An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a digital certificate that provides authentication for a website and enables an encrypted connection. It’s a security protocol that creates a secure link between a web server and a browser, ensuring that all data passed between them remains private.
More About SSL Certificates
Encryption: SSL certificates encrypt the data transmitted between the user’s browser and the web server, protecting sensitive information like login credentials, credit card information, and personal data.
Authentication and Trust: It also authenticates the identity of a website, assuring visitors that they are visiting a legitimate site. This is particularly important for e-commerce websites.
Types of Certificates: Includes various types such as Domain Validated (DV), Organization Validated (OV), and Extended Validation (EV) certificates, each offering different levels of validation.
Free vs Paid SSL Certificate: Which One to Choose?
Impact on SEO and User Trust: Websites with SSL certificates are favored by search engines like Google, potentially improving search rankings. They also display security indicators, such as a padlock icon in the address bar, enhancing user trust.
SSL certificates are now considered a standard security measure for all websites, especially after web browsers started marking unencrypted websites as “not secure.” They play a crucial role in maintaining the security and integrity of online transactions and communications.