What is SSL?
SSL (Secure Socket Layer) is a protocol that establishes a secure and encrypted connection between your server and website visitors.
The encrypted communication channel created by SSL is essential for protecting user data, such as login credentials and banking information, preventing sensitive data from being leaked to unauthorized parties.
How can you tell if a website uses SSL?
Websites that handle personal data, like social platforms (e.g., Facebook), online banks, and e-commerce stores, generally use encryption to protect user information. SSL is commonly used for the secure transmission of data.
The most obvious sign of SSL use is found in the website’s URL. If the address starts with “https://” instead of “http://”, it indicates the website is using SSL, ensuring that the data transferred between your computer and the server is encrypted and secure.
The presence of “https” confirms that the website uses a reliable SSL connection, protecting user data from unauthorized access.
How SSL works
When a user visits an SSL-secured website, their browser automatically sends a request to the server to establish a secure connection. The server responds by sending an encryption key to the browser, which is then used to encrypt the data.
SSL certificates
SSL certificates are digital documents that verify the authenticity of a website. They are issued by trusted Certificate Authorities (CAs), ensuring that the website owner has been verified and is trustworthy.
Benefits of SSL
Security
The main advantage of SSL is security. Thanks to encryption, data cannot be easily stolen or altered during transmission.
Trustworthiness
SSL certificates enhance a website’s trustworthiness by verifying that the website owner has gone through a validation process.
SEO and visitor Trust
Search engines like Google prioritize websites protected by SSL, which slightly improves a site’s SEO performance.
How can a website get an SSL certificate?
Any website can obtain an SSL certificate, which is essential for ensuring a secure online presence. The first step is to contact the hosting provider.
It’s important to note that SSL certificates have expiration dates and need to be regularly renewed, typically every 1-2 years.