What is SSL?

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a security protocol that creates an encrypted connection between a web server and a visitor’s browser. Without it, data sent between the two — passwords, credit card numbers, form submissions travels as plain, readable text. Anyone intercepting the connection (on public Wi-Fi, a compromised network, etc.) can read it directly.

Note:
• SSL has technically been replaced by TLS (Transport Layer Security), but SSL remains the industry-standard term people use even when referring to TLS certificates. You’ll commonly see “SSL” and “SSL/TLS” used interchangeably.

Types of SSL Certificates

Domain Validation (DV) — Confirms you own the domain. Fastest to issue, best for personal sites or small projects that just need HTTPS.

Organization Validation (OV) — Confirms domain ownership and verifies that your business is a real, registered organization. Recommended for company websites, recruitment pages, or contact forms where visitors need reassurance about who they’re dealing with.

Extended Validation (EV) — The highest level of identity verification. Best suited for e-commerce sites, payment pages, or any high-trust transaction flow.
 

How SSL Works?

When a browser connects to a site with SSL installed, the two sides perform a quick handshake before any data is exchanged:

1. The browser requests that the server identify itself.
2. The server responds with its SSL certificate, which contains a public encryption key and proof of validity issued by a trusted Certificate Authority.
3. The browser verifies that the certificate is valid and hasn’t expired, then uses the public key to establish a shared encryption key for that session.
4. All data exchanged from that point on is encrypted using that session key. This is what turns http:// into https:// and triggers the padlock icon in the browser.
This handshake happens in a fraction of a second and no action requires from the visitor.
 

Why Your Website Needs SSL

1. Protects visitor data. Any page collecting logins, payment info, or personal information, needs encryption to prevent that data from being intercepted in transit.
2. Builds visitor trust. Browsers actively flag sites without SSL as Not Secure, a warning most visitors won’t ignore, especially on checkout or login pages.
3. Supports search ranking. HTTPS is a confirmed ranking signal. Sites without SSL are placed at a disadvantage compared to encrypted competitors.
4. Required for many integrations. Payment gateways, APIs, and most third-party services now require HTTPS as a baseline condition to connect.

Free SSL vs GlobalSign SSL