Things to Know About SSL Certificates

With the proliferation of the internet, the importance of security is increasing day by day. Especially for e-commerce websites and websites processing user information, security is a critical factor in establishing user trust in the site. This is where SSL certificates come into play. So, what are SSL certificates and why are they so important? In this article, we will examine in detail what SSL certificates are, how they work, and why they are necessary.

What is an SSL Certificate?

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a technology that enables secure communication between web servers and browsers. SSL certificates ensure secure data transfer by providing this secure connection. An SSL certificate is a digital certificate that authenticates the identity of a web server and establishes an encrypted connection between the server and the browser.

How Does an SSL Certificate Work?

1. An SSL certificate ensures the encryption of data transmitted between the server and the client. This process works as follows:
2. Initiating the Connection: When a user wants to access a website protected by SSL, an SSL connection is initiated between the browser and the server.
3. Server Authentication: The server sends an SSL certificate that authenticates its identity to the browser.
4. The browser verifies whether this certificate is valid. Exchange of Encryption Keys: After the certificate is validated, the exchange of encryption keys between the browser and the server occurs.
5. These keys are used to encrypt the data transfer. Establishing a Secure Connection: A secure connection is established using encryption keys, and data transfer occurs encrypted.

Why Should You Use an SSL Certificate?

The use of SSL certificates offers many important advantages:

1. Data Security: SSL certificates encrypt the data transmitted between users and servers, preventing third parties from accessing and reading this data.
2. Authentication: SSL certificates authenticate the identity of the website, ensuring that users are connecting to the correct and reliable site.
3. Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Search engines like Google prioritize sites that use SSL certificates in their rankings.An SSL certificate can improve your site's SEO performance.
4. User Trust: Users trust sites with SSL certificates more. The lock icon and "https" in the browser reassure users that they can safely enter their information on the site.
5. Legal Compliance: In many industries, especially finance and healthcare, the use of SSL certificates may be a legal requirement. Types of SSL Certificates There are various types of SSL certificates available to meet different needs:
6. Domain Validated (DV) SSL Certificate: The most basic validation type. Only the domain owner is validated, and the certificate can be obtained quickly.
7. Organization Validated (OV) SSL Certificate: Both domain ownership and organizational information are validated. It provides higher security.
8. Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificate: The highest level of validation. A comprehensive validation process is required to obtain the certificate. A green bar and organization name are visible in the browser address bar. Conclusion SSL certificates are an indispensable tool for ensuring the security of websites. While protecting users' security, they enhance the credibility of the site and positively impact its ranking on search engines. Therefore, if you own or manage a website, using an SSL certificate is an important step for both you and your users.

To learn more about SSL certificates and choose the most suitable certificate for your site, you can contact our experts.