SSL or a Secure Sockets Layer certificate helps in reducing the risk associated with the exchange of the sensitive data between the web server and the web browser. SSL certificate protects your data from the hackers and can be accessed only through the authorized connections. Having installed the SSL certificate on your website gives you a green padlock, and an HTTPS in your address bar gives your visitors and customers trust that they are interacting with a genuine and a secured website. HTTP is Hypertext Transfer Protocol, and HTTPS is the Hypertext transfer protocol secure are the protocols to transfer information between the web browser and the server where the website is hosted. With HTTP it is possible for the hackers and the attackers to attack and steal personal and private information. But HTTPS is a secure connection and hence retains the integrity and information that a user is sharing securely.
SSL Certificate is the most common and a must for all the e-commerce website that collects the personal information such as name, email, credit card details, passwords and many more. Many of the search engines is also encouraging the websites that have SSL certificate installed. SSL certificate also helps in boosting the website ranking to increase the conversions.
Types of SSL Certificates:
- Domain Validation SSL Certificate: A domain validation SSL certificate helps get the website gets a green padlock as well as a secure TrustLogo with the URL. The certificate is provided by the Certificate Authority (CA) and helps in verifying the domain of the organization or a person who has requested the SSL certificate. It is easy and simple to obtain the certificate; Domain Validation SSL is a very low cost and ideal for the businesses that gain trust and reliability of customers for the startups and small businesses.
- Wildcard SSL Certificate: Wildcard SSL certificate saves money, time and hassles as of a single certificate for a single domain, and an unlimited number of subdomains. They are very cost effective for the domain that has no subdomains. They have the same functions as the normal SSL certificate.
How to get an SSL Certificate
Below are the mentioned requirements for the SSL certificate provider:
WHOIS Record: To ensure that the company name and address are valid. The Certificate Authority will cross-check these details with the WHOIS record. So you should provide these details clearly along with the website’s data
How to Get an SSL Certificate
Before getting an SSL certificate from an SSL certificate provider, make sure that you have:
- A Valid WHOIS Record: To ensure that your company name and address are valid, the Certificate Authority will cross-check your application with the WHOIS record. So be sure to fill out your website’s data correctly as the Certificate Authority will most likely call or email you based on the information provided by you on the WHOIS site.
- Dedicated IP Address: A dedicated IP address is the must ensure the digital certificate for the website.
- CSR: A CSR is a certificate and signing request. It is a block of text that must be generated on your web server before ordering an SSL certificate. The CA (Certificate Authority) uses the details mentioned in the CSR while issuing the SSL Certificate.
Hence the steps mentioned above help you procure your SSL certificate. Hence to ensure that there are no foreseen problems, we recommend you to order your SSL certificate a few days before making your website goes live.