What is an SSL Certificate?
An SSL certificate is a digital certificate that certifies the identity of a website and enables encrypted communication. SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer, a security protocol that creates an encrypted link between a web server and a web browser.
Businesses and organizations need to add SSL certificates to their websites to secure online transactions and keep customer information private and secure.
In short: SSL keeps Internet connections secure and prevents criminals from reading or modifying information transferred between two systems. When you see a padlock icon next to a URL in the address bar, SSL is protecting the website you're visiting.
Since its inception about 25 years ago, there have been several versions of the SSL protocol, all of which at some point have experienced security issues. This was followed by a revamped and then renamed version - TLS (Transport Layer Security), which is still in use today. However, the initials of SSL are still there, so the new version of the protocol is still usually called by the old name.
Why do you need an SSL CERTIFICATE?
Websites need SSL certificates to keep user data secure, verify website ownership, and prevent attackers from creating a fake version of the site and pass on trust to users.
If a website asks users to sign in, enter personal details such as their credit card numbers, or view confidential information such as health benefits or financial information, it is important to keep the data confidential. SSL certificates help keep online interactions private and assure users that a website is reliable and secure to share private information with.
Most importantly for businesses, however, is that an SSL certificate is required for an HTTPS web address. HTTPS is the secure form of HTTP, which means that HTTPS sites encrypt their traffic with SSL. Most browsers mark HTTP sites - those without SSL certificates - as "not secure." This sends a clear signal to users that the site may not be trustworthy - prompting companies that haven't already to migrate to HTTPS.
An SSL certificate helps secure information such as:
1- Login credentials
2- Credit card transactions or bank account information
3- Personally identifiable information — such as your full name, address, date of birth, or phone number
4- Legal documents and contracts
5- Medical records
6- Private Information