What are SSL Certificates?
SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificates assign a cryptographic key to your company's specific details, such as cssolutions.us, to secure your website when clients need to provide sensitive information, from completing forms to logging into their accounts.
When you install a free or paid SSL certificate on your hosting, your entire website URL changes from HTTP to HTTPS, with a green padlock icon appears in all web browsers. This visible indication assures your visitors that your site can be trusted. Having a certificate displayed on your site is akin to having reserved rights.
Moreover, search engines like Google now encourage website owners to install SSL certificates, as it can positively impact their web rankings.
How do SSL certificates function?
SSL certificates are data files used to establish a secure connection between your website and web server using public key cryptography.
Private key are stored in your hosting which is used to encrypt any data sent to your site. This message can only be decrypted using the public key contained in your certificate.
SSL certificates are created and issued by trusted Certificate Authorities (CAs). There are different types of certificates, depending on their validation levels. Now, let's explore some SSL certificate types in detail.
Secure Your Website Today with SSL Certificates
What are different types of SSL certificate available for website? SSL certificates come in different types, each with its own categorization while performing the same function of encrypting data. Let's take a look at the most popular SSL certificate types:
- Extended Validation (EV SSL Certificates): EV SSL certificates undergo a thorough screening process by the Certificate Authority (CA) to verify the right to use a specific domain name and validate company credibility. High-security programs recognize these certificates and activate enhanced browser interface security measures.
- Organization Validated (OV SSL Certificates): OV SSL certificates, like EV certificates, encrypt sensitive data during transactions and vouch for business authenticity. They require site owners to complete a rigorous approval process conducted by a Certification Authority.
- Domain Validated (DV SSL Certificates): DV SSL certificates validate the right to use a specific domain name. While they encrypt data, they do not provide information about the organization behind the website. DV SSL certificates are quickly issued without the need for extensive paperwork, making them ideal for cost-effective SSL solutions.
- Wildcard SSL Certificates: Wildcard SSL certificates, available in both OV and DV types, secure a base domain and unlimited subdomains. Buying a wildcard certificate is more economical than purchasing multiple single-domain certificates. These certificates include an asterisk in their common name, allowing them to be used for any valid subdomain associated with the base domain.
Additionally, there are multi-domain and unified communications certificates that offer an added layer of security. Search engines like Google crawl websites, and having an SSL certificate can actually improve your rankings.
To improve the security layer of your website, it's important to choose the right SSL certificate. Knowing the different types of SSL certificates can help making an informed decision.
What Happens If You Don't Have an SSL Certificate?
Having no SSL (Secure Socket Layer) on your website, user end up seeing Warning Sign "Site Not Secure". Beside that, there are several consequences to consider such as:
- Lack of encryption:
- Increased risk of data breaches:
- Loss of user trust:
- Negative impact on SEO:
- Compliance and regulatory issues:
In summary, not using SSL can leave your website and users vulnerable to data breaches, damage your reputation, and lead to negative impacts on search engine rankings and compliance with regulations. Implementing SSL is essential for securing data transmission and maintaining trust with your users.
If you need a new web design and development service or require installation of a custom SSL certificate for existing websites, contact us. CS Solutions' website developers can recommend and install either FREE or Paid SSL certificates based on your business requirements and hosting provider. Get in touch with us today.