What is an SSL certificate?

Introduction to SSL certificates

SSL certificates are digital documents that are used to authenticate and secure websites. They are issued by a Certificate Authority (CA) and contain information about the website, such as the domain name, the company name, and the public key.

When a user visits a website, their browser will check the SSL certificate to make sure it is valid and secure. If the certificate is valid, the browser will establish a secure connection with the website and the user can safely access the website.

SSL certificates and security

SSL certificates are important for protecting user data and ensuring that websites are secure. Without an SSL certificate, users may be vulnerable to malicious attacks, such as man-in-the-middle attacks, where an attacker can intercept data sent between the user and the website. SSL certificates also help to protect user data by encrypting the data sent between the user and the website.

SSL certificates are also important for SEO. Google has stated that websites with SSL certificates will be given a higher ranking in search results than those without. This is because Google wants to ensure that users are able to access secure websites.

In conclusion, SSL certificates are an important part of website security. They help to protect user data, prevent malicious attacks, and improve SEO rankings.