What is an SSL Certificate? What are its Types?

An SSL certificate is a digital certificate that enables the transmission of data between web servers and web browsers through encrypted connections. To fully understand what SSL is and how it is used, it is first necessary to answer the question, "What does SSL stand for?" SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. TLS (Transport Layer Security) and SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) are types of protocols that provide communication over a computer network. They ensure the security of transmitted data by encrypting it, including session encryption within internal networks. In other words, they perform a type of encryption during the transfer of sensitive data. However, TLS is based on SSL and was released as a solution to the known security vulnerabilities of SSL version 3. Today, SSL generally includes TLS as well. With SSL data encryption, data integrity, and authentication can be achieved. Some types of SSL are used more frequently. These include:

• Standard SSL covers only the domain name and has 2048-bit encryption. It is preferred for the security of data on a general network.
• Wildcard SSL protects an unlimited number of subdomains in addition to the domain name of the website. Therefore, it is also known as subdomain-supported SSL.
• Rapid SSL is typically used for personal websites. It operates without documentation and uses a 128-256 bit single-root encryption system.
• EV SSL is the highest level SSL certificate. It covers the commercial and legal existence of the certificate holder. It includes many corporate validations, but it can only be obtained if these details are approved by the certificate-issuing companies. Even if the application is approved, the certificate may not be issued. The website owner is required to submit legal or commercial activity documents. Once the certificate is approved, the website or company name is added to the browser. This indicates that the page is secure.
• Unified Communications Certificate (UCC) can protect multiple domains, host names, and subdomains. It is ideal for use on many websites. However, it may not cover domains added later.

The advantages of SSL certificates on the user side can be explained with an example from messaging applications. Messages sent cannot be read or altered by another application or person, and they are sent to the target server in such a way that only the intended recipient can access them. To prevent messages from being read and altered, SSL uses two methods:

• Encryption
• Signing solutions.

Encryption makes the contents unreadable, and even if malicious software accesses the messages, it does not matter who viewed them and when. Signing ensures that the message reaches the recipient with a digital signature. This allows the recipient to be confident in the sender and the originality of the message. Some key codes are used for these two methods. Keys are typically 128-bit and consist of simple numbers. Additionally, algorithms such as RSA can be used for encrypting and signing messages. This method, used in messaging applications, can also be used to securely transfer data over a network. SSL is the fundamental protocol that enables all these applications. In the rest of our article, you can find more information about the answer to the question "What is an SSL security certificate?" and the advantages of SSL usage.

How to Obtain SSL?

A website owner needs to apply to SSL certificate authorities to obtain a certificate. Then, this certificate must be installed on the web server. This process is usually done with a web server. Certificate authorities are third parties that verify the identity of the website owner. They keep a copy of the certificate issued. Since many authorized companies provide certificates, they charge a fee. However, it is also possible to find different free certificate types. To choose the most suitable certificate, its features must be known in detail. Additionally, technical support can be obtained from internet security and performance companies that provide certificates.

One of the most important things to know about SSL certificates is their impact on HTTP and HTTPS internet protocols. For this, it is important to first understand the differences between HTTP and HTTPS. The S in HTTPS stands for 'secure.' HTTPS is an HTTP with an SSL or TLS certificate. HTTPS sites have an SSL certificate issued by a legitimate firm. The traffic flowing on this website is encrypted and signed with SSL assurance. Many browsers also mark websites with the HTTP protocol as insecure to encourage the transition to HTTPS on the internet. With this policy, SSL usage with the help of HTTPS not only protects user data but also keeps user communication secure.

There are many certificate authority companies where SSL certificates can be obtained. Each has different SSL installation steps. Typically, they offer their users the opportunity to choose from three different types of certificates. These are DV, OV, IV, and EV certificates. DV-type SSL provides domain protection but has the lowest level of protection. OV includes identity verification as well. Organizations can thus show that they are appropriately registered with other authorities in their jurisdiction. It also has a higher security standard than DV. EV certificates are not issued to individuals. EV-type certificates are only expected to be used by businesses. Many documents may be required during the certificate application process, ensuring maximum trust for visitors. IV certificates provide individual verification and may require more verification than DV certificates. Therefore, they provide more security. The name of the organization or individual is also added to the certificate. This way, both the certificate and its owner can gain additional trust. Additionally, IV certificates, like OV certificates, may offer features such as code signing, document signing, and email protections.

Advantages of Using an SSL Certificate

Using an SSL certificate provides many benefits, especially in terms of security, for both the website owner and users. However, before examining the security and importance provided by SSL certificates, it is important to understand how SSL certificates work and how they protect data on the network. The working steps of SSL certificates are as follows:

1. A server/browser attempts to connect to an SSL-protected website or a web server.
2. The web server trying to establish a connection needs to recognize the browser or website trying to connect. For this purpose, a request is sent.
3. The web server responds to this request by sending a copy of the SSL certificate to the browser/server.
4. The browser/server checks whether it trusts the SSL certificate and sends a response.
5. Then the web server sends a digitally signed approval to initiate an SSL-encrypted session.
6. Finally, encrypted data is shared between the requesting browser/server and the web server.

Data transfers between websites and users become more secure thanks to SSL. This security requirement is becoming more important every day. The SSL certificate added to the website ensures that all transactions and data on the site are protected by encryption. The information transmitted to the web servers by the users visiting the page is securely sent. In the event of a possible cyber-attack, the information is securely stored.

One of the most common uses of SSL certificates is e-commerce sites. It is critical for these sites to have an SSL certificate. Users can share personal information with e-commerce sites by becoming members. Additionally, personal data and credit card information can be stored on e-commerce sites without becoming a member. For this reason, pages take SSL certificates to avoid losing trust and reputation. Customers visiting the page know that shopping from here is safe. This way, the customer conversion rates of e-commerce sites also increase.

Another advantage of using an SSL certificate is its importance for SEO. One of the SEO criteria of search engines is obtaining an SSL certificate. Search engines that want to improve user experiences and provide their users with a secure browsing experience may filter and rank higher the websites with SSL certificates in search results. To learn more about SSL certificates, which are of vital importance to websites, you can check out the Techcareer.net Bootcamp training