What is an SSL Certificate?
SSL Certificates are short data files that digitally connect a cryptographic key to an organisation’s details. It enables the padlock and the https protocol when installed on a web server, allowing secure communications from a web server to a browser. SSL is typically used to protect credit card transactions, data transfers, and logins, and it is increasingly being used to secure social media site viewing. SSL certificates are used to connect:
- A hostname, domain name, or server name
- A corporate identity (business name) and a physical place
To begin a secure session with browsers, an organisation must install the SSL certificate on its web server. All web traffic between the web server and the web browser will be secure once a safe connection is established. When a certificate is successfully installed on your server, the application protocol (HTTP) will be changed to HTTPS, where the ‘S’ stands for ‘secure’. When looking into SEO in Adelaide, you should ensure your website is secure and functioning as it should. If you don’t have certain structures in place, this can affect your position in the rankings dramatically.
What is the Purpose of an SSL Certificate?
SSL certificates safeguard sensitive information such as credit card numbers, usernames, and passwords. They also include:
- Maintain data security between servers
- Improve your Google ranking
- Increase client trust and conversion rates
How to Get an SSL Certificate for Your Website
Considering the significance of user trust in online browsing, it becomes crucial for your website to have an SSL certificate. Obtaining an SSL certificate gives your customers a sense of security and confidence while browsing your website. Understandably, acquiring an SSL certificate may seem like an additional task, but it plays a vital role in building customer trust. When visitors trust that your website is legitimate and secure, they are more likely to engage in transactions, make purchases, and convert into leads. Therefore, investing the effort to establish a secure browsing environment through an SSL certificate is essential for fostering positive customer experiences and driving desired outcomes for your business.
Obtaining an SSL certificate for your website involves a few steps. First, you need to determine the type and number of certificates required. The type of certificate depends on the desired security level and the complexity of your website, while the number of certificates depends on the number of domains you have (usually one certificate per domain).
For most business owners, a standard SSL certificate will suffice. However, you’ll need various SSL certificates if you have multiple product lines with separate domains and subdomains. It’s also important to note that certain industries, like finance or insurance, may have specific requirements for SSL certifications. Therefore, it’s essential to research and understand the exact type of certificate needed for your industry.
Where Can I Purchase an SSL Certificate?
SSL certificates must be issued by a reputable Certificate Authority (CA). Trusted CA root certificate lists are maintained by browsers, operating systems, and mobile devices. The root certificate must be present on the end user’s machine for the certificate to be trusted. The browser will show the end user untrustworthy error messages if it is not authorised. In the case of e-commerce, such error warnings result in an immediate loss of trust in the website, and organisations risk losing consumer trust and business. Trusted certificate authorities include companies like GlobalSign. This is because browser and operating system makers such as Microsoft, Mozilla, Opera, Blackberry, Java, and others believe GlobalSign is a valid certificate authority.
What Are the Prices of SSL Certificates?
If you’re a startup with few resources, sites like Let’s Encrypt can provide you with a free SSL certificate. However, there is one caveat: these certificates have a relatively short lifespan and expire every 90 days. If you obtain a certificate from Let’s Encrypt, keep track of the expiration date so you can renew it as needed. Otherwise, SSL certificates range in price from $50 (for a single site) to several hundred dollars (for numerous domains). The normal certificate is valid for one to two years. However, longer-term certifications are available (though they are naturally more expensive).
Conclusion
In an era where data breaches and cyberattacks are prevalent, online browsing can evoke concerns regarding the security of personal information. To safeguard users from such threats, protective measures have been implemented. One crucial defence mechanism is the utilisation of Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificates. These certificates safeguard, ensuring that the communication between a user’s browser and a website remains encrypted and secure.
