SSL stands for secure socket layer. An SSL certificate is a
digital certificate that creates a secure link between the website and a
visitor’s browser. Different websites have different requirements for SSL certificates.
An SSL certificate occur in premium or in
a free version to websites that require users to hand over sensitive
information like login usernames and passwords. A site that has an SSL certificate has its URL
starting with HTTPs.
Why does your website need an SSL certificate?
An SSL certificate encrypts information and
keeps it safe and secure on the internet.
It enhances search engine ranking on google
and other SEO platforms. High ranking on SEO attracts more website traffic
building your brand online.
An SSL certificate affirms your identity by
providing authentication to a website.
When you want to install an SSL certificate,
you must go through a validation process. Depending on the type of SSL
certificate, the certificate authority verifies your identity and the business
identity.
Customers are more likely to do business
with you or visit your site frequently if your site is operating on secure SSL
certificate encryption.
As one of the essential requirements in payment
card industry, an SSL certificate will allow you to transact and receive online
payments using your website.
Using SSL certificate in your site improve
the loading speed of pages. The faster your website, the more people visit and
the more ranking in search results page.
Getting an SSL certificate and installing it in your
website
Identify your business needs, the purpose of the SSL in your
site and all domains that need an SSL certificate
Choose a legitimate certificate authority who is responsible
for approving your application. Most hosting companies provide different types
of SSL certificate based on the level of encryption you seek. The most common
SSL certificates available in the market include domain validated, organization
validated and extended validated SSL certificates.
For free SSL certificate;
The SSL certificate is issued for free with any domain
registered with AskSSL. The free SSL provide secure website operations giving
you time to choose the best premium certificate to suit your business. Free SSL
certificate include Comodo 90 days and free Let’s encrypt certificate. Free
Let’s encrypt is issued by let’s encrypt certificate authority and is renewable
after every three months.
AskSSL has integrated with the Cpanel to allow users easily
install the Let’s encrypt SSL certificate in their websites. The free SSL
certificate is easy to install, it is secure, completely free and need to be
renewed annually upon expiry. AskSSL allow one click of the free Let’s encrypt
certificate from the Cpanel. Login to your Cpanel and check out on let’s
encrypt in the security section to install it in your site.
All the main browsers
recommend Comodo issued certificates. They are issued 90 days for free
to familiarize
yourself with the functionality of the SSL certificate. If you are taking a
short-term
project Comodo SSL
certificate will suit you best.
For
premium SSL certificate;
The prices
of the SSL certificate vary with different SSL providers. The best SSL features
all your business needs.
To purchase an SSL certificate, select an
SSL certificate from the premium option and the certificate authority to issue
the certificate. This initiates the verification process which takes a few
minutes for domain validated and a few days for OV and EV SSL certificates to
be issued.
You need to have a unique internet protocol
address for each certificate and the server set up to get the WHOIS record. The
WHOIS record proves that for a particular domain you are the legal owner and
are authorized to order the certificate.
Generate
a certificate signing request then submit to the certificate authority who will
use the information you have submitted in the CSR to create an SSL certificate
for your website.
You are free to install the SSL certificate.
The domain is validated by the certificate authority as they issue the
certificate to you. If you hosting plan come with an SSL certificate, you can
request your web host to activate the certificate on your behalf.
Visit your website to validate if the
installed SSL certificate is working. Verify this by checking on the address
bar which should have a green reflection if the site is secured with the SSL. The
sites URL should begin with HTTPS instead of HTTP.
After getting the SSL certificate, update
all internal links, links pointing to images and files and set up all
redirects.
It so easy
to get an SSL certificate for your website. Get an SSL certificate for your
website by getting the right certificate authority to issue the certificate at
a suitable price within your budget. As you the various certificate types and
determine which will serve your business best.