What are SSL certificates and why are they important for website security?

What are SSL certificates and why are they important for website security?

SSL certificates are digital certificates that authenticate the identity of a website and encrypt information sent to the server. They are crucial for protecting sensitive data, such as credit card information, from being intercepted by malicious actors.

How do I know if a website has an SSL certificate?

You can check if a website has an SSL certificate by looking for a padlock icon in the address bar of your browser. Additionally, the URL will start with 'https://' instead of 'http://'.

What happens if a website doesn't have an SSL certificate?

Without an SSL certificate, data transmitted between the user and the website is not encrypted, making it vulnerable to interception. This can lead to data breaches and loss of user trust.

Can I get an SSL certificate for free?

Yes, there are several providers, like Let's Encrypt, that offer free SSL certificates. However, you may need to renew them periodically.

What are the different types of SSL certificates?

There are three main types of SSL certificates: Domain Validated (DV), Organization Validated (OV), and Extended Validation (EV). Each offers different levels of validation and trust.