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SSL Basics: A Beginner's Guide

Everything you need to know about SSL certificates and HTTPS encryption

What is an SSL Certificate?

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates are digital certificates that authenticate a website's identity and enable an encrypted connection. Modern certificates use TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocol, though the term "SSL" remains commonly used.1

How SSL Works

SSL certificates work through a process called the SSL handshake:

  1. Browser connects to SSL-secured website
  2. Server sends its SSL certificate
  3. Browser verifies the certificate
  4. Encrypted session begins

Types of SSL Certificates

Domain Validation (DV)

Basic level certificates that verify domain ownership. Perfect for blogs, personal sites, and small businesses.

Price: SSL.com Basic SSL from $36.75/year2

Organization Validation (OV)

Includes business verification for enhanced trust. Ideal for e-commerce and business websites.

Price: SSL.com High Assurance SSL from $48.40/year2

Extended Validation (EV)

Highest level of validation with rigorous vetting. Essential for financial institutions and large enterprises.

Price: SSL.com Enterprise EV SSL from $239.50/year with $1.75M warranty2

Why You Need SSL

  • •Data Protection: Encrypts sensitive information in transit
  • •Trust Indicators: Shows padlock and HTTPS to build visitor confidence
  • •SEO Benefits: Google gives ranking boost to HTTPS websites3
  • •Compliance: Required for PCI DSS, HIPAA, and other regulations4
  • •Browser Requirements: Modern browsers flag non-HTTPS sites as "Not Secure"

SSL Implementation Steps

  1. 1Choose the right certificate type for your needs
  2. 2Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR)
  3. 3Complete validation requirements
  4. 4Install the certificate on your server
  5. 5Configure for optimal security (HSTS, redirects)

Common SSL Terms

CSR

Certificate Signing Request - contains your public key and domain info

CA

Certificate Authority - trusted entity that issues certificates

SAN

Subject Alternative Name - allows multiple domains on one cert

Wildcard

Certificate covering all subdomains (*.example.com)

Ready to Secure Your Website?

Now that you understand SSL basics, take the next step to protect your website and build trust with visitors.

Browse SSL CertificatesUse SSL Selector Tool

Sources & References

  1. 1 SSL and TLS Protocol Overview:https://www.ssl.com/article/ssl-tls-handshake-overview/(Accessed: July 15, 2025)
  2. 2 SSL.com Certificate Pricing and Features:https://www.ssl.com/certificates/(Accessed: July 15, 2025)
  3. 3 Google HTTPS as a Ranking Signal:https://developers.google.com/search/blog/2014/08/https-as-ranking-signal(Accessed: July 15, 2025)
  4. 4 PCI DSS Requirements for SSL/TLS: PCI Security Standards Council(Industry Standard)

This guide provides general information about SSL certificates. For specific implementation advice, consult with a security professional or contact our consulting team.