Introduction
So, you must have read or heard the word “SSL certificate” employed often, specifically if you are involved in anything related to websites and online security. But what exactly is it? Alright, let us split it down in this blog.
What is SSL? How Do SSL Certificates Operate?
SSL is an acronym utilized for Secure Sockets Layer, and it ensures secure communication over the World Wide Web. Now, when we say “secure communication,” we mean that SSL helps to encrypt the data that is being transferred between a web server & a browser of the user. This encryption is crucial for protecting confidential details from being intercepted by hackers.
But, how SSL certificate fit into all of this? Apprehend an SSL certificate as a website’s digital passport. It is issued by a dependable third party, called a Certificate Authority (CA), and it serves as proof that your website is who it claims to be. When a user visits your site, their browser verifies the SSL certificate to confirm its integrity. If all is confirmed, the browser makes a protected connection with your server, permitting secure and encrypted communication.
SSL certificates work based on asymmetric encryption, even called public-key cryptography. This process involves two keys: a public key & a private key. The public key is included in the SSL certificate and is employed to encrypt data, whereas the private key, which is kept secret on the server, is employed to decrypt the data. This ensures that even when a hacker intercepts the encrypted data, they cannot read it without the private key.
When a user attempts to use a website with an SSL certificate, their web browser begins a handshake procedure with the web server. In the situation of this handshake, the server transmits its SSL certificate to the web browser. The browser further verifies the certificate against a list of reliable CAs stored on the user’s device. If the certificate is trusted and applicable, the browser issues a session key and encrypts it with the public key of the web server before sending it again to the server. This session key is further employed to encrypt all data switched between the web browser & the web server in the course of the session.
Why Do You Require an SSL Certificate?
You might wonder why an SSL certificate is necessary for your website. Well, besides ensuring the security of data transmitted between your server and users’ browsers, having an SSL certificate also positively impacts your website’s search engine ranking. Search engines such as Google give preference to websites that employ HTTPS over HTTP, meaning that having an SSL certificate can intensify your site’s visibility and draw more visitors. Additionally, with the rise in cyber threats and the importance of online privacy, having an SSL certificate is becoming increasingly essential for maintaining a credible and trustworthy online presence.
Given below are further reasons why you require an SSL certificate:
Data Encryption:
The fundamental operation of an SSL certificate is to encrypt data transferred between the browser of a user and your web server. This encryption assures confidential details, for instance, passwords, credit card numbers, & private info. are securely transmitted and protected from any threat.
Protection Against Cyber Attacks:
In the existing digital arena, cyber-attacks are an obvious threat. Hackers are constantly seeking to intercept and exploit unsecured connections to steal valuable data. By implementing an SSL certificate, you construct a protected tunnel for data transmission, considerably lessening the risk of interception and unauthorized access.
Building Trust and Credibility:
When visitors see the padlock icon and “https://” in their browser’s address bar, they are aware that your website is protected. This visual indication of security instills dependability in your brand, letting visitors get involved with your site and complete transactions without hesitation.
Compliance with Rules:
Many industries and regulatory bodies require websites to implement SSL certificates to comply with data security rules and industry levels. For instance, PCI DSS mandates the utilization of SSL certificates for online transactions to protect cardholder data.
Prevention of Middle Attacks:
Without SSL encryption, sensitive information transmitted between a user & your web server is vulnerable to interception by cybercriminals conducting man-in-the-middle attacks. SSL certificates prevent such attacks by encrypting data, ensuring that it stays private and safe in the process of transfer.
Kinds of SSL Certificates
There are various kinds of SSL certificates available, ranging from elemental to advanced levels of protection. These include:
Domain Validated (DV) SSL Certificates:
These are the most basic types of SSL certificates and only confirm that you own the domain name associated with your website.
Organization Validated (OV) SSL Certificates:
These provide a higher level of validation, as the CA verifies both your ownership of the domain and some details about your organization.
Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates:
These render the utmost level of validation and are often employed by e-commerce sites and other businesses that handle sensitive customer information. The CA conducts a thorough validation process, including verifying your legal identity and business registration documents.
How to Obtain an SSL Certificate?
Obtaining an SSL certificate is a crucial step in securing your website and ensuring the protection of sensitive data. Here’s a detailed guide on how to obtain an SSL certificate:
Opt for a Certificate Authority (CA):
Begin by picking a dependable Certificate Authority (CA) to purchase your SSL certificate from. Look for CAs that offer trusted certificates and provide excellent customer support.
Select the Right Type of Certificate:
Consider your website’s needs and choose the appropriate type of SSL certificate. It does not matter if it is a DV certificate for basic encryption or an EV certificate for enhanced validation, select the one that best fits your requirements.
Purchase or Obtain a Free SSL Certificate:
Depending on your budget and preferences, you can either purchase an SSL certificate from the chosen CA or explore options for obtaining a free SSL certificate. Services like Let’s Encrypt offer free SSL certificates that are trusted by major browsers and provide essential encryption for your website.
Issue a Certificate Signing Request (CSR):
As soon as you have obtained the SSL certificate, generate a CSR from your server. The CSR includes details about your website and is employed by the CA to confirm your recognition and domain ownership.
Submit the CSR to the CA for Validation:
Submit the CSR to the CA for validation. The CA will confirm the details rendered in the CSR to assure that you are the legitimate authority of the domain requesting the SSL certificate.
Acquire and Install the SSL Certificate:
As soon as the CA has validated the CSR, they construct the SSL certificate. Download it & install it on your server with the instructions rendered by the CA. This typically incorporates uploading the certificate files to your server and configuring your site to employ HTTPS rather than HTTP.
Configure Your Website for HTTPS:
After installing the SSL certificate, configure your website to utilize HTTPS. Update your website’s URLs and internal links to use the secure HTTPS protocol to ensure a smooth and safe browsing experience for your end-users.
Regularly Monitor and Renew Your SSL Certificate:
Keep track of your SSL certificate’s expiration date and renew it before it expires to maintain uninterrupted security for your website. Most CAs offer notifications and reminders to help you stay updated on your SSL certificate’s status and renewal dates.
Can an SSL Certificate be Utilized on Multiple Servers?
Yes, in most cases, an SSL certificate can be used on multiple servers. However, this specifically relies on the kind of SSL certificate you have and the licensing agreement with the CA. Some certificates may have limitations on the number of servers installed, so be sure to check the terms and conditions before attempting to use the certificate on multiple servers.
What Happens in Case an SSL Certificate Expires?
Apprehending the consequences of an expired SSL certificate is critical for sustaining the protection and functionality of your website. Here’s what happens in case an SSL certificate expires:
Loss of Trust:
As an SSL certificate expires, browsers no longer identify it as valid. As a result, visitors to your website may encounter security warnings or alerts indicating that the connection is not secure. This can erode trust in your website and deter visitors from interacting with it, leading to a loss of credibility and potential revenue.
Inaccessible Features:
In addition to security warnings, certain features of your website may become inaccessible or malfunction when the SSL certificate expires. This is because modern web browsers enforce HTTPS connections for secure communication, and an expired SSL certificate can disrupt this connection, rendering some parts of your website unusable.
Negative Affect on SEO:
An expired SSL certificate can also negatively affect the ranking of your website. Search engines like Google prioritize websites that use HTTPS encryption, and an expired SSL certificate can lead to a drop in rankings or even removal from search engine results pages (SERPs), reducing your website’s visibility and organic traffic.
Loss of Customer Confidence:
Beyond the technical implications, an expired SSL certificate can undermine customer confidence in your brand. In a situation where web security is essential, visitors expect websites to give preference to their privacy and data protection. An expired SSL certificate sends the message that your website may not be trustworthy, leading customers to seek alternative sources for their needs.
Also Read: Why Should You Upgrade Your Web Server to the HTTP2 Protocol?
Conclusion
An SSL certificate is a significant element of sustaining a safe and reliable website. It encrypts data transmitted between your web server & browsers of the users, securing confidential details from interception by hackers. By obtaining an SSL certificate, you can not only safeguard your website but also build trust with your visitors and customers. So, if you haven’t already done, now’s the time to safeguard your site with an SSL certificate and ensure the protection of your online presence.
