WHAT IS AN SSL CERTIFICATE?
An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a digital passport that encrypts the traffic flowing between a visitor’s browser and your web‑server. Once installed, the site address switches from http:// to https:// and a padlock icon appears in the address bar. The result: data such as passwords, card details or contact forms becomes unreadable to prying eyes.
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MAIN FLAVOURS OF SSL
- Domain‑Validated (DV)
– Fastest and cheapest option
– Only proves you control the domain
– Good enough for personal blogs and hobby sites - Organisation‑Validated (OV)
– The issuer checks basic company details in addition to the domain
– Ideal for SME company pages or brochure‑style corporate sites - Extended Validation (EV)
– In‑depth vetting of the business, legal status and ownership
– Company name turns up right in the browser bar for maximum credibility
– Favoured by banks, large e‑commerce stores and public institutions - Wildcard Certificates
– One certificate protects unlimited sub‑domains (store.example.com, blog.example.com, etc.)
– Cost‑effective if your project uses many sub‑sites
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WHY YOUR HOSTING ACCOUNT REALLY NEEDS SSL
• Stronger security
The certificate encrypts every byte of information, keeping customer data safe from interception or tampering.
• Better SEO ranking
Google’s algorithm gives preference to HTTPS pages. Switch to SSL and you stand a better chance of climbing search results.
• Trust and conversion boost
Visitors look for the padlock icon before sharing personal details or completing a purchase. No lock, no sale.
• Compliance factors
Industries handling sensitive data (finance, health, EU sites under GDPR) often have a legal obligation to use encryption.
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HOW TO DEPLOY AN SSL ON MOST HOSTS
Step 1 — Obtain a certificate
• Many hosting providers bundle a free Let’s Encrypt DV certificate with their plans.
• For OV or EV, buy through your host or a recognised Certificate Authority.
Step 2 — Install it on the server
• Log in to the hosting control panel (cPanel, Plesk, DirectAdmin, etc.).
• Look for “SSL/TLS”, “Security” or a similar menu.
• Paste the certificate files (CRT, KEY, CABUNDLE) or let an automated wizard handle it.
Step 3 — Force HTTPS across the site
• Update your site’s base URL to https:// within the CMS or application settings.
• Add a 301 redirect in .htaccess (Apache) or the server config (Nginx, LiteSpeed) so every HTTP request jumps to HTTPS.
Step 4 — Keep it renewed
• DV certificates from Let’s Encrypt auto‑renew every 60–90 days.
• For paid certs, set a calendar reminder well before expiry to avoid the dreaded browser warning.
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CLOSING THOUGHTS
An SSL certificate is no longer an optional extra; it is the baseline for running a reputable, search‑engine‑friendly and legally compliant website. Choose the certificate type that matches your project, install it through your hosting panel, enforce HTTPS everywhere and make renewal automatic. Your visitors — and the search engines — will thank you. 😊