What is SSL/TLS?

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and its modern successor TLS (Transport Layer Security) are cryptographic protocols that encrypt data transmitted between a user's browser and a web server. A site with SSL shows a padlock icon and uses HTTPS in its URL.

What is SSL/TLS?

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) are cryptographic protocols designed to secure communications over the internet. When your website has an SSL/TLS certificate installed, all data exchanged between your server and visitors' browsers is encrypted — making it unreadable to anyone who might intercept it.

SSL vs. TLS: What's the Difference?

SSL is the older protocol, now considered deprecated due to security vulnerabilities. TLS is its successor and the standard actually used today. However, the term "SSL" persists in common usage, and when hosting providers offer "free SSL," they mean TLS certificates. The padlock icon in your browser confirms TLS is active.

Why SSL/TLS Matters

  • Data security — Encrypts sensitive data like passwords, credit card numbers, and personal information in transit.
  • SEO benefit — Google confirmed HTTPS as a ranking signal. Sites without SSL are ranked lower.
  • Browser warnings — Chrome, Firefox, and other browsers display "Not Secure" warnings for HTTP sites, eroding visitor trust.
  • PCI compliance — Any site accepting payment card data is legally required to use TLS.
  • Trust signals — The padlock icon signals to visitors that their data is protected.

Types of SSL Certificates

  • Domain Validated (DV) — Confirms you own the domain. Issued in minutes. Free options available via Let's Encrypt. Suitable for most websites.
  • Organization Validated (OV) — Verifies the organization behind the domain. Takes 1–3 days. Builds more trust for business sites.
  • Extended Validation (EV) — Most rigorous vetting, historically showed the company name in the browser bar. Now used by banks and high-security sites.
  • Wildcard — Covers a domain and all its subdomains (e.g., *.yourdomain.com).

Getting a Free SSL Certificate

Most reputable hosting providers include a free SSL certificate via Let's Encrypt, a non-profit certificate authority. If your host doesn't include it, you can install it manually. There is no meaningful security difference between a free Let's Encrypt certificate and a paid DV certificate.