If you’re a web developer or website owner, you’ve likely heard the term SSL before. Secure Sockets Layer is a security protocol that encrypts data transmitted between a web server and a user’s browser. It is essential for protecting sensitive information, such as credit card numbers or personal data, from being intercepted by malicious actors. This article’ll explore the basics and how to install it on your website.

For more security information and to protect your site, please check “7 ways to improve website security…”

What is SSL?

SSL is a security protocol that encrypts data transmitted between a web server and a user’s browser. When users visit a website with SSL enabled, their browser initiates a “handshake” with the web server to establish a secure connection. During this process, the web server sends the user’s browser a public key, which the browser uses to encrypt data sent to the server. The server then uses a private key to decrypt the data and respond to the user’s request.

It is essential for protecting sensitive information transmitted over the internet, such as credit card numbers or personal data. Without it, this information could be intercepted and read by malicious actors, putting users at risk of identity theft or financial fraud.

Types of SSL Certificates

SSL certificates verify a website’s identity and establish a secure connection between the web server and a user’s browser. Several types of certificates are available, each offering different levels of security and trust.

1. Domain Validated (DV) : DV certificates are the most basic type of SSL certificate. They only verify that the domain name in the certificate matches the website’s domain name. They provide a basic level of encryption but no other trust or authentication.
2. Organization Validated (OV) : OV certificates verify that the domain name in the certificate matches the domain name of the website and also verify the identity of the organization operating the website. They provide a higher level of trust and authentication than DV certificates.
3. Extended Validation (EV) : EV certificates are the highest level of SSL certificate available. They verify that the domain name in the certificate matches the website’s domain name and also perform a rigorous identity verification process for the organization operating the website. They provide the highest level of trust and authentication for website visitors.

How to Install SSL on Your Website

To install a SSL certificate on your website, you’ll need to follow these basic steps:

1. Generate a private key: A private key is a unique code used to encrypt and decrypt data transmitted between a web server and a user’s browser. You’ll need to generate a private key before obtaining an SSL certificate.
2. Create a certificate signing request (CSR): A CSR requests an SSL certificate that includes information about your organization and your website’s domain name. You’ll need to create a CSR before obtaining an SSL certificate.
3. Submit the CSR to a certificate authority (CA): A CA is an organization that verifies the identity of website operators and issues SSL certificates. You must submit your CSR to a CA to obtain an SSL certificate.
4. Validate your domain ownership: Before a CA issues an SSL certificate, they must verify that you own the domain name for which you request the certificate.
5. Receive and install the SSL certificate: Once your domain ownership has been verified, the CA will issue an SSL certificate. You’ll need to install the SSL certificate on your web server to enable HTTPS on your website.

Use plugins

While some web hosting providers or SSL certificate resellers may offer plugins or tools to simplify this process, it is vital to ensure that the SSL certificate you obtain is from a reputable CA and properly installed and configured on your website.

Fortunately, several SSL plugins are available for popular content management systems (CMS) like WordPress, which can simplify obtaining and installing an SSL certificate on your website. Here are a few popular SSL plugins for WordPress:

1. Let’s Encrypt: Let’s Encrypt is a free, automated, and open certificate authority that offers website SSL certificates. The Let’s Encrypt plugin for WordPress can automatically obtain and install an SSL certificate for your website.
2. Really Simple SSL: The Really Simple SSL plugin for WordPress can automatically detect your SSL certificate and configure your website to use HTTPS. It can also fix mixed content issues and other common SSL-related problems.
3. SSL Zen: SSL Zen is a premium SSL plugin for WordPress that offers a range of features, including SSL certificate management, automated certificate renewal, and advanced SSL settings.
4. WP Encryption: WP Encrypt is another free SSL plugin for WordPress that uses Let’s Encrypt to obtain and install SSL certificates for your website.

These plugins can simplify obtaining and installing an SSL certificate on your website. However, ensuring that the SSL certificate you receive is from a reputable CA and properly installed and configured on your website is still essential.

Benefits of SSL:

1. Increased Security: SSL encrypts data between a web server and a user’s browser, which makes it more difficult for hackers to intercept and steal sensitive information such as credit card numbers, login credentials, and other personal data.
2. Trust and Credibility: Websites that use SSL are often seen as more trustworthy and credible by users. SSL indicates that a website has taken steps to secure user data, which can help build customer trust and loyalty.
3. Better SEO: SSL is now a ranking factor for Google’s search algorithm, which means that websites that use SSL are often ranked higher in search results than those that do not.

Best Practices for SSL:

1. Use a reputable CA: When obtaining an SSL certificate, it is vital to use a reputable certificate authority (CA) trusted by browsers and other software. This ensures that your SSL certificate is recognized and trusted by users.
2. Use strong encryption: Make sure that your SSL certificate uses strong encryption, such as 256-bit encryption, which provides a high level of security for your website.
3. Renew your SSL certificate: SSL certificates typically expire after a particular time, so it is essential to renew your certificate before it expires to ensure that your website remains secure.
4. Use HTTPS everywhere: Ensure your website is configured to use HTTPS everywhere, not just on certain pages. This helps to ensure that all data transmitted between your website and users is encrypted.

By following these best practices and using SSL on your website, you can help to protect your users’ data and build trust and credibility with your audience.

Conclusion

SSL is an essential security protocol for websites that transmit sensitive information. By encrypting data transmitted between a web server and a user’s browser, SSL helps to protect users from identity theft and financial fraud. While installing an SSL certificate can seem daunting, there are many tools and plugins available that can simplify the process. By following the steps outlined in this article and using reputable SSL plugins, you can ensure that your website is secure and trusted by your users.