SSL (Secure Sockets Layer), now technically referred to as TLS (Transport Layer Security), is a security protocol that encrypts data between a user’s browser and a web server. SSL ensures that sensitive information like login credentials, credit card details, and personal data are transmitted securely.
An SSL Certificate is a digital certificate issued by a Certificate Authority (CA) that authenticates a website’s identity and enables encrypted connections over HTTPS.
Data encryption between client and server
Authentication of the website owner
Protection from man-in-the-middle attacks
Enables HTTPS and browser trust indicators (padlock icon)
| Reason | Benefit |
|---|---|
| 🔒 Security | Protects user data and prevents eavesdropping |
| 🌍 Trust | Shows visitors your site is secure (via HTTPS padlock) |
| 📈 SEO | Google gives ranking boost to HTTPS sites |
| 💳 Compliance | Required for PCI-DSS, HIPAA, GDPR, etc. |
| 🧾 Authentication | Confirms the identity of your domain/business |
Ordering an SSL certificate involves generating a CSR, selecting a certificate type, and completing validation with a Certificate Authority.
| Type | Description | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| DV (Domain Validation) | Verifies domain ownership only | Blogs, small websites |
| OV (Organization Validation) | Validates domain + organization | Business websites |
| EV (Extended Validation) | Full legal and business verification | E-commerce, banks |
| Wildcard SSL | Covers a domain and all subdomains | *.example.com |
| Multi-Domain SSL (SAN) | Secures multiple domains under one cert | example.com, mail.example.net |
📝 Most popular SSL brands: DigiCert, Sectigo, GoDaddy, GlobalSign, Let’s Encrypt (free, short-term)
You must create a CSR on the server where the certificate will be installed.
Open IIS Manager.
Go to Server Certificates > Create Certificate Request.
Fill in your organization details:
Common Name: www.example.com
Organization: Your business name
City/State/Country
Choose key size (2048-bit recommended).
Save the .csr file.
❗Keep the private key secure. It is required during certificate installation.
Go to a Certificate Authority (or reseller like Namecheap, SSLs.com, GoDaddy, DigiCert, etc.).
Select your SSL certificate type.
During the order, upload/paste your CSR.
Choose server type (e.g., Microsoft IIS, Apache, Nginx).
Proceed to payment.
| Validation Type | What You Need to Do |
|---|---|
| DV | Verify domain via email, DNS TXT, or HTTP file |
| OV | Submit company documents + phone verification |
| EV | Extensive verification of company, legal status, and physical presence |
Once approved:
You’ll receive .crt, .cer, or .p7b certificate files.
Some CAs may provide a .zip file containing root + intermediate + server certs.
You must install the SSL certificate on your web server:
| Platform | Installation Guide |
|---|---|
| Windows Server (IIS) | Use IIS Manager → Server Certificates → Complete Certificate Request |
| Linux/Apache/Nginx | Upload to cert paths + edit conf files |
| cPanel | Use SSL/TLS Wizard |
| Cloud Services (AWS, Azure, GCP) | Use certificate manager tools or ACM |
Open browser and visit https://yourdomain.com
Look for 🔒 padlock
Use tools like:
Q1: How long is an SSL certificate valid?
Most certificates are valid for 1 year. Let’s Encrypt certificates are valid for 90 days.
Q2: Can I get SSL for free?
Yes! Use Let’s Encrypt, ZeroSSL, or Cloudflare SSL for basic HTTPS needs.
Q3: What if I lose the private key?
You must reissue the certificate. The private key cannot be recovered.
Q4: What’s the difference between SSL and TLS?
TLS is the successor to SSL. Although we still call them "SSL certificates", modern ones use TLS 1.2/1.3.