What are SSL and SSL certificates?

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a security technology that protects information when it is sent between a web browser and a web server. Encrypting data prevents unauthorized persons from reading or modifying it, which is important for the security of digital services such as websites and e-commerce.

For a website to use SSL encryption, it needs an SSL certificate.

• SSL is the technology that enables secure data transfer.
• The SSL certificate is a digital ID that confirms that the website is authentic and enables SSL encryption.

When a website has SSL protection, its web address begins with “https” instead of “http,” where ‘s’ stands for “secure.”

TLS vs SSL – what is actually used today?

Something that can be a little confusing is that although the term SSL is still used, the technology has in practice been replaced by TLS (Transport Layer Security). TLS is the successor to SSL and offers better performance and stronger security. So when we talk about SSL certificates today, we are actually referring to the TLS protocol in the background. The industry still uses the term SSL because it is more widely known, but in practice, all new SSL certificates are actually TLS certificates.

In short: when you buy an SSL certificate today, you are actually getting TLS protection – but both terms are used interchangeably.

How SSL works

SSL uses a process called TLS handshake to establish a secure connection between a user’s web browser (client) and a web server. This process involves three main steps:

1. Certificate check: When your browser connects to a secure website, the server sends its SSL certificate to your browser. Your browser then verifies that:

• The certificate has not expired
• It is issued by a trusted certificate authority (CA)
• It belongs to the website you are trying to visit

2. Key exchange: After verification, your browser and the web server together create a unique encryption key for your session. This process ensures that no one else can eavesdrop on or manipulate the communication.

3. Encrypted communication: All information sent between your browser and the web server is converted into an encrypted form that is unreadable to unauthorized parties. This protects sensitive information such as passwords, card details, and personal data.

Tip! Would you like help with your SSL management? Read more about Dotkeeper’s Certificate Management.

Different types of SSL certificates

There are different types of SSL certificates, tailored to different needs:

• Domain-validated certificates (DV): Only confirm domain ownership. Quick and easy to issue.
• Organization-validated certificates (OV): Involve a more thorough check of the organization’s identity.
• Extended Validation (EV) certificates: Provide the highest level of trust through a comprehensive verification process.

Risks of not having an SSL certificate

Without an SSL certificate, websites and their users may be exposed to the following risks, among others:

• Data theft: Unauthorized parties can easily intercept and steal information being transmitted, which can lead to identity theft or financial losses.
• Data manipulation: Attackers can alter the information sent between the user and the website, which can result in incorrect or malicious data.
• Loss of trust: Modern browsers warn users when they visit unsecure websites without SSL, which can deter visitors and damage the website’s reputation.
• Poorer search engine results: Search engines such as Google prioritize secure websites with SSL, which means that the absence of SSL can negatively affect the website’s visibility.

Benefits of SSL Certificates

An SSL certificate provides your website and its visitors with several important benefits:

• Increased data protection: SSL encrypts all information transferred between users and your website, preventing data theft and eavesdropping.
• Improved trust: Browsers clearly indicate when a connection is secure with a padlock icon, which strengthens visitors’ trust in your website.
• Better search engine rankings: Google and other search engines prioritize secure websites in their search results, which can improve your website’s visibility and ranking.
• Compliance with legal requirements: Many data protection laws and industry standards require encryption for websites that handle personal data.

Dotkeepers Certificate Management – an automated solution for SSL certificates

Manage your SSL certificates smoothly and securely with Dotkeepers automated Certificate Management:

• Ensures that your certificates are always up to date and valid.
• Eliminates human error and reduces the risk of downtime, security breaches, and costly mistakes.
• Time-efficient solution that frees up resources and allows your team to focus on more important tasks.
• Customized to your company’s needs, perfect for growing businesses.

With shorter validity periods for SSL certificates, automated management is key to higher security and efficiency.

Want to secure your website with a reliable SSL certificate? Contact us and we will help you!