An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a digital certificate that authenticates the identity of a website and enables secure communication between a web browser and a web server. SSL certificates use SSL/TLS encryption to encrypt data transmitted between the user’s browser and the website’s server, protecting sensitive information from interception and eavesdropping by third parties. Websites that use SSL certificates display a padlock icon in the address bar and URLs that begin with “https://” instead of “http://”, indicating that the connection is secure.
SSL certificates are essential for website security and user privacy, as they help prevent data breaches, identity theft, and other security vulnerabilities. Additionally, SSL certificates are also a ranking factor in Google’s search algorithms, meaning that websites with HTTPS may receive a slight ranking boost in search results compared to non-secure HTTP websites. To obtain an SSL certificate, website owners need to purchase one from a trusted certificate authority or obtain a free certificate from a certificate authority such as Let’s Encrypt. Once an SSL certificate is obtained, it needs to be installed on the website’s web server and configured to enable HTTPS encryption. Regularly updating and renewing SSL certificates is also important to ensure ongoing security and compliance with industry standards.
Also see: Redirects, 404 errors, 301 redirects, 302 redirects, HTTPS, Content gap analysis for SEO, Competitor analysis for SEO, Keyword research tools, SEO plugins, SEO audits, SEO reporting, SEO training, SEO trends, SEO best practices, SEO case studies
