SSL certificate
An SSL certificate encrypts the connection between a website and its visitors, shown by the padlock and https.
SSL certificate at a glance
An SSL certificate encrypts the connection between a website and its visitors, shown by the padlock icon and https in the address bar. It protects sensitive data such as passwords and payment details from being intercepted. Today it is a basic requirement for any professional website.
Why every website needs SSL
Without SSL, browsers label a site as Not secure, which scares visitors away and hurts trust. Google also uses https as a ranking signal, so an unsecured site can lose visibility. Most modern hosting includes a free SSL certificate, so there is rarely a reason to run a site without one.
FAQ
Is an SSL certificate free?
Often yes. Many hosts and services provide free SSL certificates through Let’s Encrypt. Paid certificates exist for specific business needs but are not required for most sites.
What is the difference between http and https?
Https is the secure version of http. The s means the connection is encrypted with an SSL certificate, protecting the data exchanged between the visitor and the site.