Key takeaways:
- An SSL certificate protects your website by establishing an encrypted connection between your web server and visitors, keeping sensitive data such as login credentials and payment details secure.
- SSL certificates help prove your website’s identity through a trusted certificate authority, which builds customer confidence and enables secure online transactions.
- Without a valid SSL certificate, your site may show security warnings, lose visitor trust, and even affect your ability to run secure transactions or rank in search results.
Managing a website comes with real responsibility, especially when it comes to protecting customer data; getting an SSL certificate is one of the many steps in doing so. But what is an SSL certificate, and how does it work? Without one, your website can appear unsafe, trigger browser warnings, and drive potential customers away before they even engage.
An SSL certificate establishes an encrypted connection between your website and your visitors. It also verifies your website’s identity, so people know they’re sharing information with the right business, not a malicious copy.
In this guide, we’ll break down what an SSL certificate is, how SSL certificates work, and why having one is essential if you want to keep your site secure, build trust, and support your business online.
What is an SSL certificate?
An SSL certificate performs two key functions. First, it verifies your site’s identity, like an online business ID. This tells visitors that your website is legitimate and can be trusted.
Second, it secures the connection between your website and visitors by creating an encrypted connection. This protects sensitive data by making it unreadable to anyone trying to intercept it.
Behind the scenes, SSL certificates are issued and validated through a public key infrastructure (PKI). This system relies on a trusted certificate authority to confirm your website’s identity and manage the encryption keys that keep data secure.
What is SSL?
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a security protocol that establishes an encrypted connection between a web server and a browser. Today, SSL has been replaced by the newer, more secure protocol called Transport Layer Security (TLS).
Even though TLS is now the standard, the term “SSL” is still widely used. In practice, when people refer to SSL/TLS or an SSL certificate, they’re usually talking about a TLS certificate that secures data transmitted between a website and its visitors.
How does an SSL certificate work
It all comes down to the SSL handshake, a quick, automated conversation between your visitor’s web browser and your website’s server.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the steps:
- Request: When a visitor types your website’s address, their browser requests a certificate from your server.
- Handshake: Your server responds by providing the SSL/digital certificate to the browser. The browser then checks for validity and whether it is issued by a trusted Certificate Authority.
- Creating the key: Once the browser verifies the certificate, it and the server create and share a unique encryption key. The server then uses its private key to decrypt the secure data.
- Secure session proceeds: With the keys in place, the browser and server can now communicate securely. All data exchanged is encrypted and remains unreadable to anyone else.
Troubleshooting tip: Even properly installed SSL certificates can cause errors such as ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR, which are often due to misconfigurations. If you encounter it, you can clear your browser cache, then run Qualys’ free SSL Server Test to determine what’s causing the error.
What are the key principles of SSL and TLS?
SSL and TLS work behind the scenes to keep your website secure, but their core principles are straightforward. These basics explain how your site protects data and proves its identity to visitors.
- Encryption (public and private keys): SSL/TLS uses public and private keys to encrypt connections. This process generates an encryption key that keeps data private as it moves between your website and your visitors.
- Authentication: Authentication confirms that your website is legitimate. A certificate authority verifies your identity so users know they’re connecting to the right site, not an impersonator.
- Digital signature: Each SSL certificate includes a certificate authority’s digital signature. This signature allows browsers to verify that the certificate is valid and hasn’t been altered.
What is a self-signed SSL certificate?
A self-signed SSL certificate is a type of SSL certificate issued by the website owner rather than a certificate authority. Unlike standard certificates, it does not come from a trusted third party that verifies your website’s identity.
Because of this, browsers cannot automatically trust it. When a browser verifies a self-signed SSL certificate, it typically shows a warning message to visitors since there’s no external validation confirming the site is legitimate.
Self-signed certificates are usually created directly on a server for testing or internal use. While they can still create an encrypted connection, they are not recommended for public business websites where trust and credibility matter.
How can you tell if a website has SSL?
Identifying if a website has an SSL certificate is easy and takes a few moments; you only need to look for the following visual cues:
- The padlock icon: A padlock icon to the left of a page URL indicates that the page uses an SSL certificate. This is a universal sign of trust for small business owners.
- HTTPS in the URL: A secure website’s address begins with https://rather than the older, unsecured http://. HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure and indicates that the connection is encrypted.
- Certificate details: You can get more information by clicking on the padlock icon. This will open a window showing the certificate’s details, including the recipient’s name and the Certificate Authority (CA) that verified it.
The CA’s digital signature confirms the certificate’s authenticity; you can check the issue and expiry dates to ensure it’s still valid. Finally, the details will show the public key used for securing the connection, while the private key is kept secret on the server.
What are the different types of SSL certificates?
SSL certificates vary based on the level of validation they provide and the number of domains they can secure. Choosing the right type depends on your website’s needs, level of trust required, and structure.
Here’s a quick comparison of the most common SSL certificate types:
SSL type | Validation level | Best for |
|---|---|---|
Domain validated certificates (DV) | Basic | Blogs, personal sites, and informational websites |
Organization validated certificates (OV) | Moderate | Small to mid-sized businesses that want verified identity |
Extended validation certificates (EV) | Highest | E-commerce sites, financial services, and businesses handling sensitive data |
Wildcard SSL certificates | Varies (DV or OV) | Websites with multiple subdomains (e.g., blog, shop, support) |
Multi-domain certificate (MDC) | Varies (DV or OV) | Businesses managing multiple domain names under one certificate |
Unified communications certificates (UCC) | Varies (DV or OV) | Organizations running services like email or apps across multiple domains |
Domain Validated Certificates (DV)
The most basic and common type of SSL certificate. To get one, the Certificate Authority simply verifies that you own the domain name. This process is quick and affordable, providing the necessary encryption to secure your site.
It’s a great choice for blogs, personal websites, and small informational sites.
Organization Validated Certificates (OV)
An OV certificate requires a higher level of vetting, where the Certificate Authority verifies domain ownership and authenticates your organization’s details. This includes confirming your business name, physical address, and other information that visitors see when viewing the certificate details.
OVs have more trust factor than DV certificates and are more appropriate for businesses and organizations.
Extended Validation Certificates (EV)
EV certificates provide the highest level of security and trust. Their validation is the most rigorous, involving a comprehensive check of your business’s legal and physical existence.
When users visit an EV-secured site, they’ll see your verified company name displayed prominently in the browser interface. This is the standard for major e-commerce sites and large corporations, as it provides maximum credibility and customer assurance.
Wildcard SSL Certificates
A Wildcard SSL certificate is a single certificate that can secure one main domain and an unlimited number of subdomains. For example, a single wildcard certificate for yourdomain.com would secure blog.yourdomain.com, shop.yourdomain.com, and any other subdomain.
Multi-Domain SSL Certificates (MDC)
Also known as a Subject Alternative Name (SAN) certificate, a Multi-Domain SSL certificate can secure multiple, unique domain names with a single certificate. It suits businesses that manage several different websites or a mix of top-level domains.
Find the perfect domain
Ready to register a domain name? Check domain availability and get started with Network Solutions today.
Unified Communications Certificates (UCC)
A type of Multi-Domain certificate, UCCs are designed by security experts to secure multiple domain names on Microsoft Exchange and Office Communications servers. Like MDCs, they can secure various domains, including a primary domain and multiple SANs. This makes them a popular choice for securing unified communication platforms.
For most small business owners, an Organization Validation (OV) certificate is a strong choice because it confirms your business identity without the higher cost of advanced options. It shows visitors that your website is tied to a real, verified organization, helping build trust while still fitting typical small-business budgets.
If you want to go further, an Extended Validation (EV) certificate offers the highest level of trust by providing more visible verification, making it a good fit for businesses that handle sensitive transactions or want to further reinforce customer confidence.
Why do small businesses need an SSL certificate?
Small businesses need an SSL certificate to protect customer data, build trust, and meet basic expectations for online security. Without one, your website can appear unsafe, which can drive visitors away before they take action.
According to recent data, around 90% of web traffic is now encrypted via HTTPS, making a secure connection the standard for modern websites. This shift means customers expect protection by default, not as an extra feature.
Here are key reasons why an SSL certificate matters for your business:
- It protects customer data
- It builds trust and credibility
- It improves your SEO ranking
- It helps you meet industry standards
It protects customer data
If your website collects personal information, such as email address or credit card details, an SSL certificate encrypts that data transfer between the customer and the server. This secures online transactions and prevents hackers from intercepting sensitive information.
It builds trust and credibility
When visitors see the padlock icon in their browser and the “https” in your URL, they’re more likely to trust your website. These visual cues help customers feel safer sharing information, especially as they become more aware of how to identify fake websites and avoid online scams.
It improves your SEO ranking
Google has confirmed that having an SSL certificate is a ranking factor. Websites with SSL are prioritized in search results, giving you a small but important advantage over competitors. This means a secure site is more likely to get higher search rankings, helping new customers find you.
To learn more about how SSL and HTTPS work together for your site, check out our technical guide.
It helps you meet industry standards
If you accept online payments, you must meet the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). An SSL certificate supports compliance and protects your business and customers from financial risks.
For added protection, some businesses also use domain privacy protection to limit the amount of personal information publicly visible, though it serves a different purpose than SSL.
How do you get an SSL certificate for your website?
Getting an SSL certificate is a key step in securing your website. Depending on your business needs, you have a few options.
Free vs. paid SSL certificates
When exploring your options, you’ll likely encounter both free and paid certificates.
- Free SSL certificates are available from hosting providers or organizations and typically offer basic Domain Validation (DV), verifying that you own the domain while enabling encryption for your site. They’re a practical option for simple blogs or informational websites, but they usually don’t include warranty coverage or dedicated support, so setup, renewal, and troubleshooting are often left to you.
- Paid SSL certificates offer more than basic encryption. They come with higher levels of validation, such as Organization Validation (OV), which verifies your business details, or Extended Validation (EV), which provides the highest level of trust. They also typically include warranties that can cover financial losses in the event of mis-issuance, as well as dedicated support for installation and troubleshooting.
Steps in getting an SSL certificate
No matter which type of certificate you choose, the process is straightforward. Many web hosting companies, including Network Solutions, offer SSL certificates.
Step 1: Choose a provider: Select a trusted provider that offers the type of SSL certificate you need. We have various SSL options to fit every business, regardless of size or budget.
Step 2: Go to ‘SSL Certificates’: You can find it among the products listed near our homepage, under ‘Security’.
Step 3: Choose from our SSL options. Click ‘Add to cart’ when you’ve picked one.
Step 4: Choose the validity period for your SSL certificate: You can pick from one (1) year all the way to five (5) years. Click ‘Continue to checkout’ to proceed.
Step 5: Input your contact and billing information. Once done, click ‘Submit payment’ to receive your SSL certificate.
What happens if an SSL certificate expires?
SSL/TLS certificates are capped at 398 days by industry rules, but some free ones expire even sooner, after just 90 days. If you don’t renew your SSL certificate on time, it can cause immediate problems for your website and visitors.
When a certificate expires, the SSL handshake fails because the browser verifies the certificate’s validity before establishing a secure connection. If the certificate is no longer valid, an SSL certificate error occurs, and the connection is blocked.
As a result, your website will display “This site is not secure, and attackers might be trying to steal your information.” While users may have the option to proceed, most will leave rather than take the risk.
An expired certificate can also increase your bounce rate and damage customer trust. More importantly, you can no longer support secure transactions, which means payments, logins, and other sensitive actions become unsafe.
Frequently asked questions
An SSL certificate secures a website’s connection with visitors by encrypting data and verifying the site’s identity.
An SSL certificate includes key details that verify your website’s identity and enable a secure connection.
– Domain name– The website for which the certificate is issued
– Name of the organization/individual to whom it is issued – The verified owner
– Issuing authority name – The certificate authority that issued it
– The certificate authority’s digital signature – Confirms the certificate is valid
– Associated subdomains – Additional subdomains covered, if any
– Date of issue – When the certificate becomes active
– Expiration date – When it needs renewal
– Public key– Used to encrypt data
An SSL certificate is essential for protecting customer data, especially payment information. It helps build customer trust, boost your SEO, and meet compliance requirements.
Most SSL certificates are valid for 12 months, though industry rules are moving toward shorter lifespans. To avoid lapses and downtime, always enable auto-renewal or set reminders well before your certificate expires.
You can get one from a trusted provider or your web hosting company. The process usually involves choosing the type of certificate you need, generating a certificate signing request (CSR), verifying your domain or business, and installing the certificate on your web server. Many providers also offer guided setup or handle installation for you.
Your website won’t have a secure connection, so data isn’t encrypted. Browsers will label it “Not secure,” which can drive visitors away, reduce customer confidence, and prevent you from handling secure transactions, such as payments or logins.
To fix an SSL certificate error, first identify the cause (e.g., expired certificate, incorrect installation, or mismatched domain name). Then renew or reinstall the certificate as needed. If the issue persists, check your server settings or contact your SSL provider for support to resolve the error and restore a secure connection.
Take the next step to secure your website
An SSL certificate helps you create a safer, more trustworthy experience for your customers. From protecting sensitive data to supporting secure transactions, it’s a key part of running a reliable online business.
The good news is that securing your site doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools in place, you can protect your website, build customer confidence, and keep your business breaking through.
Whether you’re getting started or upgrading your security, our SSL certificates and website security solutions are designed to help you stay protected and keep your customers’ information safe.
