Why Every Website Needs a Secure SSL Certificate
In today's digital landscape, security is not an option it's a requirement. An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate creates an encrypted connection between a web server and a browser, ensuring that all data passed between the two remains private and integral. Beyond encryption, a secure site should also have a clear Privacy Policy to maintain user trust and compliance.
Trust & Confidence
Desktop and mobile browsers now flag non-SSL sites as "Not Secure." A valid certificate provides the "Padlock" icon that users look for before entering personal data. Ensuring your site passes a Mobile Friendly Test is another key factor in building visitor confidence on any device.
SEO Advantage
Google has confirmed that HTTPS is a ranking signal. Sites with SSL certificates often see a boost in their search visibility compared to unencrypted competitors. This, combined with tools like an External Link Checker, ensures your overall site health stays at its peak.
The Anatomy of an SSL Certificate
An SSL certificate contains several key pieces of information that define its trustlevel:
- Common Name (CN): The domain name the certificate was issued for.
- Issuer: The Certificate Authority (CA) that verified the domain and issued the cert.
- Validity Period: Most modern certificates are issued for 90 days to 1 year and must be renewed regularly.
- Encryption Algorithm: Modern certificates typically use SHA-256 for signing, providing high-level cryptographic security.
Common SSL Errors to Watch For
Using our SSL Checker can help you identify several critical issues before they affect your users:
- Expired Certificate: The certificate is past its 'Valid To' date, causing a scary browser warning.
- Hostname Mismatch: The certificate was issued for a different domain than the one being visited.
- Untrusted Issuer: The certificate was self-signed or issued by a CA that browsers don't recognize.
- Incomplete Chain: Required intermediate certificates are missing from the server configuration.