What is an SSL certificate and what is it for?

An SSL certificate is a digital validator that provides identification to a website and additionally protects communication with browsers through an encrypted connection using the SSL (Secure Socket Layer) protocol.

 

Companies and organizations must add SSL certificates to their websites to protect online transactions and maintain the privacy and security of customer information. This data includes potentially sensitive information such as names, addresses, credit card numbers, or other financial details.

 

In summary: an SSL certificate keeps connections secure and prevents criminals from reading or modifying the information transferred between two systems (browser and server).

 

How an SSL certificate works

 

The steps of a connection to a website with an SSL certificate are as follows. 

1. A user connects through their browser to the website protected by SSL certificates. 
2. The browser requests that the web server identify itself.
3. In response, the web server sends the browser a copy of its SSL certificate.
4. The browser checks whether the SSL certificate is trustworthy. If the certificate is valid, a message is sent to the web server.
5. The web server returns a signed acknowledgment.
6. An encrypted SSL connection is established between the browser and the web server.

 

How to identify a certificate and check its information.

 

We can identify a website with a certificate when we see a padlock in the browser bar.

 

 

If we click on the padlock, we can view detailed information about the issuer and the details of the website we are visiting.

 

 

You can even check additional information about its validity, the type of certificate and other details by clicking on Connection is secure and then on The certificate is valid:

 

For more information, you can contact us.

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