To visit a web page, all you need to do is click a link or type in an address and up will pop all the info, data, and files on your monitor. What makes all this happen behind the scenes involves rather complex technology. Think of when a page loads as like having a conversation between your computer (the browser) and the computer that stores the website (the web server). The SSL certificate ensures that this conversation is secure and encrypted. Read on to find out how an SSL certificate works, why it’s so important for sensitive data, and how you can tell whether visiting a website is safe. Also discover how Avira Free Security makes surfing even safer.
Your 101 guide to SSL certificates
The SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificate is a small file that website operators upload to their server and configure. When set up correctly, the file enables secure and encrypted communication between the user’s internet browser (client) and the web server. The padlock icon in your browser’s address bar tells you whether the page you’re visiting has a valid SSL certificate.
It’s important to know that SSL has now largely been replaced by TLS (Transport Layer Security), which as the successor to SSL offers improved security features. Although the terms SSL certificate and TLS certificate are often used interchangeably, TLS refers to the more current version of the technology.
The web address also shows whether the connection is secure. For encrypted websites, an “s” is added to the http (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) to make https. The “s” stands for “secure” and indicates that communication is secure. If you visit a page with the https protocol you’re reassured that your information is protected by the message: “This connection is secure.”
Especially when logging in to your user accounts, it’s critical that your access details are transmitted in an encrypted form. It’s more difficult then for unauthorized third parties to intercept sensitive data because with SSL encryption it isn’t transmitted as plain text. This makes a valid SSL/TLS certificate essential for online banking and on healthcare and insurance portals.
When is an SSL certificate necessary?
Internet users, e-commerce shops, and website operators all benefit equally from SSL certificates, albeit at different levels.
- Internet users: The SSL certificate is like a digital lock that offers a high level of protection for your sensitive, personal information and data. This includes account and user data, passwords, and financial transactions.
- Shops: Encrypted communication becomes especially important when it comes to financial and personal data. Shops that rely on an SSL certificate enjoy the trust of their customers since they know that all the data that’s sent and received is secure.
- Website operators: Websites with SSL certificates are ranked higher by search engines such as Google. Google cares about ensuring a good experience for all users. Pages that are committed to user security are therefore prioritized in search results.
What happens if you don’t have an SSL certificate?
If a website operator doesn’t integrate a valid SSL certificate, they’re taking a number of risks.
- Unencrypted data transfer: Plain text is used for communication and data transfer between the browser and the website. The information can easily be intercepted and used by man-in-the-middle attacks. Through IP spoofing, it’s easier for hackers to impersonate someone else and access sensitive data.
- Ranking on Google and similar search engines: Search engines rate and rank pages with SSL encryption higher. Google has a strong interest in providing the best experience for its users — and it can only do this by prioritizing security.
- Users are deterred: Users typically receive a clear warning from their browser when they try to visit a website without SSL encryption. This is a deterrent and has a direct impact on the ranking in search engines that track user behavior.
- Compatibility with payment providers: Many payment processing services require a valid SSL certificate. If this is missing, it’s impossible to make transactions.
In short: Websites without SSL encryption offer less security to their visitors and potentially lose their trust. In addition, search engines such as Google rate a missing certificate negatively, which is detrimental to the website’s ranking in the search results.
What types of SSL certificate are there?
Basically, there are three types of SSL certificate: An Extended Validation Certificate (EV SSL), an Organization Validated Certificate (OV SSL), and a Domain Validated Certificate (DV SSL).
Extended Validation Certificates
An Extended Validation Certificate offers the highest standard of brand protection. Website operators wanting to obtain such an SSL certificate are subject to very strict selection criteria. The applicant needs to go through a thorough check before this certificate is issued to determine whether the domain owner actually has the right to use the domain. Thanks to this strict identity verification process, visitors to the website can always see who the owner of the certificate is. An EV SSL therefore offers superior protection and makes users feel more confident in using the website.
Organization Validated Certificates
An Organization Validated Certificate is less stringent but still requires a thorough review of the applicant. The domain name is checked for legality and basic identity information is collected. Users can view the applicant’s information by clicking the SSL lock in the address bar.
Domain Validated Certificates
Domain Validated Certificates offer the lowest level of authentication because only the authorization to use the domain is checked. Since the owner isn’t verified, this means less paperwork for them. This form of certification is therefore mainly used for personal blogs and small websites.
How does encryption work?
All communications between the web server and the user’s browser are encrypted as soon as a website operator installs the SSL certificate on their web server. No action is required from the website visitor — they just need an internet browser. Let’s take a deeper dive into how encryption works:
- Connection is requested: The visitor enters the URL in the address bar, starting communication between the internet browser and the web server. The browser now sends a request to the web server.
- Web server authenticates itself: Once the browser has sent its request to the web server, the server sends a digital certificate for authentication. This certificate also contains the public key.
- Certificate is verified: The browser now checks the certificate it received from the web server. There are then two options: Either the user can access the website without any problems or they’re warned that the connection is not secure.
- Keys are exchanged: Once the certificate has been verified successfully, the browser creates what’s known as a session key. This randomly generated key is mixed with the web server’s public key and encrypted.
- Communication is encrypted: Once the web server has decrypted the session key, all the data you send and receive is secure. Third parties cannot view this data transfer in plain text because only the web server can decrypt the session key.
In short: This huge range of keys can quickly give rise to confusion. The web server, which also provides the SSL certificate, has a pair of keys: A public and a private one. The browser creates the session key, which, with the help of the public key, becomes inaccessible to third parties. Using the private key, only the web server can unlock the session key and decrypt the encrypted data, enabling secure, encrypted exchange of data and information between the web server and user’s browser.
How do I set up an SSL certificate?
First of all: How you install an SSL certificate varies depending on your web server. This means there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, sadly. It’s best to contact your server provider directly to get detailed instructions. Basically, the process can be summarized as follows:
- Step 1 – obtain a certificate: This step is always the same. Before you install and configure the SSL certificate on your web server, you must purchase it from an official certificate authority. Paid providers such as GlobalSign and DigiCert as well as Let’s Encrypt, known for its free certificates, are reputable vendors who have been around for years.
- Step 2 – download the certificate: You’ll receive the following files: The actual certificate (domainname.crt) and the private key (domainname.key). With these two files, the user’s web browser can encrypt information and data.
- Step 3 – upload the certificate to your web server: Now upload both files to your web server. To do this, use an FTP program or (if available) the server’s web app directly. Ask the provider for details on which folder you should store the files in.
Once you’ve uploaded the certificate to your web server, you need to configure it and enable the SSL module. Since each server environment has different procedures and folder structures, check your provider’s instructions.
By the way: SSL certificates are only valid for a limited time and usually expire after one year. Therefore, make sure you renew your certificate regularly.
Where can I get an SSL certificate?
As a website operator, you can obtain your SSL certificate from what are known as certificate authorities (CAs). These specialized authorities operate under rigorous standards and regulations, and issue certificates after conducting thorough verification processes to ensure that the entity requesting the certificate is legitimate before issuing it.
In most cases, the certificate body will review your application as well as the required information and documentation. You’ll then receive the certificate within a few days and can install and configure it on your web server.
What qualities make a certificate authority trustworthy and reliable?
There are a few indications as to how trustworthy and recognized a certification authority is. These include:
- Audits: If a CA has regular audits carried out by companies such as WebTrust, this is a sign that it maintains high standards and follows the latest regulations.
- Memberships: The most reputable CAs are members of dedicated forums, such as the Certification Authority Browser Forum.
- CP/CPS: Certificate bodies publish a Certificate Policy (CP) and Certification Practice Statement (CPS) on their websites. These are the guidelines and policies set out by the certification body. This allows third parties to see directly which standard the certificates are subject to.
- Backward compatibility: The best SSL certificates should be backward compatible with older browser versions. The more versions that are supported, the better the reputation of the certification authority.
Take your security to even higher levels thanks to Avira Free Security
If you go to a website that, thanks to an SSL certificate, displays a little padlock icon next to the address bar (HTTPS), your connection to that website is secure and you’re already well protected. Even though it’s a good idea for websites to offer encrypted communication, many still don’t. You also need to stay on heightened alert to other dangers such as phishing emails, malicious file attachments, or public Wi-Fi networks.
With Avira Free Security, you can add another layer to your protection and make life more difficult for cybercriminals. This all-in-one solution gives you real-time protection you can count on against malware. What’s more, the tool tells you if you have weak passwords and outdated programs on your device. And that’s not all: With the integrated VPN, you can surf more anonymously and use public Wi-Fi hotspots more securely. You can also access geo-restricted multimedia content from anywhere, meaning you can enjoy content that’s normally only available in certain regions.