SSL (Secure Socket Layer) Certificates allow for encrypted data connections between websites/servers and users, providing proper online security. Certification authorities (CAs) issue SSL certificates to authenticate digital identities, such as company websites or email addresses. These electronic documents inform users of a website’s security and ensure safe online interactions.
What is an SSL Certificate?
An SSL (Secure Socket Layer) Certificate is a digital certificate that enables an encrypted data connection between a website or server and users. It verifies the digital identity of a company’s website, email address, and other digital entities. The certification authority (CA), a reputable organization in charge of authenticating digital identities, issues the SSL certificate. By doing so, the certificate authority provides an electronic document format that informs website visitors or other digital entities of the security of a website.
What Does an SSL Certificate Do?
SSL certificates ensure that both website owners and users have proper online security. SSL functions as a digital handshake between the web server and the visitor’s browser. So, when a visitor connects to a website or server secured with SSL, a secure connection is established between them. It guarantees the privacy and integrity of the data being exchanged on that website. Therefore, SSL certificates protect sensitive data transmitted through the website, such as login credentials, personal information, and payment details.
How Does an SSL Certificate Work?
When a visitor tries to access a website or server, the browser sends a request to the server for the web page. The server responds with the requested information and also sends the SSL certificate. The browser checks the SSL certificate for any sign of tampering, which verifies that it came from a trusted certificate authority. If it passes, the browser sends back a message to the server to start an encrypted session. Then both the server and visitor’s browser agreed silently to use a symmetric key to encrypt and decrypt the data being transmitted. As a result, the data being shared between both sides remains private.
Why Do You Need an SSL Certificate?
An SSL certificate is vital to ensure online security of your website and visitors. By securing your website with SSL, you gain these advantages:
- Your website visitors will feel confident that their data is safe and secure
- You’ll be able to boost your website’s search engine ranking
- You’ll be able to enhance your website’s privacy and security
- You’ll be able to add trust badges to your website, such as a padlock icon, and other visible signs of security.
In today’s progressively digitalized world, it is vital to ensure the security and privacy of information exchanged over the internet. SSL certificates provide one of the most dependable and secure methods of exchanging data on the internet.
