What is SSL certificate?
An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a digital certificate that provides a secure and encrypted connection between a web browser and a web server. It ensures that the data transmitted between the user's browser and the website remains confidential and protected from potential threats.
SSL certificates are used to establish a secure and encrypted connection using HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure). When a website has an SSL certificate installed, you'll notice a padlock icon in the browser's address bar, indicating that the connection is secure. This is crucial for websites that handle sensitive information, such as login credentials, personal details, or financial transactions.
Key features and functions of SSL certificates include:
Encryption: SSL certificates encrypt the data exchanged between a user's browser and the web server. This encryption makes it difficult for malicious actors to intercept and decipher the information.
Authentication: SSL certificates also serve to authenticate the identity of the website. This ensures that users are connecting to the intended and legitimate website, preventing man-in-the-middle attacks.
Trust and Confidence: The presence of an SSL certificate instills trust in visitors. Users are more likely to share sensitive information on websites that demonstrate a commitment to security through HTTPS.
SEO Benefits: Search engines like Google prioritize websites with HTTPS in their rankings. Having an SSL certificate can positively impact a website's search engine visibility.
SSL certificates come in different types, including domain-validated (DV), organization-validated (OV), and extended validation (EV), each offering different levels of validation and trust. Website owners can obtain SSL certificates from certificate authorities (CAs) and must renew them periodically to ensure ongoing security.
