What is SSL certificate?
SSL certificates are a type of digital certificate, similar to electronic copies of driver's licenses, passports, and business licenses. Because they are configured on servers, they are also known as SSL server certificates.
An SSL certificate [1] is a certificate that complies with the SSL protocol, issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA) after verifying the server's identity, and possesses the functions of server identity authentication and data transmission encryption.
SSL certificates establish an SSL secure channel between the client browser and the web server (Secure Socket LayerSSL). The SSL security protocol was designed and developed by Netscape Communications. The security protocol is mainly used to provide authentication for users and servers; encrypt and conceal transmitted data; ensure the integrity of data during transmission. It has become a global standard in this field. Since SSL technology has been integrated into all major browsers and web server programs, activating this feature only requires installing a server certificate. Through it, the SSL protocol can be activated, achieving encrypted data transmission between the client and server, preventing data leakage, ensuring the security of information exchange between both parties. Users can verify the authenticity and reliability of the website they are visiting through the server certificate. A digital signature, also known as a digital certificate or Digital ID, provides a method for identity authentication online; it is a digital information file used to identify and verify the identities of both parties in network communication, similar to a driver's license or ID card in daily life. Digital signatures are mainly used for secure online activities like sending secure emails, accessing secure sites, online bidding and tendering, online contracts, online ordering, secure document transmission, online office work, online payments, online tax payments, and online shopping.
The function of SSL certificates.
Data Encryption: SSL certificates encrypt the data transmitted between websites and users using encryption algorithms. This means that sensitive information (such as login credentials, payment information, etc.) is encrypted during transmission, preventing hackers from intercepting and stealing the data.
Authentication: SSL certificates can be used to authenticate the identity of a website. Certificate authorities (CAs) verify the identity of applicants and bind the issued certificates to specific domain names. When users access a website protected by SSL, the browser will verify the validity of the certificate and confirm the website's authenticity.
Building Trust: By displaying an SSL certificate, a website can enhance users' trust in it. Showing a lock icon or a green HTTPS prefix in the browser address bar informs users that the connection is secure. This visual representation encourages users to interact with the website and share sensitive information more willingly.
SEO Optimization: Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the process of improving a website's ranking in search engine results. Search engine companies, such as Google, have included a website's SSL certificate as one of the factors for evaluating website security and ranking. Using an SSL certificate can increase your website's visibility in search engines.
Compliance Requirements: Many industry standards and regulations require websites to use SSL certificates to protect user data. For example, if you handle online payments or healthcare information, you need to deploy SSL certificates to comply with relevant regulations such as PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) or HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).