In this article, we will be providing answers to all the frequently asked questions on SSL certificates and HTTPS. We have looked through our past records as well as data available on the internet to find the questions people asked the most about the SSL certificates and HTTPS.
SSL and HTTPS is a concept that is difficult for people who do have not deep technical knowledge to understand. As a result, they end up having questions about even basic things about SSL. This is why we have written this article to answer the most popular questions about SSL certificates.
If you are new to SSL and want to get the best SSL certificates to secure your website, then this article on Frequently Asked Questions about SSL Certificates will be very helpful to you.
Let’s dive in.
What does SSL stand for?
SSL simply stands for Secure Socket Layer.
What does SSL mean?
SSL is a security infrastructure that is built to provide security in the communication between a web server and a website user’s browsers. SSL uses encryption technologies, including a public key available to all browsers and a private key on the server to protect the important information exchanged between a user and a website.
The main purpose of SSL is to ensure authentication and data privacy in internet connections. SSL is the protocol used to ensure secure internet connections between servers and internet users. In simpler terms, SSL is a protocol that protects your websites and your users.
What are the different types of SSL?
There are different types of SSL certificates depending on two major factors: the number of domains being secured and the level of security and privacy needed.
Based on the number of domains to be covered, there are three types of SSL certificates:
- Single – secures one fully-qualified domain name or subdomain name
- Wildcard – secures one domain name and an unlimited number of its subdomains
- Multi-Domain – secures several domain names
The second basis of validation is the level of validation. Now, validation refers to the level of verification a particular site has been subjected to. As one can expect, a website that has gone through a more thorough verification can be trusted more than a website with just little verification.
Based on the level of validation, there are three types of SSL certificates:
- Domain Validation(DV): These SSL certificates are the lowest level of validation and as such are the easiest and fastest to obtain. All that is needed is to confirm that the perform requesting for the SSL certificate is the real owner of the domains.
- Organization Validation(OV): As its name implies, the OV SSL certificate is best suited for businesses and organizations. They require more verification than the DV certificate but are much more secure and regarded with a higher level of trust.
- Extended Validation (EV): The EV SSL certificate is the highest level available to websites and is best for websites that require high trust and security for their users. This certificate is a premium stamp of trust and as such can take several months for the verification process to be completed.
What does HTTPS stand for?
HTTPS simply means Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure.
What does HTTPS mean?
HTTP is a client-server protocol, in that two devices(usually browsers and web servers) communicate. This means it is the method that allows for the transfer of data, that is web pages over a network -from web servers to your phone or laptop. In the essence, this connection and communication is the very basis of the internet.
HTTP is a protocol used for transporting hypertext over the Internet. This hypertext includes text, graphics (video/photos), audio, and other extension web pages.
HTTPS is the secure form of HTTP.
How is HTTPS different from HTTP?
HTTP, in itself, is not secure. But HTTPS is HTTP with a layer of security provided by SSL. So, HTTPS is secure while HTTP is not.
How does HTTPS/SSL work?
When a web user tries to visit a website, the following process occurs:
- If it is a website that has an SSL certificate installed, the browser confirms if the SSL authentication of the website is valid.
- After that, the browser uses the website’s public key to encrypt the connection.
- That is, the information provided on the website is encrypted in a form that can’t be accessed or read by cybercriminals.
- The information is then sent to the server in its encrypted form so that cybercriminals do not hijack it during the process.
- The server then uses the public key to decrypt the information sent and the private to encrypt it for storage.
This way, the SSL protects information inputted into the website. You do not realize all these processes are taking place because they happen within seconds, depending on your internet speed.
Why do I need SSL for my website?
SSL certificates are very important for your website. There are a lot of benefits to gain from having SSL installed on your website including:
- Up-to-date security
- Better search ranking and SEO
- Boosts your website’s credibility
- Ability to accept online payments
- Authentication
How do I get an SSL certificate?
SSL certificates are issued by Certificate Authorities. However, they are sold by most domain registration and web hosting companies. These companies sell SSL certificates along with their usual hosting packages.
You can buy an SSL certificate from most web hosts including Truehost Nigeria.
Which is the Best SSL Certificate to buy?
This is one of the most asked questions about SSL certificates and HTTPS. Now, like most things, what is best for you depends on you, your websites, and your preferences.
As we have mentioned above, there are several types of SSL certificates based on different classifications. If you are looking to secure several websites, it is clear you opt for the Wildcard or the Multi-domain SSL certificate. Also depending on the level of security and trust your website requires, you can choose between the DV, OV, and EV certificates.
If you have any issues deciding which is best for you, you can reach out to us in the live chat below and we’ll be able to advise you and answer any questions regarding SSL certificates.
How do I renew my certificate?
SSL certificates are renewed just the same way hosting and domains are renewed. Most plans are annual and you’d have to renew every year.
How much does an SSL certificate cost?
The cost of SSL certificates also differs with what plans you want and where you are buying from. To have an idea of what SSL certificates cost, you can check our price list here.
Where should I buy my SSL certificate from?
As we have said earlier, SSL certificates are sold by web hosting companies and you can buy from your usual web host. However, Truehost Nigeria is the best place to get your SSL certificates in Nigeria.
Truehost Nigeria is one of Nigeria’s top domain registrar and web hosts in Nigeria. Truehost offers domain registration, web hosting, and SSL certificates to websites and businesses. Our company is well known for affordable packages and excellent service. We are very passionate about helping websites to be secure from hackers and cybercriminals.