encrypt data.
How Does an SSL Certificate Work?
When a website visitor connects to a website with a certificate, the website’s server and the visitor’s browser establish a secure connection using a process called a “handshake”. During this handshake, the server and browser exchange a series of encrypted messages to establish a shared encryption key. This key is then used to encrypt and decrypt data that is transmitted between the website and the visitor.
Benefits
There are several benefits to having a certificate on your website. First and foremost, it provides a secure connection between your website and your visitors. This means that any data that is transmitted between the two is encrypted and therefore less vulnerable to interception by hackers.
Having a certificate also improves your website’s credibility. When visitors see the “https” in your URL, they know that your website has taken steps to secure their data. This can help build trust between your website and visitors, leading to increased engagement and conversions.
Finally, having an SSL certificate can improve your website’s search engine rankings. In 2014, Google announced that it would give a slight ranking boost to websites that use SSL certificates. While the boost is relatively small, it’s still worth considering if you’re looking to improve your website’s visibility in search engines.
Understanding Different Types
Several types of certificates are available, each offering different levels of security and validation. The most common types are:
Domain Validation (DV)
Domain validation certificates are the most basic type. They only validate that the domain name of the website matches the name on the certificate. This type of certificate is typically the least expensive and easiest to obtain.
Organization Validation (OV)
Organization validation certificates provide a higher level of validation than domain validation certificates. In addition to validating the domain name, they also verify that the organization behind the website is legitimate.
Extended Validation (EV)
Extended validation certificates provide the highest level of validation. In addition to verifying the domain name and organization, they also verify that the organization is legally registered and has been in operation for at least three years. Websites with EV certificates typically display a green address bar in the browser, indicating that they are highly secure.
What is a Wildcard Certificate?
A wildcard certificate is a type of certificate that can be used to secure multiple subdomains under a single domain. For example, if you have a website with multiple subdomains (e.g., blog.example.com, store.example.com), you can use a wildcard certificate to secure all of them with a single certificate.
What is an HTTPS Certificate?
An HTTPS certificate is simply another term for a certificate. As we mentioned earlier, the “s” in “https” stands for “secure”, indicating that the website is using an SSL certificate to encrypt data.
How to Obtain a Certificate for Your Website
Obtaining a certificate for your website is a relatively straightforward process. The first step is to choose the type of certificate that’s right for your website. You’ll then need to generate a certificate signing request (CSR) and provide it to a certificate authority (CA). The CA will then validate your domain and issue you the certificate.
Installing an SSL Certificate on Your Website
Once you’ve obtained a certificate, you’ll need to install it on your website. The installation process varies depending on your web hosting provider and the type of certificate you have. You’ll need to upload the certificate to your web server and configure your website to use it.
Common Errors and How to Fix Them
While the certificates are designed to provide a secure connection between your website and your visitors, several common errors can occur. These include:
Certificate Expired
SSL certificates have an expiration date, after which they are no longer valid. If your SSL certificate has expired, you’ll need to obtain a new one and install it on your website.
Certificate Not Trusted
If the visitor’s browser does not trust your SSL certificate, they will see a warning message indicating that the website is not secure. This can occur if the certificate is self-signed or if the issuing CA is not recognized by the visitor’s browser.
Mismatched Domain
If the domain name on your certificate doesn’t match your website’s domain name, visitors will see a warning message. This can occur if you’ve recently changed your website’s domain name or if you’ve installed the certificate on the wrong server.
SSL Certificate Renewal and Expiration
As we mentioned earlier, certificates have an expiration date. It’s important to keep track of when your SSL certificate is set to expire and renew it before it does. If your SSL certificate expires, your website will no longer be able to establish a secure connection with visitors, potentially putting their data at risk.
The Importance of SSL Certificates for E-Commerce Websites
An SSL certificate is especially important if you operate an e-commerce website. When visitors purchase products or services from your website, they’ll be entering sensitive information such as their credit card details. Having an SSL certificate ensures that this information is encrypted and secure, reducing the risk of fraud and identity theft.
Certificate Providers and Costs
There are several providers to choose from, each offering different types of certificates at various price points. Some of the most popular certificate providers include:
Comodo
Comodo is a leading provider of SSL certificates, offering a range of options from basic domain validation certificates to extended validation certificates.
Symantec
Symantec is another popular SSL certificate provider, offering a range of SSL certificates for businesses of all sizes.
Let’s Encrypt
Let’s Encrypt is a non-profit certificate authority that provides free SSL certificates. While Let’s Encrypt certificates are only valid for 90 days, they can be renewed indefinitely at no cost.
Conclusion: Why Every Website Needs an SSL Certificate
In today’s world, security is more important than ever. By having an SSL certificate on your website, you can provide a secure connection between your website and your visitors, improve your website’s credibility, and even boost your search engine rankings. With so many different SSL certificate providers and options, there’s no reason not to secure your website today.