What is SSL certificate?. Secure Sockets Layer or SSL is a technology to create a more secure connection between websites and browsers that is used in almost all transactions on the internet.
Judging from its understanding, at first glance it can be understood that the existence of SSL is very important for a site.
But really, how important is SSL for websites and how does it work? Learn more in the following article!
What is SSL Certificate
An SSL certificate is a data file that works digitally and makes your website automatically encrypted so that your data will not be read by hackers who try to hack your website.
When a website uses SSL, the padlock and the HTTPS protocol will be active. So that a secure connection is created between the website and the browser.
Understanding SSL is a security protocol that is useful for securing personal data, credit card transactions, data transfers and logins, and other sensitive data.
For example, have you ever accessed a website with HTTPS description before the domain name? Well, that’s what it means that the website already has the SSL protocol.
Surely there are many of us who often access a website starting with HTTPS, but don’t know that it is SSL. If so, let’s look at the following explanation.
How SSL Certificate Works
The way SSL works is by using a key called a cryptographic key. This particular type of cryptography takes advantage of the power of two keys which are long strings of randomly generated numbers.
Among them there are private keys and public keys.
The public key will identify your server and will be in the public domain. Its function is to encrypt any files that you will send. While the private key will lock and encrypt any files that you will receive.
In essence, SSL is carrying out a function to secure every data exchange between one system and another. An example of how SSL works is an online store exchanging information with a browser.
When a buyer makes a transaction to purchase a product/service, of course there will be an exchange of data between the buyer and the online store.
The data exchange includes email addresses, account numbers, telephone numbers and other personal data.
When this data exchange occurs, SSL then performs its function to secure data by using an encrypted algorithm, to scramble the data when the exchange occurs.
Thus, hackers will find it difficult to read and the data exchange that takes place will remain safe from hackers or irresponsible parties.
Benefits of SSL Certificate
SSL is a technology that has advantages, especially in securing websites. In addition, some of the benefits that you can get from using SSL are as follows.
1. Maintain data security between servers
The first benefit of SSL is for authentication (authentication). SSL will guarantee the security of sending data to the server, and ensure that you send information or data to the server according to its purpose.
So, your data will be protected from sending information to hackers or other irresponsible parties that will harm the website’s reputation.
2. Improve website reputation
The next thing that includes the SSL function is that when the website already has an SSL/TLS installation, the browser will show certain notifications.
For example, in Internet Explorer, there will usually be a notification that displays a green block in the address bar.
Unlike the appearance on Firefox or Google Chrome, notifications are intended in the form of a locked padlock icon.
From the explanation above, it can be concluded that the function of an SSL certificate is to increase the reputation and trust of your website to visitors.
With the display of these notifications, visitors will no longer hesitate to access your website.
3. Build and increase trust in customers
Another benefit of SSL is increasing trust in website customers. This is because by using SSL, the website will appear with a padlock logo or green bar on the url page.
On the other hand, if you don’t use SSL, the website will notify you with red text that says ‘not secure’, which means it’s not secure.
So, the SSL function besides being able to increase your reputation, you can also increase the trust of visitors when visiting your website.
4. Improve your traffic conversion rate
SSL is a technology that is also useful for increasing website traffic. Because website traffic is influenced by the Google algorithm, which prefers websites with SSL certificates.
Not only that, Google even prohibits users from avoiding websites that do not have an SSL certificate. So, it can be concluded that by using SSL, Google will recommend your website more and increase its traffic.
SSL Certificate Types
The types of SSL certificates are divided into two categories, namely the number of domains and subdomains, and the second is the validation level of the SSL certificate.
The following are types of SSL based on the number of domains and subdomains.
1. Single Domain SSL
As the name implies, Single Domain SSL is a type of SSL that only protects one site in one domain. This type of SSL only applies to the main domain or one sub domain.
If you buy this type of SSL, you must determine the placement of a Single Domain SSL. Whether it will be installed on the main domain or which subdomain.
For example, SSL has been configured on the main domain of jasahosting.com, so it cannot be used on the blog.jagoanhosting.com sub domain, and vice versa.
2. SSL Wildcard Domain
Wildcard Domain SSL is an SSL that can protect the site main domain and many sub domains at once, including if there are many sub domains in it.
For example, in the website domain herohosting.com there are many subdomains in it such as blog.jagoanhosting.com, career.jagoanhosting.com, etc.
So, both the main domain herohosting.com and all subdomains in it will be protected by SSL.
3. SSL Greenbar
Understanding Green Bar SSL is a type of SSL that is equipped with a company name description on the front of HTTPS. The goal is to increase the trust of website visitors to the company that owns the website.
To buy this SSL, a special application is required where the process is more complicated than buying a regular SSL, including:
- Companies must be registered at yellowpages.co.id and ahu.go.id
- Have business legality (SIUP)
- Phone verification
- Domain validation
SSL Green Bar will add to the prestige of the website, especially for companies and online stores.
Types of SSL Certificate Validation Level
The next types of SSL are SSL based on the organization that maintains it. These organizations are usually referred to as Certificate Authorities (CA) which provide SSL certificate validation.
Let’s just check what types of SSL are based on the following validation levels.
1. Domain Validated Certificate
Domain Validation SSL is the cheapest type of SSL, usually SSL is abbreviated as DV SSL.
Even so, this type of SSL is most recommended for use for businesses that are growing and want to develop websites at an affordable price.
This DV level SSL certificate is also quite easy to obtain. Domain owners only need DNS or email validation.
If you use DV SSL, the website will display information that the website is secure and encrypted. DV SSL is very suitable for e-commerce, and can also be used for internal business sites.
2. Organization Validated Certificate
The next type of SSL is Organization Validated SSL or abbreviated as OV. OV SSL is a type of SSL which is almost the same as DV SSL.
To verify, the domain owner can show proof or legitimacy of domain ownership. Furthermore, the CA will ensure that the domain owner is really the registered domain owner and runs a business legally.
OV is usually used for company websites to make it look more secure and reliable for visitors who visit the website.
If you use OV SSL, a marker will appear on the domain with a green padlock which means the domain is secure.
3. Extended Validation Certificate
Extended Validation SSL is the type of SSL with the highest validation standard compared to other types of SSL. This type of SSL is usually intended for large organizations or companies such as PT, CV, and government.
SSL validation is also quite complicated. To validate the CA requires a background check of the current business.
EV SSL is recommended for e-commerce to be more secure and trusted by visitors when visiting or buying and selling products or services.
How to Choose SSL
Judging from the many benefits that a website can get with SSL. Now is the time for you to learn how to choose the right SSL.
1. New or developing website
For those of you who want to use SSL for websites at affordable prices, you can try free SSL from Cloudflare. However, there is a price then there are features.
Because the SSL you are using is a free SSL, you cannot use premium features. You can start upgrading to paid SSL such as SV SSL after your website has started to develop.
2. Company/Organization
If you are a business owner, it’s a good idea to choose Organization Validated SSL (OV SSL). This is because you already have the data needed to validate OV SSL.
Including the company name, clear location, legality, and other important information.
3. E-commerce or online shop
Well, for those of you who want to develop e-commerce and need a high level of security because it includes buyer transaction data. Then it’s a good idea to use Extended Validation SSL (EV SSL).
By using this type of SSL, you can get the highest level of security, and transaction data will remain safe.
How to Install SSL
Next, Jagoan Hosting will discuss how to install an SSL certificate. This installation method can be done for installation in cPanel.
Before going to the explanation of how to install SSL, make sure you meet the following requirements:
- Have access to a cPanel account and have logged in to the cPanel dashboard
- Stable internet connection
- Have an active website
- Make sure you haven’t installed any website applications before installing the SSL certificate
After confirming the conditions above, it is time to listen to the steps for installing SSL as follows:
- On the cPanel dashboard, click “Lets Encrypt™ SSL” in the Security section or search for “Lets Encrypt” in the Search field.
- Click “+Issue” to create an SSL certificate.
- Click or tick the domain where the SSL certificate will be installed. However, at this stage usually recommended domains will be automatically checked.
- Select “dns-01” as the SSL validation method.
- Click “Issue”.
- SSL installation on the domain is complete.
Furthermore, if the installation is complete. You can check the SSL certificate installation via the SSL checker at the SSL Labs link.
Conclusion
The SSL certificate must be issued from a trusted Certification Authority. SSL Certificates are very important for websites so that your visitors also feel comfortable and your website will be marked as safe.
Conversely, if a website does not have an SSL certificate. Then the Google search engine will give a “stamp” that your site is not secure.
If your website is a service and e-commerce site and does not yet have an SSL certificate. This can result in a lack of visitor trust on the website so that it risks decreasing user trust in your products and services.
