SSL certificate: what is it for and how do I get one?

An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a digital certificate that encrypts data exchanges between a web server and a browser. It ensures that the data transmitted between the two is secure and cannot be intercepted by malicious people.

The interest of an SSL certificate

The main interest in obtaining one is to guarantee the security of the information transmitted between an Internet user and a site. Although it is obvious that this type of process is particularly important for sites that process sensitive data (credit card number, personal information, password, etc.), this encryption has become the norm over the years. SSL certificates also help establish visitor trust by indicating that the site has been verified and the data is secure.

Free or paid?

Note that there are free SSL certificates, but these are only used for validation at the domain level. For corporate sites and those that manage sensitive data (creation of an account, holding a telephone number, etc.), it will be necessary buy SSL certificate. It is easily found at a few tens of euros per year. Why mandatory? Because browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Edge now clearly indicate when a site does not have a certificate of this nature. These sites are “branded” and visitors are discouraged from browsing or shopping on the site. For several years, Google has also disadvantaged insecure sites on its search engine. This means that you have no chance of progressing in the search results if you do not have this security measure which has become essential.

The final word…

In summary, SSL certificates are essential for the security and trust of visitors when visiting a site. Not opting for a certificate is not only dangerous for your visitors, but also completely counterproductive since you will be penalized by search engines…