Everything You Need to Know About SSL Certificates

If you’re running a website, it’s important to make sure that your visitors feel safe and secure when they’re browsing through your content. This is where SSL certificates come in. In this guide, we’ll discuss what SSL certificates are, why they’re important, and how to get one for your business. We’ll also take a look at the different types of SSL certificates available in the United States, and help you decide which one is right for you.

What’s an SSL Certificate?

SSL certificates are small data files that are used to encrypt information that is being transmitted between a web server and a web browser. This encryption protects sensitive information, like credit card numbers and passwords, from being intercepted by third parties. When a web browser attempts to connect to a website that is secured with an SSL certificate, the browser will first verify that the certificate is valid and then establish a secure connection.

Why Do You Need an SSL Certificate for Your Website?

Any website that collects sensitive information from users needs to have an SSL certificate. This includes e-commerce websites, social media sites, and even simple contact forms. Without an SSL certificate, any information that is submitted on your website could be intercepted by third parties.

Why does this matter? Well, imagine if you were entering your credit card information on an e-commerce website that didn’t have an SSL certificate. Any third party that intercepted that data would then have your credit card number, expiration date, and CVV code; they could use that information to make unauthorized charges on your card. Now imagine your customers seeing that your website doesn’t have an SSL certificate. Instead of buying from you, they’ll likely go to a competitor’s website that does have an SSL certificate.

Types of SSL Certificate

What types of SSL certificates are there? The two main types are single-name certificates and wildcard certificates. Single-name certificates only secure one domain name, while wildcard certificates can secure an unlimited number of subdomains under one domain name. So, if you want to secure example.com and its subdomains, you would need a wildcard certificate.

How to Get an SSL Certificate

Now that you know what SSL certificates are and the types of SSL certificates, you’re probably wondering how to get one. Don’t worry, the process is very simple. First, you need to generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) from your server. This CSR will contain your public key as well as some information about your organization. Once you have generated your CSR, you will then submit it to a Certificate Authority (CA).

The CA will then use their own private key to sign your CSR and issue you a certificate. Once you have received your certificate, you should install it on your server. After your certificate is installed, you just need to configure your server to use it. Once your server is configured to use the certificate, all your traffic will be encrypted.

What if this sounds too difficult? In this case, reach out to SEO experts in South Burlington. They will help you get an SSL certificate for your website as well as properly install it – you won’t have to worry about anything. What’s more, an SEO agency will also ensure that your website is optimized for search engines so that you can attract even more organic traffic.

Why not contact an SEO agency today and allow them to bring your digital marketing strategy to life?