SSL Certificates
What is an SSL Certificate?
Encryption
SSL certificates encrypt the data transmitted between a user's browser and the web server. This means that even if a malicious actor intercepts the data during transit, it would appear as unintelligible gibberish, ensuring the privacy of sensitive information like login credentials, personal details, and financial transactions.
Authentication
SSL certificates also authenticate the identity of the website or server. When a website has an SSL certificate, it displays a padlock icon in the browser's address bar and uses "https://" instead of "http://" in the URL. These visual cues reassure users that they are communicating with a legitimate and trusted entity, reducing the risk of falling victim to phishing or other cyberattacks.
Why SSL Certificates Matter
Data Protection
SSL certificates safeguard your users' data, protecting them from data breaches and identity theft.
Trustworthiness
Websites with SSL certificates are viewed as more trustworthy, enhancing your online reputation.
Search Engine Ranking
Search engines like Google prioritize websites with SSL certificates in their search results, improving your website's visibility.
Compliance
Many data protection regulations, such as GDPR in Europe, require the use of SSL certificates for websites that handle personal data.
Types of SSL Certificates
Domain Validated (DV) SSL Certificates
These certificates verify the ownership of the domain and are suitable for basic encryption needs.
Organization Validated (OV) SSL Certificates
OV certificates provide a higher level of trust by verifying the identity of the organization in addition to the domain.
Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates
EV certificates offer the highest level of assurance, displaying the organization's name prominently in the browser's address bar.
Wildcard SSL Certificates
These certificates secure a main domain and all its subdomains with a single certificate.
Multi-Domain SSL Certificates
Also known as Subject Alternative Name (SAN) certificates, they allow securing multiple domains with one certificate.