SSL certificates encrypt data transferred between websites and users. The padlock icon in the URL inspires trust. 94.3% of certificates are for domain validation; six authorities issue 90%. How to generate a certificate.
How do SSL certificates work?
SSL certificates work by encrypting the data transferred between websites and visitors’ browsers. The data is scrambled in transit, which keeps hackers from accessing it during transfer. This data can include sensitive details such as credit card numbers or personal information.
The process is as follows:
- A server or browser connects to a website with an SSL certificate
- The server or browser requests identification
- The website’s server sends the other server or browser a copy of its SSL certificate
- The server or browser checks the certificate’s validity
- The server returns a digital acknowledgment to launch an encrypted session
- The server or browser shares encrypted data with the website’s server
- This entire process transpires in a fraction of a second.
The padlock icon provokes trust
When an SSL certificate secures a website, HTTPS appears in the URL. This stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure. If there is no certificate, only the acronym HTTP appears. If the site has a certificate, there is also a padlock icon in the URL address bar. This provokes trust and gives reassurance to website visitors.
You can click on the padlock in the bar to view the certificate’s details. They typically include the domain name the certificate was issued for, the issuing authority, and the platform, person, or device it was issued to.
Let’s say you want to make money with your website, like most people. If a website is asking users to provide details such as their credit card numbers, keeping this data safe is essential. SSL certificates keep interactions private and ensure the website is safe to share private details with.
How do you get an SSL certificate?
Start by seeing what type of SSL certificate you need. Single-domain certificates protect one domain only, while so-called wildcard ones also protect all the subdomains. Finally, a multi-domain certificate protects multiple domains (the same name with different extensions).
As of 2024, 94.4% of all SSL certificates are issued to validate domains. This is followed by just 5.5% for organization validation and 0.1% for extended validation.
Choose a certificate authority or CA
Six certificate authorities issue 90% of all SSL certificates. IdenTrus holds the lion’s share with certificates for 51.1% of all websites. Sectigo follows with 11.9%, and GlobalSign comes third with a share of 10.4%.
Create a CSR on your web server
The next step is to generate public and private keys. The public key is included in the certificate signing request or CSR, which is sent to the CA. The private key is kept secure on your server. You can do this using server software like OpenSSL or via your web hosting control panel.
Domain validation is fast and simple. It requires proof of domain ownership, usually by email or DNS record. Once the CA verifies your details, you’ll receive the SSL certificate files.
Finally, install the certificate on your web server. The process depends on the server software.
Building trust with an SSL certificate
SSL certificates authenticate the website’s identity, ensuring that users are communicating with the legitimate website and not an imposter or phishing site. Search engines rank secure websites higher in search results. A higher ranking can increase visibility and trust among potential visitors.
Many regulatory frameworks and industry standards require the use of SSL certificates to ensure data security and privacy.
When a website is secure, visitors are more likely to complete transactions and share personal information, knowing their data is protected. This can lead to improved conversion rates and customer loyalty.
