SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer. It might sound rocket science, but it’s really not.
An SSL certificate is a digital computer file (or small piece of code) also known as a Server certificate, or a TLS certificate that has two specific functions:
- Authentication and Verification: SSL Certificates validate your website’s identity, authenticate your business and encrypt the information visitors send to, or receive from, your site. The SSL certificate has information about the authenticity of certain details regarding the identity of a person, business or website, which it will display to visitors on your website when they click on the browser’s padlock symbol or trust mark.
- Data Encryption: The SSL certificate also enables encryption, which means that the sensitive information exchanged via the website cannot be intercepted and read by anyone other than the intended recipient. This keeps hackers from spying on any information exchange between you and your shoppers.
When you have an SSL Certificate protecting your website, your customers can rest assured that the information they enter on any secured page is private and can’t be viewed by cyber criminals.
If you would like to learn more about SSL certificates read our articles Clearing Confusion TLS & SSL certificates are the same thing, and Digital Server Certificate Overview