SSL, also known as the Secure Socket Layer protocol, is the most popular security protocol on the internet. Although you may not be aware of it, chances are that you visit websites that use the protocol and SSL certificate every day. It doesn’t take a security expert to see it.
You can check if any website’s URL starts with HTTPS. This stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure. By looking for the last character “S”, you will know if the website is protected by SSL and a certificate.
The SSL protocol is now standard on the internet and most major websites are protected with SSL. Knowing about SSL certificates will increase your awareness of website security. You will be able to browse safer websites.
What is SSL?
SSL is a protocol that enables clients and servers to establish encrypted and authenticated connections within networks. SSL protects sensitive data such credit card information and personal credentials. The protocol prevents data being altered or captured by unauthorised parties. Because SSL is encrypted, any unauthorized parties cannot read the contents. SSL uses asymmetric key encryption algorithms like RSA, DSA and Elliptic to encrypt the contents.
What are SSL Certificates?
An SSL certificate is a digital file that can authenticate a website’s identity or encrypt its contents. Companies can encrypt traffic data packsers to ensure security and prevent unauthorized parties from reading it.
Websites that have an SSL certificate have the domain name “HTTPS”. We can check the domain address to see if a website has an SSL certificate. The certificate file includes not only the public key but also other information about the owner, such as the business identity and the domain and server names.
Why is SSL certificate important?
SSL is known to ensure secure data exchange between two entities. This is not the only reason. Google encourages websites to obtain SSL certificates and to change their domains from HTTPS to HTTPS since 2014. It’s now a standard practice for new websites to have a HTTPS domain.
Google has made 95% of websites on Google secure with SSL certificates. According to SSL statistics, 99% of Google Chrome browsing time is spent on HTTPS websites. Google will rank a website lower if it doesn’t comply with its SSL guidelines. If users don’t trust a website, it can negatively impact a brand’s image and reputation. Certificates are essential. They lend creditability.
Public vs. Private Key
To authenticate and protect connections between two parties, the SSL protocol uses a pair (private and public) of keys. You can create a CSR (Certificate Signing Request) when you obtain an SSL certificate. This is how you can generate a pair. SSL allows the public key to be seen by anyone, while the private key is kept secret and can only be accessed by the owner, you.
You can access your server with a private key. This key should only be accessible by a few people. Accessing a server allows you to view sensitive data and modify the contents. Your private key should not be used without your permission.
The public key, on the other hand can be shared with others. Your SSL certificate includes the public key and the private and public keys that work together to protect your data encryption and verification. This ensures that your data is not intercepted or accessed by unwelcome parties while it is being transferred. Those who have access to your public key can verify that your message is authentic.
SSL certificates by the numbers
It is worth looking at the numbers surrounding SSL certificates, as they help to highlight the importance of SSL certificates.
GlobalSign surveyed 85 percent of online shoppers.

Oswald