What is an SSL Certificate?
An SSL certificate is a type of digital certificate that provides authentication for a website and enables an encrypted connection. Short for Secure Sockets Layer, SSLs communicate to web users that a connection is safe and secure.
When a website holds an SSL certificate, a padlock icon appears on the left side of the URL address bar signifying that the connection is secure.
Additionally, sites will display an “HTTPS” address instead of an “HTTP” address.
Secure websites help web users protect their sensitive information, like credit card or Social Security numbers.
What is an SSL Certificate used for?
SSL is used to secure information between a web visitor and the website, commonly used on e-commerce sites and pages that require users to submit personal or credit card information.
By ensuring that all data passed between the two parties remains private and secure, SSL encryption can help prevent hackers from stealing private information such as:
- Credit card numbers
- Bank information
- Names
- Addresses
- Birthdates
- Phone numbers
- Login credentials
- Legal documents and contracts
- Medical records
Without a secure connection, the above data can be vulnerable to cyberattacks.
How does an SSL Certificate work?
SSL certificates work by establishing an encrypted connection between a web browser and a server. The encrypted data is impossible to read without a secret key, called a decryption key.
How to tell if a website has an SSL Certificate?
When a website is secured with an SSL Certificate, it will display a padlock symbol in the URL address bar and a HTTPS address rather than an HTTP address.
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