A Beginner’s Guide To SSL Certificates: Why Your Website Needs One

 

With growing concerns of data privacy and increasing sophistication of cyber threats, robust security is no longer an option. An SSL certificate which stands for Secure Socket Layer—functions as a digital handshake, encrypting sensitive data between web servers and browsers. Most websites collect user data through contact forms, newsletter subscriptions, or online promotions. If your website handles online transactions, securing your clients’ financial details and personal information is crucial. This is where an SSL certificate comes into the picture.

 

An SSL certificate is not only for eCommerce websites—any website can benefit from its added layer of security. Beyond safeguarding data, the cheapest SSL certificate protects client’s data while enhancing the website’s search engine rankings and credibility. In this article, we will discuss different aspects of SSL certificates—-from their importance to their key benefits.

When you install an SSL certificate—for instance, with the .in domain offer—your website will use HTTPS rather than HTTP. Additionally, a padlock sign will appear before your website address in the browser, indicating a secure connection.

 

What is an SSL Certificate?

The concept of SSL certificates was coined and established by Netscape Communications in 1994. It is a transparent protocol that creates secure internet connections without necessarily needing end-user involvement. Through encryption, the certificate can secure confidential data, such as credit card details, and other information vulnerable to interception.

Moreover, TLS (Transport Layer Security), the successor to SSL, offers enhanced encryption and security. Both technologies employ digital certificates to verify that the website visitors are accessing an authentic.

 

How Does SSL Secure Data?

The core of the certificate consists of an asymmetric encryption, which requires communicating entities (web servers and browsers) to generate private and public key pairs. Think of encryption as a lock on a door—anyone can come and even try to open it with their key, but only the appropriate encryption key can open the lock. In this analogy, the public keys act as the lock, as they are visible and available to everyone, while the private key is used to securely decrypt the data.

Additionally, the SSL certificate has another crucial element: the certificate authority (CA). A CA is a trusted entity that issues the certificate and confirms the authenticity of those requesting it.

 

The Benefits of SSL

 

1. Security

The fundamental purpose of an SSL certificate is to offer end-to-end internet encryption, ensuring that only intended recipients can access the data. With cyberattacks occurring daily, website owners need SSL certificates to protect their confidential data from security breaches. You may be terrified to know that in 2022, data breaches compromised around 15 million records worldwide.

Prominent web hosting providers like MilesWeb offer free SSL certificates that encrypt data, preventing invaders from accessing, reading, or decoding it. Essentially, encryption means that raw data is converted into encrypted data that even the most advanced software cannot decipher.

 

2. Search Engine Optimization

 

Generally, every business owner’s goal is to have their website rank on top of the SERPs. However, gaining visibility in search engines can be complex, as search engines have set a new precedent.

Attaining the most rewarding search engine rankings will need significant capital, which might be unfeasible for newbies with financial constraints. However, there is a cost-effective way to gain search engine rankings—through HTTPS. Since 2015, Google has prioritized HTTPS over non-HTTPS websites, offering websites with SSL certificates a competitive edge.

 

3. Confirm your Brand Identity

 

Establishing your brand’s identity can enhance customer trust. Validating an authentic website is another significant function of an SSL certificate. Before issuing one, a Certificate Authority (CA) verifies your credibility with the verification process based on the type of SSL requested. The CA will embed your organization’s details in the certificate. Enabling smart website users to review the information and ensure it matches the website before they browse.

 

4. Fulfill PCI/DSS requirements

 

Any website that accepts payments should comply with PCI/DSS guidelines. Deploying an SSL certificate on your website is among the twelve primary needs for PCI compliance legislated by the payment card industry.

 

 

Types of SSL Certificates

 

While all the SSL certificates fulfil the same purpose, they are designed for various purposes. They can be classified depending on the validation level and variations.

 

SSL Types Depending on Validation Levels

 

1. Domain Validation (DV)

 

DV SSL offers the simplest, most efficient, and cost-effective way to initiate HTTPS encryption on websites. A website owner only needs to prove domain ownership to get the certificate. For that reason, DV certificates can be issued within minutes.

 

2. Organization Validation (OV)

 

OV certificates surpass DV certificates in terms of validation and security. The Certificate Authority authenticates the business’s identity and legitimacy before issuing the certificate. The validation process is slightly more vigorous than DV, so OV certificates can only be issued to organizations, not individuals. Consequently, OV certificates are suitable for public-facing websites.

 

3. Extended Validation Certificates

 

EV certificates offer the highest level of trust, making them ideal for eCommerce websites that collect confidential information and perform online transactions. To receive an EV certificate, a company should meet the needs of OV certificates and go through a more rigorous validation process overseen by an expert. Due to this strict validation, EV certificates take the longest to be issued.

 

Types Based on Variation

 

SSL certificates are also classified depending on the domains and subdomains they cover.

 

1. Single Domain Certificates

 

The single domain is exactly what its name indicates. It covers only one domain. So if a business owner has four domains, they need to get four single-domain certificates.

 

2. Wildcard SSL Certificates

 

Wildcard SSL certificates are among the most affordable and versatile certificates available. They cover both the primary domain and all its subdomains.

 

3. Multi-domain SSL Certificate

 

Also known as Subject Alternative Name (SAN) certificates, multi-domain certificates cover multiple domains under a single certificate. It also protects up to 250 domains during its life cycle.

 

Conclusion

 

You need proper cybersecurity to survive in the modern age, where data breaches and relentless hackers are out for valuable and sensitive data. To achieve this, your website should have an SSL certificate. Additionally, apart from providing an additional layer of security against malicious intent, SSL is crucial for strengthening your website’s SEO performance.

Secure websites have a better chance of ranking higher in the search engine results. MilesWeb offers a comprehensive range of SSL certificates, offering an additional layer of defense against data interception. However, additional security measures are decisive to ensure complete protection.