Security
SSL/TLS Certificate
A digital certificate that encrypts data between a website and its visitors, indicated by the padlock icon and HTTPS.
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) are cryptographic protocols that provide secure communication over a computer network. TLS is the successor to SSL, though people often use “SSL” to refer to both.
What SSL/TLS Certificates Do
An SSL/TLS certificate:
- Encrypts data transmitted between users and your website
- Authenticates that your website is legitimate
- Enables HTTPS (the secure version of HTTP)
- Displays the padlock icon in browsers
Why SSL/TLS Matters
- Security: Protects sensitive data like passwords and credit cards
- Trust: Users expect to see the padlock icon
- SEO: Google uses HTTPS as a ranking signal
- Compliance: Required for PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and other standards
- Browser warnings: Chrome marks HTTP sites as “Not Secure”
Types of SSL Certificates
Domain Validated (DV)
- Basic encryption
- Verifies domain ownership only
- Issued in minutes
- Suitable for blogs and simple sites
Organization Validated (OV)
- Verifies organization identity
- Takes 1-3 days to issue
- Shows organization name in certificate details
Extended Validation (EV)
- Highest level of validation
- Rigorous verification process
- Previously showed green bar (now just padlock)
- Best for banks and large e-commerce
Getting an SSL Certificate
- Free: Let’s Encrypt (automated, 90-day renewal)
- Included: Many hosts include SSL with hosting
- Purchased: From certificate authorities like DigiCert, Sectigo
For most websites, a free Let’s Encrypt certificate provides adequate security.
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