An SSL certificate: what exactly is it? SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. The SSL certificate is used to create a secure connection between your website's server and a web browser. This certificate contains information about the website owner and the authority that issued the certificate.
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When a user goes to a website with the SSL certificate, the browser checks with the issuer of the certificate that it is still valid and that it meets all the requirements. If everything is in order, the connection is encrypted. You can see this by the padlock that appears in the browser bar. As a result, data such as personal information, login data or payment details shared between the user and the web server are protected from interception by third parties. How? By making the data unreadable. This assures both the user and the website owner of a secure connection.
What type of SSL certificates do I need?
There are three common SSL certificates:
Domain Validated (DV) certificates
This type of SSL certificate is the most common certificate. By verifying ownership of your domain name with a certificate authority, you receive this certificate. This makes it fairly quick to get and is mainly suitable for personal websites or blogs.
Organization Validated (OV) certificates:
This type of SSL certificate goes a step further than the DV certificate. To obtain this certificate, the certification authority must verify the identity of the organization. The OV certificate is mainly used with business websites.
Extended Validation (EV) certificates:
This is the most secure type of SSL certificate. They require thorough identity verification of the company by the certifying authority. The EV certificate is usually used by large companies and financial institutions.
So which type of SSL certificate to choose for your website or ecommerce store depends on your requirements and the purpose of the site. In most cases, a DV certificate is enough, but if you have several domains you want secured or if you want to generate more trust with customers, then it is better to choose another certificate. But don't worry about this: a good hosting party makes this choice for you.
How to purchase and install an SSL certificate
There are several ways to purchase and install an SSL certificate. When you have your website hosted by a professional web hosting party, they usually arrange everything around the SSL certificate. To give you an idea of how the procurement process works, we have put down a general example below:
- Compare different certification providers and determine which one is best for your website.
- Request a Certificate Request(CSR) from the Web server on which you want to install the certificate. A CSR is a file that contains your Web site's important information. Consider the domain name and details of the company running the Web site.
- Each certification authority has its own verification procedure. Run through the procedure of your chosen authority. This could be a phone verification, an e-mail confirmation or uploading a certain file.
- After verification, you will receive the SSL certificate. Download this certificate and import it on the web server.
- Configure the web server to use the SSL certificate.
- Test the setup by visiting your website. Does the Web site start with https:// and the lock icon appears? Then your website has successfully installed the SSL certificate. If it only says https://, then the website is not secured.
Installing and maintaining an SSL certificate
Installing the SSL certificate is done within the web hosting management environment of your website. Based on important business information, a Certificate Request (CSR) is requested. On the basis of this request, a Private Key is automatically created that is ultimately linked to the SSL certificate. Through this certificate, visitors to your website can see who issued the certificate and whether it can be trusted.
The web hosting company that purchased the SSL certificate for your website also maintains the certificate. They make sure the certificate is updated when it expires and regularly check that it is still working properly. This way, you as the website owner don't have to worry about it.
The influence of an SSL certificate on your Google ranking
Securing your website with an SSL certificate can have a positive effect on its ranking in search engines such as Google. This is because Google factors the security of a website into its assessment of the quality of the site. An SSL certificate lets Google know that it is safe for the user to use the website. This can lead to a higher ranking in search results. If your competitors have an SSL certificate and your website does not, Google will consider the competition's website to be more secure and put their website above yours in search results. Beyond that, the SSL certificate also makes visitors to your website feel safe and secure.
What are the most common problems?
There are several problems that can occur when using an SSL certificate. The most common problems are:
- Expired certificates: an SSL certificate has a limited validity period. Visitors to a website with a certificate that is no longer valid will be notified of this when they enter the website.
- SSL certificate not trusted: if the certificate is not issued by a recognized authority, some browsers may issue warnings when a visitor wants to enter the website or not open the website at all.
- Common name: if the Common name of a certificate does not match the domain name on which it is installed, this can lead to problems when setting up a secure connection.
- Improper configuration: an SSL certificate must be installed correctly on a website. If this is not done correctly, it can lead to problems when setting up a secure connection.
When working with a professional web hosting party, you don't have to worry about the above problems. This party ensures that certificates are renewed on time and installed correctly.
Is an SSL certificate important for your website?
Installing an SSL certificate on your website has three major advantages: good security of (personal) data, higher Google rankings and a safe feeling for your website visitors. This affects your bottom line. When a visitor feels trusted on your website and is sure that his data is safe, he will be more inclined to purchase your products or services. In addition, the certificate affects your rankings within Google or another search engine. In many cases, a higher position in search results means more website visitors. And more website visitors probably means more conversion. An SSL certificate is therefore indispensable for a good website.
Mandatory or not?
With the advent of the AVG (General Data Protection Regulation) in 2018, a lot is expected of you as a company when it comes to privacy. The SSL certificate ensures a secure connection between your website and the visitor. But an an SSL certificate also mandatory? The certificate is mandatory from the AVG when you exchange personal data on your website. This includes the contact form, photos of people, tests, payment information in ecommerce stores.
An SSL certificate: we take care of it!
Looking for a reliable WordPress web hosting party Who takes care of this for you? Monkey Vision is here for you! Not only do we arrange a free (yes, you read it right) SSL certificate, but we also make your website more secure, faster and more stable. This way, you and your visitors can keep going bananas! Visit contact with us. We are happy to discuss the possibilities.
