What is an SSL Certificate and How does it Work? (2024)

FAQs

What is an SSL Certificate and How does it Work? ›

An SSL certificate (or TLS certificate) is a digital certificate that binds a cryptographic key to your organization's details. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) are cryptographic protocols designed to encrypt communication between a server and a web browser.

SSL certificates are what enable websites to use HTTPS, which is more secure than HTTP. An SSL certificate is a data file hosted in a website's origin server. SSL certificates make SSL/TLS encryption possible, and they contain the website's public key and the website's identity, along with related information.

SSL: Secure Sockets Layer

SSL is standard technology for securing an internet connection by encrypting data sent between a website and a browser (or between two servers). It prevents hackers from seeing or stealing any information transferred, including personal or financial data.

SSL ensures the data that is transferred between a client and a server remains private. This protocol enables the client to authenticate the identity of the server. When your server has a digital certificate, SSL-enabled browsers can communicate securely with your server, using SSL.

Your website needs any SSL certificate If you're asking for any personal information. But that's not all there is to it. Search engines are cracking down on perceived 'non-secure' websites. Any websites without the SSL certificate will remain http while those with encryption will show https in users' browsers.

To run a successful business website, you need an SSL certificate to prevent traffic interruption. Even if you don't collect any information from your website visitors, your website requires an SSL certificate to prevent customers from getting a pop-up that indicates your website is unsecured.

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a security protocol that provides privacy, authentication, and integrity to Internet communications.

There are three types of SSL Certificate available today; Extended Validation (EV SSL), Organization Validated (OV SSL) and Domain Validated (DV SSL).

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Companies and organizations need to add SSL certificates to their websites to secure online transactions and keep customer information private and secure. In short: SSL keeps internet connections secure and prevents criminals from reading or modifying information transferred between two systems.

How does SSL work between two servers? ›

SSL comprises two separate protocols: The Handshake protocol authenticates the server (and optionally the client), negotiates crypto suites, and generates the shared key. The Record protocol isolates each connection and uses the shared key to secure communications for the remainder of the session.

Once your certificate expires, site visitors will encounter the "Your connection is not private" message. All further communication will be displayed in plaintext and therefore, will no longer be encrypted.

On average, a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate costs around $60/year. However, the price can vary from $8 to $1000/year, depending on various factors, such as the number of domains one can protect, the validation process, the warranty, or the certificate authority itself.

They can potentially inhibit your websites from performing at their optimal conditions. That's why investing in paid SSL certificates provides additional protection and a different level of security for eCommerce websites regardless of your size.