Technology

Why SSL Certificates Matter for Your Online Security?

Last updated on October 24th, 2023 at 10:00 pm

3 minutes read

In today’s digital world, keeping our online information safe is a top priority. One crucial tool for safeguarding your online data and communications is something called an SSL certificate. In this blog post, we’re going to explore SSL certificates and answer some common questions. We’ll find out if they’re free, whether SSL can be hacked, how SSL works, which SSL certificate suits your needs, and why SSL is so important.

 

Are SSL Certificates Free?

The cost of SSL certificates depends on the type you require. There are three main kinds:

  1. Self-Signed SSL Certificates: These won’t cost you any money, but they’re not recommended for public websites. They provide basic encryption but don’t offer the level of trust and security that paid certificates do.
  2. Domain Validated (DV) SSL Certificates: DV certificates are usually the cheapest option and are suitable for small websites or personal blogs. Some providers may offer them for free or as part of a hosting package.
  3. Extended Validation (EV) and Organization Validated (OV) SSL Certificates: These offer the highest level of trust and validation, but they come at a cost. They are mainly used by businesses and organizations that need to establish a strong online presence.

Can SSL Be Hacked?

SSL itself is a secure way to transmit data, but it’s not entirely immune to all forms of attacks. The encryption used in SSL certificates is very strong, making it extremely challenging for attackers to intercept and decipher the data being sent over SSL. However, SSL can still be vulnerable to certain types of attacks:

  1. Phishing Attacks: Cybercriminals can create fake websites with SSL certificates to trick users into revealing sensitive information.
  2. Weak Passwords: SSL doesn’t protect against weak passwords or poor server security practices.
  3. Expired or Invalid Certificates: If an SSL certificate isn’t properly maintained and renewed, it can become vulnerable to attacks.

How SSL Works?

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Photo credits to Hostinger

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a fancy term for a protocol that encrypts the information passed between your web browser and a website’s server. Here’s a simplified explanation of how it works:

  1. Handshake: When you visit a secure website, your browser and the website’s server perform a digital handshake. During this handshake, they exchange information to create a secure connection.
  2. Encryption: Once that secure connection is established, all the data that gets sent between you and the website is transformed into an unreadable code. This means that even if someone tries to eavesdrop on your communication, they won’t make heads or tails of it.
  3. Authentication: SSL certificates play a role in verifying the identity of the website you’re visiting. This way, you can trust that you’re connecting to the real website and not a fake one.

Which SSL Certificate Do I Need?

The right SSL certificate for you depends on what you’re up to:

  1. DV SSL Certificate: Great for small websites, blogs, or personal projects where you want to make sure your information stays private.
  2. OV SSL Certificate: This is more suitable if you’re running a small to medium-sized business or organization and you want to build trust with your online visitors.
  3. EV SSL Certificate: If you’re running an online store or a big corporation, this is the one for you. It provides the highest level of validation and security.

Why SSL is Required?

SSL is crucial for a few key reasons:

  1. Data Security: It keeps sensitive information like your passwords, credit card details, and personal info safe from being stolen by bad actors.
  2. Trustworthiness: Websites with SSL certificates display a little padlock icon or “https://” in the address bar, showing visitors that your site is trustworthy.
  3. Search Engine Boost: SSL can improve your website’s ranking on search engines like Google, which is great for getting more visitors.
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Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay
google chrome dangerous website
Google Chrome flagging Non-SSL Websites as dangerous.

SSL certificates are essential tools in keeping our online world safe and trustworthy. While there are free options available, it’s crucial to pick the one that matches your needs and the level of security and trust you want to provide. Understanding how SSL works and why it matters helps you make informed choices about protecting your online presence. Remember, investing in SSL is an investment in the security and credibility of your website or online business.

I work hard to keep my guides up-to-date and accurate, but it is not possible for me to be perfect. Caveat lector: Do double-check with good sources any information you come across. If you do find errors, please notify me by this form.

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I work hard to keep my guides up-to-date and accurate, but it is not possible for me to be perfect. Caveat lector: Do double-check with good sources any information you come across. If you do find errors, please notify me by this form.

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Lorence Laudenio

Lorence is an IT grad who loves to travel. He shares tech updates, trends, and his travel journey, aiming to inspire others by blending his passions.

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