SSL Certificate - What It Is and How to Check It
What Is an SSL Certificate?
An SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificate is a digital certificate that provides a secure, encrypted connection between a user's web browser and a web server. It ensures that the data transmitted between the user and the server remains private and integral, protecting it from potential unauthorized access or tampering.
How Does SSL Work?
SSL (Secure Socket Layer) works by establishing a secure and encrypted connection between a user's web browser and a web server. This secure connection ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of the data exchanged between the two parties. Here's a step-by-step explanation of how SSL works:
- Initiation of the Connection
The SSL/TLS (Transport Layer Security) process begins when a user attempts to connect to a secure website by typing "https://" in the browser's address bar or by clicking on a link that points to an "https://" URL.
- Server Certificate Request
The web server responds by presenting its SSL certificate to the user's browser. This certificate contains the server's public key, its digital signature, information about the certificate holder, and the public key's encryption algorithm.
- Verification of the SSL Certificate
The user's browser checks the validity of the SSL certificate. It verifies whether the certificate is issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA), has not expired, and matches the domain to which the user is trying to connect. If any of these checks fail, the browser may display a warning to the user.
- Key Exchange (Public and Private Keys)
Once the SSL certificate is verified, a process called the key exchange takes place. The server and the browser use a combination of asymmetric and symmetric encryption for this purpose.
- Secure Connection Establishment
With the key exchange complete, a secure channel is established between the user's browser and the web server. All data transmitted between them is encrypted using the session key.
- Encrypted Data Transmission
Any data exchanged between the user and the server, including login credentials, personal information, or financial details, is encrypted before transmission. This encryption protects the data from eavesdropping or tampering during transit.
- Data Integrity Check
SSL includes mechanisms for ensuring the integrity of the data. Hash functions and Message Authentication Codes (MACs) are used to detect any unauthorized modifications to the transmitted data.
- Termination of the Connection
When the secure session is complete (e.g., when the user navigates away from the secure page), the SSL/TLS connection is terminated. The symmetric session key is discarded, and a new key will be generated for any subsequent secure connections.
SEO Benefits of SSL
Implementing SSL on a website offers several SEO benefits, reflecting the importance that search engines place on secure and trustworthy online experiences. Here are key SEO advantages of having an SSL certificate:
1. Improved Search Rankings
Google, the leading search engine, considers HTTPS as a ranking factor. Websites with SSL are likely to receive a slight boost in search rankings compared to those without SSL. While the impact might not be dramatic, it contributes to a website's overall SEO strategy.
2. Trust and Credibility
SSL contributes to building trust and credibility with users. Visitors to your website are more likely to engage with your content, submit forms, or make purchases when they see the padlock icon and "https://" in the address bar, signaling a secure connection.
3. Positive User Experience
Google values a positive user experience, and providing a secure browsing environment is a part of that. SSL helps ensure the security and privacy of user data, leading to a more positive user experience.
4. Prevention of Browser Warnings
Non-HTTPS sites may trigger browser warnings, deterring users from accessing the site. By securing your site with SSL, you avoid these warnings, ensuring that users can access your content without encountering potential security alerts.
How to Check SSL Certificates
There are various methods to verify SSL certificates, and using an SSL checker tool is a convenient way to assess the validity and configuration of a site's SSL certificate.
Additionally, website owners should regularly conduct comprehensive site audits that include checking the SSL certificate's validity and configuration. This ensures that the SSL implementation remains secure and up-to-date.
In this term, you can use Sequence Stats that can facilitate the site audit process and scheduling. Thus, there is no more missed site audit for your site. The result is quite complete to tell the website's state of health.
So, let’s exploreSequence Stats Site Audit and see how your website is performing!