Looking for SSL certificates guide? Here is a complete guide.
Have you ever noticed that the website addresses, which are also known as URLs (uniform resource locators) start with https:// sometimes?. The most common way that a URL will begin is http://. It’s curious why some URLs are having an extra ‘s’ isn’t it?.
What does this ‘s’ really mean?. Well simply saying, the ‘s’ stands for security. This means that your connection to the particular website is encrypted and safe. Anything that you share with this website is secured and nothing is to worry about.
The ‘s’ however has a longer meaning and a description. It stands for SSL. So let’s talk about SSL and why it is so important.
What is an SSL certificate?
SSL stands for ‘secure sockets layer’. This is also known as TLS (transport layer security) in common. It is a security method that will establish an encryption between a server and a browser. This linking makes sure that the data including sensitive information that has been transferred between these two destinations remains private and safe.
How do SSL certificates work?
SSL technology makes use of random numbers called ‘keys’. This is inspired from the public key cryptography concept. There are two different keys where one serves as a private key while the other serves as public.
When a browser tries to connect to a website that is secured with SSL, the browser requests the server to identify itself. The web server then sends out a copy of the SSL certificate to the browser.
The browser checks if the SSL is genuine and trustworthy. If everything is alright, it sends a message to the web server. The server again sends back an acknowledgement that is digitally signed, in order to start an SSL session that is encrypted.
Finally the session will begin and the encrypted data is shared by the browser and the server.
Why do you need an SSL certificates?
There are several benefits of using an SSL certificate in order to prevent the exposure of sensitive data.
Helps ensuring website security
When we come across a website that says it is not secure, we close it right away. This is because everyone is concerned about their security. With an SSL certificate, it is possible to prevent any security breach. It provides a secondary authentication that helps to secure all the information sent. None of these will be accessible from a difficult device.
Enhances the ranking of search engine of a website
In order to make sure that users are able to experience safe browsing, Google improves the search engine rankings for the websites by using SSL certificates. https:// will be used as an indicator for ranking.
The website will be trustworthy among users
Whether you are having an e-commerce website or not, SSL certificate is mandatory. No one will enter a website that says it’s not safe.
Even the customers don’t want to buy from you if your website is not secured. So it is better to show all the users that you care about privacy and security. And the best way to emphasize it is using an SSL certificate.
Improve the speed of website
By installing an SSL certificate, the website will load quickly and it even improves the performance of the website. This also increases the SEO and helps the website grow.
Encrypting sensitive information
With an SSL certificate, it is possible to encrypt all the information that is sensitive. This can be anything including passwords, bank details, personal information, telephone numbers, addresses, ID information etc. This prevents the breaching of these data and keeps all the information protected.
Types of SSL certificates
Single domain SSL certificate
This certificate applies to a single domain. It cannot be used to authenticate a different domain. Every page on the domain will be secure with this certificate.
Wildcard SSL certificate
This is to secure a single domain and all of its sub domains. Sub domains belong to the main domain and stay as a branch of it. Users are able to check the subdomains list that belongs to a main domain by clicking the padlock icon located at the URL bar.
Multi domain SSL certificate
This certificate can enlist multiple domains within a single certificate. All these domains should not be sub domains.
How to obtain an SSL certificate?
Here’s a simple explanation on how to acquire an SSL certificate,
- Have all the correct information of the website such as a unique IP address, WHOIS record that is accurate, and a validation of the business or the organization.
- Based on the website type and structure, decide what type of an SSL certificate is needed.
- Choose a certificate authority that acts as an entity in issuing SSL certificates. Pick a trusted and a reputable CA that can provide a certificate according to the needs and the budget.
- Generate a CSR (certificate signing request) which is a file that needs to be in the web server before requesting an SSL from a CA. They will use this information to issue an SSL.
- After generating the CSR, submit it to the CA that is selected. And then purchase the SSL certificate.
- Wait for the CA to validate the details and issue the SSL certificate.
- Once the CA has processed the request of an SSL certificate, you will be given access to it. Then it can be installed to the web server where the website is hosted.
- Since now the SSL certificate is installed, the testing should be done by using SSL verification tools. Also create a schedule to monitor the SSL certificate activation.
The wrap up
SSL certificates help to enhance the security of any website. In order to build up trust among customers and visitors and to keep them coming to your website, installation of an SSL would be greatly helpful.
This will also help you in many other ways by improving the SEO of the website and competing with other websites that are already established.
So make your website a reputed and a loyal place with secure socket layer certification.
Wants to add SSL certificate to your website? Contact Tectera who provides web design in Toronto.