What Is an SSL Certificate and Why Is It Important

 As a website owner, you know that trust is everything.

If your website looks unsafe with a huge red cross, visitors will not log in or enter any sensitive information. This is where SSL certificates provided by SSL and TLS certificate providers come into play. SSL or Secure Sockets Layer is an internet communication protocol that creates a secure connection between devices.

You'll often see "https:" (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) along with the website's URL in the address bar. The 'S' here indicates the website has an SSL certificate, and all communication is protected. 

Originally developed by Netscape, SSL, establishes a secure link between a web server and a browser, making sure that all data passed between them remains private. Today, SSL has largely been replaced by TLS which comes with stronger encryption methods and better performance.

The certificate enables the Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol, a modern encryption standard that all websites must follow. By encrypting data exchanged via HTTPS, TLS ensures that communication is much more secure than with the older HTTP.

Read on to learn how SSL certificates work, their types, how to choose the correct one for your website, and the best SSL/TLS certificate services. 

What does an SSL certificate contain

A website's SSL certificate contains several key pieces of information:

• The domain name of the website it was issued for and its subdomains
• The details of the Certificate Authority (CA) that issued the certificate
• A digital signature of the CA 
• The date of certificate issue and the date of expiry 
• The public key that is part of the encryption system
• The name of the organization or person owning the website

Here's an example SSL certificate for the domain Google. You can see all its components, such as the domain name, the CA, the validity period, the domain's public key, and the digital signature of the CA.  

Source: Screenshot from Google browser

How does an SSL certificate work

SSL and TLS are internet security protocols designed to provide secure communication over a computer network. SSL certificate keeps personal information outside cybercriminals' reach by scrambling the data using the public key as part of the TLS protocol as it passes between a web browser and a web server. This encryption keeps the data from being intercepted. 

Here's the simplified version of how the process works. Think of the entire process as a handshake between the browser and the server:

1. When a user opens a website with an SSL certificate, the browser requests the server to identify itself to establish a secure connection.
2. The server, which houses the SSL certificate, sends the certificate to the browser. This certificate contains the server's public key and the server’s identity. 
3. The browser checks the SSL certificate's validity against the trusted CA.
4. Once verified, the web browser proceeds to generate a session key, a temporary encryption key used for the session.
5. It encrypts the session key with the website server's public key and sends it to the server.
6. The website server decrypts the session key using its private key. When this succeeds, both the browser and the server have a secure session. 

Before 2023, the padlock icon was the go-to indicator of a secure connection, but now, the most prominent symbol of a secure website is "HTTPS," displayed clearly in the address bar. Here's an example of a website with an SSL certificate.

Why do you need an SSL certificate?

Utilizing an SSL certificate is a crucial step for protecting your website, even if it doesn't handle sensitive data, like login information or credit card numbers. In addition to encrypting sensitive data, the benefits of using an SSL certificate include:

• Building trust with "HTTPS" and other secure connection indicators 
• Abiding by PCI Compliance standards
• Preventing phishing attacks by verifying your website's identity.
• Boosting SEO ranking as search engines prioritize secure sites and strengthening brand identity

Moreover, browsers today flag any website without an SSL certificate, strongly urging users to leave the site, as shown below. You probably don't want this to happen to your website. 

6 types of SSL certificates

Now that you agree you need an SSL certificate, there are several types to consider before buying one. Let's take a look at each and who it is ideal for.

1. Domain Validated certificates (DV SSL)

DV SSL has a minimal validation process. Consequently, they provide minimal encryption and lower assurance. Blogs or informational websites use DV SSL because they don't collect customer data or facilitate online payments. 

DV SSL certificate is easy to obtain. It requires the website owner to prove domain ownership by responding to an email or a phone call. 

This type of certificate also displays HTTPS on the address bar but not the business name.

2. Organization Validated certificates (OV SSL)

OV SSL's primary purpose is to encrypt users' sensitive data. The validation process is the same as an extended validation SSL, but it costs comparatively less. OV SSL displays website owners' information in the browser's address bar to distinguish it from malicious websites.

3. Extended Validation certificates (EV SSL)

EV SSL certificates are used by websites that collect data and work with online payments. They're pretty expensive as they have the most rigorous validation process. EV SSL certificates verify domain ownership, organization identity, and location and display a green address bar and organization name for high-trust signals.

Government entities and both incorporated and unincorporated websites can use EV SSL certificates.

4. Wildcard SSL certificates

You can use Wildcard SSL certificates when you have multiple subdomains, and you need SSL for all of them at a cheaper cost. For example, "login.website.com" and "blog.website.com" can use the same SSL certificate.

5. Multi-Domain SSL certificates (MDC)

Also called Subject Alternative Names (SAN) certificate,  MDC allows for multiple domains to be secured using a single certificate.

While wildcard SSL certificates cover first-level subdomains of an entire domain, say,  website.com, MDC can secure not just the subdomains but also alternative domain names like website.net or website.org. But, you need to specify all hostnames while obtaining the certificate.

The number of domains that can be secured using MCD ranges from 5 to 250, depending on cost. Some CAs offer options for even higher numbers.

6. Unified communications certificate (UCC)

Sometimes called a Microsoft Exchange SSL certificate, UCC was initially designed to secure Live Communications servers and Microsoft Exchange, but now any website owner can use them.

Unlike standard SSL certificates that focus on website encryption, UCCs go beyond web browsing. They secure communication channels used for email, webmail, instant messaging, and other online collaboration tools.

It is similar to MDC and allows website owners to connect multiple websites with one certificate. Website owners can use UCC as EV SSL to provide maximum assurance. 

Choosing the right SSL certificate

Now that we've established how they work and why you need one, let's select the right SSL certificate for your business. This table provides a quick guide to help you select the best option based on your website's needs:

If you need more help, we've included a handy decision tree to help you navigate the options based on your specific requirements.

Consider your budget and website's specific needs to make the best choice. Once you decide on the certificate type based on the validation level, domain needs, and your budget, you can purchase the SSL certificate. 

Now, there are multiple SSL/TLS certificate providers. G2 alone lists 78 of them. So, here are some key factors to help you filter and select the best one for your needs: 

• Opt for a provider with a good reputation and proven track record. 
• Ensure the provider offers the specific type you need 
• Look for administrative features like proper notifications, warranty, server license, and free reissues. 
• Check for functional and security features such as certificate compatibility with major browsers, site seal, certificate issue speed, encryption strength, and domain validation. 
• Ensure the provider offers strong, 24/7 customer support through multiple channels.
• Compare prices, considering discounts for multi-year purchases or bulk orders. 

Consider these factors and make an informed decision when choosing an SSL certificate provider.

G2 makes this process even easier. Visit the SSL/TLS category page and use the different filters to narrow down your search based on business segment and pricing.

You can also explore the tabs for the highest-rated, free, and easiest-to-use SSL/TLS certificate solutions. Alternatively, head straight to our grid report to find the leading services in the space.

Check out ratings and user reviews of the vendors you narrowed down on our site and select the best fit for your needs. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) on SSL/TLS certificates

Is SSL free? 

Yes, SSL certificates can be free! Many organizations,like Let's Encrypt, offer free SSL certificates that can be easily installed on your website. However, free SSL certificates typically come with fewer features and support than their paid counterparts. They may also be valid for shorter periods (usually 90 days), so you'll need to renew them regularly.

How can I obtain an SSL/TLS certificate?

You can purchase an SSL/TLS certificate directly from a CA, through your web hosting provider, or use a free service. The process involves generating a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) on your server, submitting it to the CA, and then installing the issued certificate on your server.

How do I install an SSL/TLS certificate?

Generally, the installation process involves uploading the certificate files to your server and configuring your server to use the certificate. Many hosting providers offer tools or support to simplify this process. Detailed instructions can usually be found on your CA's website or your hosting provider’s support documentation.

Are free SSL certificates safe?

Yes, free SSL certificates are safe to use. They offer the same level of encryption as paid ones, ensuring that data exchanged between your site and your visitors remains secure. However, free certificates generally don’t come with extended warranty or customer support, so if you're running a larger business or need extra peace of mind, you might want to consider a paid option. For most small websites and blogs, free SSL certificates are perfectly secure.

How to get a free SSL certificate?

Getting a free SSL certificate is simple. Here’s how:

1. Choose a provider – Let’s Encrypt is one of the most popular free SSL certificate providers.
2. Set up your web hosting – Many hosting providers, such as Bluehost or SiteGround, offer one-click SSL installation for free.
3. Install the certificate – Once you’ve selected your provider, follow their instructions to install the certificate on your server. Some providers even automate this process.

In many cases, your hosting provider will handle the setup for you, ensuring that your website is securely encrypted in no time.

How long is an SSL certificate valid?

SSL certificates are typically valid for one to two years. Some providers may offer shorter validity periods, and it's important to renew your certificate before it expires to maintain secure connections. 

What happens if my SSL certificate expires?

If your SSL certificate expires, your website will display a security warning to visitors, indicating that the connection is not secure. This leads to a loss of trust and traffic. Additionally, data transmitted between the browser and server will no longer be encrypted, increasing the risk of data breaches. So, renew your certificate before it expires to avoid these issues.

Can I use a single SSL/TLS certificate for multiple domains?

Yes, you can use a Multi-Domain SSL (MDS) certificate to secure multiple domains with a single certificate.

Lock it up

SSL/TLS certificate is not a nice-to-have but a must-have for your website. By implementing an SSL certificate, you're not just protecting your website; you're building trust with your visitors and creating a secure online environment. So, take the first step towards a more secure web presence today! 

Ready to get your SSL certificate? Read our beginner's friendly guide on how to get an SSL certificate for your domain. 

This article was first published in 2022. It has been updated with new information.