What is SSL? SSL (Secure Socket Layers) and its successor TLS (Transport Layer Security) are security protocols for establishing secure, authenticated, and encrypted connections between networked computers. Furthermore, SSL is used to secure communications between a client and a web server. Which also includes email, VoIP, and other communications, over unsecured networks.
NOTE: TarttWeb is reader-supported. This means that we may earn a small commission at no additional cost when you make a purchase through referral links on our site.
Although SSL was, deprecated by its successor TLS 1.0 in 1999, it is common to refer to these as “SSL” or “SSL/TLS.” The most current version is TLS 1.3, released in 2018.
SSL is used on the internet to provide secure information exchange and certificate information about websites. It is a security protocol that ensures data passed between the web server and web browser are private. Moreover, to assure the user about the identity and authentication of the website their visiting.
In modern web browsers, users can click on the SSL icon (padlock) displayed in the address bar to view a website’s security, certification, identification, and other information about the website.
An SSL Certificate is necessary if you are running a website that requires users to submit payment or login information.
If your website isn’t using an SSL certificate, your website will be marked not secure, which means unsafe and a loss of traffic.
As a website user, if you visit a website that’s not secure, proceed with caution and don’t give away any personal information, such as signing up to their website or making a purchase.
How Does SSL Work?
SSL is a protocol used to protect user’s information by encrypting and authenticating data sent between a web browser and a web server. Which in return leads to a more secure web for both you and visitors to your website.
SSL works by binding the identities of websites to cryptographic key pairs via digital documents. Each key pair consists of a public and private key.
When you visit a website, your browser will first verify the websites’ SSL certificate. Once everything checks out, the browser then uses the websites’ public key to encrypt the data.
Then it’s sent back to the intended web server or website, where it’s decrypted, using the secret private key and the public key.
How to get an SSL Certificate?
Nowadays, many of the top web hosts are offering free SSL certificates to their users. And if your web hosting provider doesn’t offer an SSL certificate, we recommend using Domain.com to purchase one.
Domain.com is one of the oldest and most popular domain registrars on the planet. They offer the most affordable SSL certificates that include a $10,000 security warranty and a trust seal badge to place on your website.
Once you’ve purchased an SSL certificate, you can then ask your hosting provider to install the certificate for you.
And if you don’t have a web hosting service for your website. TarttWeb recommends using DreamHost, a long-standing, well-established company and officially a recommended WordPress hosting provider.
They have some of the most flexible prices, with domain names starting as low as $0.89 for the first year and the most popular .com extension priced at $7.99 for the first year and $15.99 per year thereafter.
DreamHost offers web hosting for as low as $2.59 per month, which includes a free domain for the first year, free SSL Encryption, free domain privacy, free WordPress migration, and email that matches your domain.
Hopefully, this article has helped you make sense of what SSL is, how SSL works, and why you need an SSL Certificate for your website.