What is SSL certificate? how to get an SSL certificate?
In a world where data security is a paramount concern, SSL certificates play a crucial role in ensuring that the internet is a secure environment for users and businesses. SSL certificates are the backbone of our secure internet, protecting sensitive information as it travels across the world's computer networks.
- What is an SSL Certificate?
- Checking SSL Certificate: HTTP & HTTPS Protocols?
- How to Get an SSL Certificate?
- Conclusion
- FAQs
What is an SSL Certificate?
SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer, a global standard security technology that enables encrypted communication between a web browser and a web server. It is employed by millions of online businesses and individuals to decrease the risk of sensitive information (e.g., credit card numbers, usernames, passwords, emails, etc.) from being stolen or tampered with by hackers and identity thieves.
An SSL certificate is a type of digital certificate that provides authentication for a website and enables an encrypted connection. These certificates communicate to the client that the web service host demonstrated ownership of the domain to the certificate authority at the time of certificate issuance. This authentication process is much like sealing a letter in an envelope before sending it through the mail.
Checking SSL Certificate: HTTP & HTTPS Protocols?
To check if you have an SSL certificate or not, you need to observe your browser's address bar.
If your website starts with 'https://', it means you have an SSL certificate, where 's' stands for 'secure'.
On the other hand, if your website starts with 'http://', it indicates that your website is not secured by an SSL certificate.
Moreover, many modern browsers also display a padlock icon before the address if the website is secured with SSL. If you click on this padlock, you can view more details about the SSL certificate. Therefore, by checking the protocol in your browser (HTTP or HTTPS), you can easily determine whether your website has an SSL certificate or not.
How to Get an SSL Certificate?
Obtaining an SSL certificate involves a series of steps which are outlined below:
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Choose the Type of SSL Certificate You Need: There are three types of SSL certificates - Domain Validation (DV), Organization Validation (OV), and Extended Validation (EV). DV is the most basic level of SSL, and only validates domain ownership. OV and EV offer a higher level of security and require additional validation.
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Purchase an SSL Certificate: SSL certificates are issued by Certificate Authorities (CAs). These are trusted entities that verify the identity of websites and issue SSL certificates for them. You can purchase an SSL certificate directly from a CA, or through a third-party reseller.
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Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR): The CSR is a block of encoded text that is given to a CA when applying for an SSL Certificate. It is usually generated on the server where the certificate will be installed and contains information that will be included in the certificate such as the organization name, common name (domain name), locality, and country.
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Apply for the SSL Certificate: Submit the CSR and other necessary information to the Certificate Authority. The CA will then go through a validation process to verify your submitted information.
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Install the SSL Certificate: Once the SSL Certificate is issued, it can be installed on the server. The process for this will vary depending on your hosting provider. Some web hosting providers offer free SSL installation, so make sure to check with them.
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Update Your Website to Use HTTPS: After the SSL certificate is installed, you need to update your website to use HTTPS, instead of HTTP. This usually involves changing the settings in your website platform - like WordPress, Shopify, or another CMS.
Conclusion
In conclusion, SSL certificates are an essential component of internet security. They provide a layer of trust and security, making the internet a safer place for transactions and communication. Obtaining an SSL certificate may seem like a daunting process, but it's actually straightforward when you break it down into steps.
FAQs
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What is an SSL Certificate?
An SSL Certificate is a digital certificate that authenticates a website's identity and enables an encrypted connection. -
Why do I need an SSL Certificate?
SSL Certificates protect your sensitive information such as credit card information, usernames, passwords etc. It also:
- Keeps data secure between servers
- Increases your Google Rankings
- Enhances customer trust
- Improves conversion rates
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How do I get an SSL Certificate?
You can get an SSL certificate by purchasing one from a Certificate Authority (CA), generating a Certificate Signing Request (CSR), applying for the certificate, and then installing it on your server. -
What are the different types of SSL Certificates?
There are three types of SSL Certificates: Domain Validation (DV), Organization Validation (OV), and Extended Validation (EV). They offer varying levels of validation. -
How much does an SSL Certificate cost?
The cost of an SSL certificate can vary greatly depending on the type of certificate and where you purchase it from. Some certificates can be obtained for free, while others can cost hundreds of dollars per year.