SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer and is a cyber security protocol that digitally encrypts data sent from a browser on a server. SSL certificates can be used for security purposes. Protect sensitive information Credit card numbers, usernames and passwords, as well as email addresses, are all protected by SSL certificates. To identify SSL certificates, you can simply look for familiar trust indicators such as “https”, a padlock icon to the left of the browser bar. Many websites also add a site seal issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA) and a green strip that wraps around the URL for premium certificates.

The validity of SSL certificates can range from anywhere between 1-2 years depending on which certificate you purchase. The Certificate Authority/Browser Forum (CA/B Forum), the governing body for the SSL industry, states that EV certificates cannot be issued for more than 2 years. RapidSSL and Comodo/Sectigo can issue DV and OV certificates for up to 2 years.

For Domain Validated (DV), certificates you don’t need to present additional documents. You will only need to confirm ownership of the domain you want to secure with an email or a file-based authentication.

An SSL certificate is required for a website to protect user data, verify owner, gain trust, and prevent attackers from creating a fake site.

Encryption SSL/TLS encryption can be achieved because SSL certificates allow for the public-private key pairing. A users web browser gets the public key needed to open a TLS link from a server’s SSL Certificate.

Authentication: SSL certificates prove that the client is speaking to the right server for the domain. This prevents domain piracy along with other types of attacks like spoofing.

HTTPS an SSL certificate is essential for any HTTPS website address. HTTPS stands for secure HTTP. HTTPS websites use SSL/TLS to encrypt their traffic.

HTTPS not only secures user data during transit but also makes websites more trustworthy from the user’s point of view. Although most users don’t notice the difference between http:// and https:// addresses, many browsers are now marking HTTP sites as “not secured” in more visible ways to encourage people to switch to the more secured HTTPS version.

SSL certificates can be used for:

• The domain in which the certificate was purchased for
• The details for the person, organization, and device delivered to
• The name of the certificate authority that delivered it
• Digital signature of the certificate authority
• Subdomains associated with the given domain
• Date of SSL delivery
• Certificate expiration date
• The public key (the secret private key).

The public and private keys for SSL are basically long strings of characters that can be used to encrypt and decrypt data. Data encrypted using the public key cannot be decrypted using the private key and vice versa.

Absolutely everyone who needs a website! SSL certificates serve a greater purpose than just protecting credit card numbers. Online users are at risk due to the alarming rate of fake websites. Plus, security-savvy users expect more security before sharing any personal information on websites. No wonder website owners need to invest in the best SSL certificate for their business. These are just a few examples of what SSL certificates for website owners.

• Online transactions details
• Login to your account and web forms
• E-mails, web applications like Outlook
• File transfers via https and FTP
• Information sent over mobile devices
• Communication via cloud-based platforms

A CSR is short for Certificate Signing Request. It is required for all SSL certificates to be created. Your server generates a CSR.

CSR formal request refers to a string of text generated by your server. It is crucial to know what type of software you are running at this point. Ask your hosting provider which type of server software you are using if you are unsure. For more information, please refer to the official documentation for your operating system, control panel, or server. You can find most documentation online by doing a Google search.