Introduction:

When it comes to the need to create a website in the modern world, it is necessary to mention the need for web security. Starting from an online store to a blog it has become a necessity for every website to protect the personal details of the visitors. This is partly eased by the use of SSL certificates as we are about to find out.

There are several SSL certificate benefits that we can’t count. An SSL is not only used to encrypt the data transmitted between your site and the user but also brings up the credibility level and ranking on search engine sites. With the evolution of this digital world, the importance of SSL certificates has increased rapidly.

In this article, we are going to discover “What is SSL certificate technically?”, realize its numerous advantages, and understand why it can be a crucial factor in your website’s performance.

What is SSL Certificate?

SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. An SSL certificate is a digital certificate that authenticates a website’s identity and establishes an encrypted connection between a web server and a browser.

An SSL certificate itself is one of the main requirements that define whether a particular site is secure or not. This is shown by the padlock icon displayed at the end of the browser and the change of the URL from the beginning with HPPT to the end with HTTPS.

An SSL certificate ensures that users can safely input their password, credit card pins, personal details, and any other sensitive information since all details sent between their browser and the server will be encrypted.

SSL technology has been around for over 25 years, though earlier versions faced some security challenges. To improve it, a newer version called TLS (Transport Layer Security) was introduced and is now the standard. Despite the change, most people still refer to it as SSL.

In other words, an SSL certificate serves as a powerful digital bodyguard for everyone’s online presence. It ensures that communication to and from your website is as secure as can be. As all of you are well aware of today’s world facing ‘cybercrime through the roof.’  This is an answer to why SSL is important for e-commerce as SSL certificates are an important consideration in not only the security and integrity of sites but also the users.

Types of SSL certificate

There are six main types of SSL certificate online security, like

• Extended Validation Certificates (EV SSL)
• Organization Validated Certificates (OV SSL)
• Domain Validated Certificates (DV SSL)
• Wildcard SSL Certificates
• Multi-Domain SSL Certificates (MDC)
• Unified Communications Certificates (UCC)

1. Extended Validation Certificates (EV SSL) 

It provides the highest level of security. They are ideal for websites that handle sensitive data and online payments. EV SSL certificates display a padlock, “HTTPS,” the business name, and the country in the browser’s address bar. This helps users identify trustworthy sites. Obtaining an EV SSL requires a strict verification process. That’s why SSL is important for e-commerce.

2. Organization Validated Certificates (OV SSL) 

It offers a good level of assurance. They also display the owner’s information in the address bar. OV SSL certificates are essential for businesses that need to encrypt sensitive user information during transactions.

3. Domain Validated Certificates (DV SSL) 

DV SSL is the quickest and easiest to obtain. They require minimal validation. DV SSL certificates are suitable for blogs or informational sites. They show only “HTTPS” and a padlock in the browser, without the business name.

4.Wildcard SSL Certificates 

These certificates are cost-effective for securing a main domain and unlimited subdomains under that domain. A Wildcard can secure multiple sub-domains.

5. Multi-Domain SSL Certificates (MDC) 

These certificates secure multiple unique domains and subdomains. These can include domains with different endings. However, they don’t automatically cover sub-domains. You need to specify them when obtaining the certificate.

6. Unified Communications Certificates (UCC) 

UCC allows multiple domain names to be secured with one certificate. UCC certificates can serve as EV SSL certificates. They provide users with the highest level of assurance through a green address bar.

How does it work? 

When a user visits an SSL secured site, this is what happens:

• The browser attempts to connect to the server hosting the web site.
• The server sends the certificate to the browser.
• The browser checks whether the given certificate is issued by a trusted Certificate Authority.
• Once validated, an encrypted connection is established between the browser and the server with the help of a session key.

This process ensures that any data sent between the browser and the server is encrypted. This makes it very difficult for hackers to intercept or change the information. That’s why the importance of SSL certificate is increasing rapidly.

What Are the Benefits of SSL?

SSL certificate benefits include:

Enhanced Security

The primary advantage of using SSL is the privacy of your website data. This SSL certificate security benefits in protecting sensitive information such as payment information as it ensures that data being exchanged between the users and the Website is safe from hackers. 

SSL certificate online security is especially important for websites that accept user data, for instance, online stores. Thus, SSL for data protection is essential for safeguarding your users.

Trust and Credibility

Another SSL certificate security benefits are that they enhance credibility and build trust among your users. Websites with SSL certificate convey security to visitors, fostering user trust. The padlock icon and HTTPS in the URL assure visitors that their data is safe, which can lead to higher conversion rates, especially vital for online stores. This trust is why SSL certificate for websites is critical for building credibility.

Improved Performance

If you’re wondering why SSL is important for your website?  Modern SSL certificates support the latest protocols, such as HTTP/2, which can enhance website performance and loading times. 

An effective SSL certificate for website not only improves the overall user experience but also maintains security. It shows the advantages of SSL certificates beyond just protection.

Compatibility Across Platforms

SSL certificates are compatible with all browsers, devices, and platforms.  But how SSL certificate works, wait we’ll justify. An SSL certificate works by creating a secure connection between a website and your browser, keeping your data safe while it’s being sent.

Understanding how SSL certificate works helps ensure that your website is secure across all user platforms.

Benefits of HTTPS with SSL

The greatest benefit in all advantages of SSL certificate is utilizing HTTPS alongside SSL. It  not only secures data but also enhances the overall credibility of your website. This dual benefit showcases the importance of both technologies in creating a secure online environment.

The benefits of HTTPS with SSL are that it keeps your data safe, helps your website rank better on search engines, builds trust with users, and makes your site load faster.

Boost in SEO

Google specifically loves websites with SSL certificates, and most search engines will rank them higher. This means that acquiring an SSL certificate can go a long way in promoting the site and boosting organic traffic. Google considers SSL certificate SEO benefits a ranking factor, making it important for your site’s performance in search results.

In other words, the SSL certificate SEO benefits include better search engine rankings, more trust from users, and a faster website.

Compliance with Regulations

Those Rules including GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS demand the protection of user’s information. An SSL certificate assists in meeting such regulations with ease and protects your users, as well as your business from legal consequences of data exposure. Knowing why SSL is important also involves understanding these regulatory aspects.

Phishing attacks prevention

One of the benefits of deploying SSL certificates is that the users are likely to avoid being conned since the website is security vetted. This is a key benefit of SSL for data protection. 

There are various higher validation SSL types like the Extended Validation (EV) SSL which provides your business details that one can verify simplifying the entire process of trusting a site. This is crucial in understanding what is SSL in website security 

Conclusion: 

In summary, to answer what is SSL certificate, it is not just a technical requirement but a vital component of a secure online presence. It enhances security, builds trust, improves SEO rankings, and ensures compliance with regulatory standards. These are some SSL certificate benefits.

As cyber threats continue to rise, implementing SSL is crucial for any website owner. By prioritizing SSL certification, you can protect your visitors and enhance your website’s credibility and performance. It increases the importance of SSL certificate for your website. 

If you’re looking to strengthen your online security, consider leveraging services from Siznam to implement SSL effectively and securely. At Siznam, you can enjoy the favorable benefits of SSL.