Websites are more secure when using HTTPS, and this is made possible with SSL certificates. The SSL certificate is a file stored on the server that first loaded the webpage. SSL certificates provide the public key and identity of the website, as well as other pertinent information that allows SSL/TLS encryption to function.
Using the public key included within this file, communicating devices can confirm the authenticity of the origin server. There is strict security around the private key.
In a single data file, SSL certificates contain the following details:
What company, individual, or device this certificate was issued for, and what domain name this certificate was issued for.
- Digital signature from certificate authority
- Related sub-fields
- The Certificate’s Date of Issuance
- Date of Certificate Expiration
To encrypt and sign data, ssl certificate purchase on public and private keys, which are simply lengthy sequences of characters. Only the owner of the private key can read data encrypted with the public key.
Website visitors’ devices receive the certificate from the website’s origin server. The SSL certificate is viewable in most browsers; in Chrome, for example, clicking the padlock icon to the left of the URL bar displays the certificate.
The importance of an SSL certificate for a website.
An SSL certificate is essential for a website to encrypt user data, prove ownership of the domain, foil attempts at forgery, and earn the trust of its visitors.
SSL certificates allow for encryption using public-private key pairs, which is how SSL/TLS works. The SSL certificate of a server provides the client with the public key required to establish a TLS connection.
SSL certificates provide authentication by ensuring that a client is communicating with the server that is legally responsible for the domain. Domain spoofing and other attacks can be avoided with this measure in place.
The most important requirement for an HTTPS web address for a business is an SSL certificate. Websites that use SSL/TLS to encrypt their traffic are called “HTTPS” websites.
Where does one go to get an SSL certificate for their website?
Domains need to acquire an SSL certificate from a CA for the certificate to be valid. A certification authority (CA) is an independent third party that issues SSL certificates. The CA will also use its private key to digitally sign the certificate, making it verifiable on client devices. It costs money to get an SSL certificate from the majority of CAs.
After the certificate has been issued, it must be uploaded to the website’s primary server and enabled there. Website owners rarely need to worry about this when using a web hosting service. Once it’s enabled on the server where the website first loads, all traffic to and from the site will be encrypted and protected while using HTTPS.
What exactly is an SSL certificate that you have signed yourself?
Creating an SSL certificate is as simple as producing a public-private key pair and providing the required details in a text file. Self-signed certificates are those in which the website’s private key is used as the digital signature, rather than a CA’s.
