Everything you want to know about the SSL certificate

An SSL certificate: what is it really? SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. The SSL certificate is used to create a secure connection between the server of your website and a web browser. This certificate contains information about the website owner and the authority that issued the certificate.

When a user goes to a website with the SSL certificate, the browser checks with the issuer of the certificate that it is still valid and that it meets all requirements. If everything is in order, the connection is encrypted. You can see this by the padlock that appears in the browser bar. This secures data such as personal information, login data or payment details shared between the user and the web server against interception by third parties. How? By making the data unreadable. This assures both the user and the website owner of a secure connection.

What type of SSL certificates do I need?

There are three common SSL certificates:

Domain Validated (DV) certificates

This type of SSL certificate is the most common certificate. By verifying ownership of your domain name with a certificate authority, you receive this certificate. This makes it fairly quick to get and is mainly suitable for personal websites or blogs.

Organisation Validated (OV) certificates:

This type of SSL certificate goes a step further than the DV certificate. To get this certificate, the certification authority needs to verify the identity of the organisation. The OV certificate is mainly used for business websites.

Extended Validation (EV) certificates:

This is the most secure type of SSL certificate. They require thorough identity verification of the company by the certification authority. The EV certificate is mostly used by large companies and financial institutions.

So which type of SSL certificate you should choose for your website or webshop depends on your requirements and the purpose of the site. In most cases, a DV certificate is enough, but if you have several domains that you want to secure, or if you want to generate more trust with customers, then you should choose a different certificate. But don't worry about this: a good hosting party makes this choice for you.

Purchasing and installing an SSL certificate

There are several ways to purchase and install an SSL certificate. When you have your website hosted by a professional web hosting party, they usually arrange everything around the SSL certificate. To give you an idea of how the purchase process works, we have set out a general example below:

1. Compare different certification authorities and decide which one suits your website best.
2. Request a Certificate Request (CSR) from the web server on which you want to install the certificate. A CSR is a file that contains the important information of your website. Think of the domain name and details of the company that manages the website.
3. Each certification authority has its own verification procedure. Run through the procedure of your chosen authority. This could be a telephone verification, an e-mail confirmation or uploading a particular file.
4. After verification, you will receive the SSL certificate. Download this certificate and import it on the web server.
5. Configure the web server to use the SSL certificate.
6. Test the installation by visiting your website. Does the website start with https:// and does the padlock icon appear? Then the SSL certificate has been successfully installed on your website. If it only reads https://, then the website is not secure.

Installing and maintaining an SSL certificate

Installing the SSL certificate is done within the web hosting management environment of your website. Based on important business information, a Certificate Request (CSR) is requested. Based on this request, a Private Key is automatically created that is ultimately linked to the SSL certificate. Through this certificate, visitors to your website can see who issued the certificate and whether it can be trusted.

The web hosting party that purchased the SSL certificate for your website also maintains the certificate. They make sure the certificate is updated when it expires and regularly check if it is still working properly. This leaves you, the website owner, with nothing to worry about.

The influence of an SSL certificate on your Google ranking

Securing your website with an SSL certificate can have a positive effect on its ranking in search engines like Google. This is because Google takes the security of a website into account when assessing the quality of the site. An SSL certificate lets Google know that it is safe for the user to use the website. This can lead to a higher ranking in search results. If your competitors have an SSL certificate and your website does not, Google will consider the competitors' website to be more secure and put their website above yours in search results. Beyond that, the SSL certificate also makes visitors to your website feel safe and secure.

What are the most common problems?

There are several problems that can occur when using an SSL certificate. The most common problems are:

• Expired certificates: an SSL certificate has a limited validity period. Visitors to a website with a certificate that is no longer valid will be notified of this when they enter the website.
• SSL certificate not trusted: when the certificate is not issued by a recognised authority, some browsers may issue warnings when a visitor wants to enter the website or not open the website at all.
• Common name: if the Common name of a certificate does not match the domain name on which it is installed, this can lead to problems when setting up a secure connection.
• Incorrect configuration: an SSL certificate must be installed correctly on a website. If this is not done correctly, it can lead to problems when setting up a secure connection.

When you work with a professional web hosting party, you don't have to worry about the above problems. This party ensures that certificates are renewed on time and installed correctly.

Is an SSL certificate important for your website?

Installing an SSL certificate on your website has three major advantages: good security of (personal) data, higher Google rankings and a safe feeling for your website visitors. This affects your bottom line. When a visitor feels trusted on your website and is sure that his data is safe, he will be more inclined to buy your products or services. In addition, the certificate affects your rankings within Google or another search engine. In many cases, a higher position in search results means more website visitors. And more website visitors probably means more conversions. An SSL certificate is therefore indispensable for a good website.

Mandatory or not?

With the advent of the AVG (General Data Protection Regulation) in 2018, a lot is expected of you as a business when it comes to privacy. The SSL certificate ensures a secure connection between your website and the visitor. But an an SSL certificate also mandatory? The certificate is mandatory from the AVG when you exchange personal data on your website. This includes the contact form, photos of people, tests, payment details in web shops.

An SSL certificate: we take care of it!

Looking for a reliable WordPress web hosting party Who takes care of this for you? Monkey Vision is here for you! Not only do we arrange a free (yes, you read that right) SSL certificate, but we also make your website more secure, faster and more stable. That way, you and your visitors can keep going bananas! Visit contact with us. We are happy to discuss the possibilities.