What is an SSL certificate and why is it important?

SSL stands for “Secure Sockets Layer” and is a technology that establishes a secure connection between a Web server and a browser. An SSL certificate ensures that all data exchanged between these two parties is encrypted. This means that sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card information and personal data, is protected from potential hackers.

Websites that use an SSL certificate can be identified by the “https://” in the URL and the padlock icon in the browser's address bar. These features indicate that the website is safe to visit and use.

There are several reasons why an SSL certificate is a must for every website owner:

1. Data security
An SSL certificate encrypts the data exchanged between the user and the server. This means that even if a hacker manages to intercept the data transfer, this encrypted data is unreadable without the correct decryption key. This is especially important for websites that handle sensitive information, such as online stores, banks and health services.

2. Visitor trust
When visitors see that your website has an SSL certificate, they will have more confidence in the security of your website. The padlock in the browser and the "https://" indicate that your website has taken measures to protect their data. This increases the chance that visitors will stay on your website longer and complete transactions.

3. Higher search engine rankings
Google has stated that secure websites with an SSL certificate will be given priority in search results. This means that installing an SSL certificate not only improves security, but also supports your SEO strategy. A higher search engine ranking can help you attract more visitors to your website.

4. Comply with legal requirements
In some countries and industries, it is legally required to secure sensitive data with an SSL certificate. For example, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe requires websites that process personal data to take adequate security measures. Using an SSL certificate is an important step in complying with these regulations.

5. Protect against phishing attacks
Phishing attacks are attempts by cybercriminals to lure users to a fake website that looks like a legitimate one. An SSL certificate makes it harder for malicious parties to impersonate your website, because browsers indicate when a website is not secure. This helps warn visitors and protects your brand.

Depending on the needs of your website, you can choose from different types of SSL certificates:

Domain Validation (DV): This is the most basic and affordable option. It only validates that the applicant owns the domain. Suitable for small websites and blogs.

Organization Validation (OV): This type offers a higher level of security and also verifies the identity of the organization behind the website. Recommended for business websites.

Extended Validation (EV): This is the most extensive form of validation. The process is more rigorous and ensures that the name of the organization is displayed in the address bar. This type is ideal for e-commerce and financial institutions.

In addition, there are also Wildcard certificates and Multi-Domain SSL certificates, which can secure multiple subdomains and multiple domains respectively.

Getting an SSL certificate is easier than ever these days. Here are the steps:

Choose the right type of certificate: Determine which type of SSL certificate is best for your website.

Request the certificate: This can be done through a Certificate Authority (CA) such as Let’s Encrypt, DigiCert, or Comodo. Some hosting providers offer SSL certificates as part of their package.

Install the certificate: Once you receive the certificate, it needs to be installed on your web server. Many hosting providers offer tools or support to make this process easy.

Check your website: Make sure that your website is working properly with the SSL certificate and that all pages are using the “https://” version.

There are free SSL certificates available, such as those from Let’s Encrypt. These are ideal for small websites with a limited budget. However, paid SSL certificates offer additional features such as extended validation, higher guarantees, and better customer service. For businesses that are doing serious business, paid certificates are often the better choice.