An SSL (secure sockets layer) certificate is a digital certificate that secures data between a website and users by encrypting it, thus sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, and personal information is not exposed to cyber attacks.

If a website is installed with an SSL certificate, its address begins with https:// rather than http://, and you will usually notice a little padlock symbol beside the address in your browser's address bar. This indicates that the site is secure and that any data you enter is safeguarded.

For companies creating websites, an SSL certificate establishes confidence with your users and improves your website's search engine optimization (SEO) by indicating to search engines your site is secure.

How SSL certificates work

Below's a brief overview of how an SSL certificate operates:

• Encryption: The SSL protocol employs difficult algorithms to encode data such as login credentials and payment details, making it unreadable to anyone attempting to intercept it.
• Authentication: It verifies your site's identity, so users are aware that they are connecting to the right place and not an imitation website.
• Data integrity: SSL ensures the data being sent or received is not tampered with while in transit.

By securing this connection, an SSL certificate issued for your website assures that hacking attacks like man-in-the-middle attacks, where the hacker can intercept and manipulate the data being transferred, are avoided.

Why your website needs an SSL certificate

Whether you’re building an e-commerce site, a personal blog, or a business website, having an SSL certificate comes with serious benefits:

• Protects sensitive information: SSL encryption keeps customer data safe from hackers, especially during online transactions.
• Boosts SEO: Google favors secure websites and gives them a ranking boost.
• Makes it more trustworthy: People will remain on your site and take action (such as buying or signing up) more readily if they notice the padlock symbol and understand their information's secure.
• Enables HTTPS: HTTPS is the secure counterpart of HTTP and can function only with an SSL certificate.

How to obtain an SSL certificate for your website

Installing an SSL certificate is simpler than you would imagine. Here's how to do it:

1. Choose your SSL type. There are different types of SSL certificates, like domain validation (DV), organization validation (OV), and extended validation (EV SSL certificates), depending on how much security and verification your site needs. If you manage multiple domains, wildcard SSL certificates are a cost-effective option. SSL certificate price varies based on the type of certificate and the level of validation required.
2. SSL certificate purchase. Many domain registrars and web hosting companies offer multi-domain SSL certificates. These certificates are actually issued by a certificate authority.
3. Install the certificate. After it has been issued, the SSL certificate needs to be installed on your web server. If you are using a website builder, this is typically done automatically.
4. Check HTTPS. Once installed, check that your site is loading with https:// and the padlock symbol shows in the browser.

SSL certificate FAQs

Why is an SSL certificate important for SEO?

Google prefers secure sites. An HTTPS site (made possible with an SSL certificate) will have a better chance of ranking than an unsecured site.

Do all websites need an SSL certificate?

Yes! Even though your website never takes payments or sensitive information, an SSL certificate encrypts any data being transferred, including contact forms and login credentials, and gains users' trust.

How often do SSL certificates need to be renewed?

The majority of SSL certificates last one year, although some providers sell multi-year options. Renew before the expiration date to avoid having your site show security warnings.

What happens if my SSL certificate expires?

If your SSL certificate is about to expire, users will see a "Not Secure" message in their browser, which can frighten people away and damage your site's reputation.

Build a secure website with B12

With B12’s AI-powered website builder, you don't have to stress over complex security configurations. Each site you build includes a complimentary TLS (transport layer security) certificate and current web security features, meaning your business remains secure and professional. Get started today!