If you notice the lock sign on the Google address bar, we expect you to know about “secure” and “not secure” websites. Google has a way of telling you whether a website is secure or not through its address bar. Wouldn’t you lose customers if Google shows your website isn’t safe? We’re sure you don’t want that!
SSL certificates are a fantastic way to protect your website, especially when dealing with sensitive customer data like passwords or credit card numbers. What is an SSL certificate? How does it work? Here’s everything you need to know!
What is an SSL Certificate?
A secure Sockets Layer or SSL is a digital certificate that establishes a secure connection between a visitor’s browser and the website, ensuring that the data remains safe and private. The file comprises the website owner’s identity, public key, and other necessary information.
Why You Need an SSL Certificate
You need to purchase SSL certificate for your company to the website to gain the trust of your customers. With this certificate, your customers know that your site is legitimate and that their sensitive data will remain safe. SSL certificate also help keep your company and its customers safe from phishing attacks. A company needs an SSL certificate to ensure the safety of its customers, so their data, like logins, passwords, and credit card numbers, always remain safe. If you want to gain your customer’s trust, make sure t get an SSL certificate for your website. Customers will most likely trust websites where they know their data is secure.
Types of SSL Certificates
With differences in their validation levels, you have six different SSL certificate. Feel free to choose the one that best matches your needs. Here are the six main types of SSL certificates.
● Extended Validation Certificates (EV SSL)
● Wildcard SSL Certificate
● Organization Validation Certificates (OV SSL)
● Domain Validated Certificates (DV SSL)
● Multi-Domain SSL Certificates (MDC)
● Unified Communications Certificates (UCC)
How SSL Certificates Work
SSL Certificate secure the data between both ends by scrambling transit data so hackers can’t access it. Here is how SSL certificates work.
- A server or browser tries to connect with an SSL secure website.
- The web server is requested identification by the server or browser.
- The web server will then send a copy of the SSL certificate to the server or browser.
- The server/browser checks if the SSL certificate is trusted. It signals to the server if it is trusted.
- The web server returns a digitally signed acknowledgment to start the session.
- Finally, the browser/server and web server share the encrypted data.
While the process seems lengthy, you’ll be surprised to know it happens within milliseconds. This is commonly known by the name of “SSL handshake.”
The Verdict
SSL certificate are a genuine layer of protection for websites, ensuring safe data transfer between the customers and the website. We hope the information covered above helped you understand the working of SSL certificate and why there’s a need for one! If you want gain your customer’s trust, get an SSL certificate today.
