SSL certificates are no longer optional -- they are essential for every website. Beyond encrypting data in transit, SSL is a Google ranking factor and a trust signal for visitors. Here is everything you need to know about SSL certificates for your website.
What SSL Does
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer, now technically TLS) encrypts the connection between a visitor's browser and your web server. This prevents attackers from intercepting sensitive data like login credentials, payment information, and personal details.
Types of SSL Certificates
- Domain Validation (DV): Basic encryption, verifies domain ownership only. Free via Let's Encrypt. Good for blogs and informational sites.
- Organization Validation (OV): Verifies organization identity. $50-200/year. Recommended for business websites.
- Extended Validation (EV): Rigorous identity verification. $100-500/year. Required for financial institutions and e-commerce.
How to Install SSL
Most hosting providers offer free SSL through Let's Encrypt with automatic renewal. In cPanel, navigate to SSL/TLS Status and click 'Run AutoSSL.' For custom certificates, upload via the SSL/TLS Manager.
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