SSL Certificates Explained | How to Get a Free SSL Certificate?
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SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer, today the term SSL is known for both TLS (Transport Layer Security). Both the protocols encrypt the data and hence provide safer communication in the Network.
To get most out of your SSL certificates, SSL comes in various configurations and various variants. Most common types of SSL are DV, EV and OV types.
A Domain Validation or DV SSL Certificate provides strong encryption to websites like blogs and brochure sites, making it the go-to option for anyone looking to secure their domain quickly.
Features of Domain Verified SSL:
Extended verified SSL verify your identity by submitting the proof of your business that is attested by renowned Chartered Accountants Agencies. They’ll match the details with the Databases hosted by them.
Features of Extended Verified SSL:
Organization verified SSL verify your identity by submitting the proof of your business that is attested by renowned Charted Accountants Agencies. Additionally OV type SSL verifies your Physical Address and Physical Identity.
Features of Organization Verified SSL:
Why do we need SSL Certificates?
A website needs an SSL certificate in order to keep user data secure, verify ownership of the website, prevent attackers from creating a fake version of the site, and gain user trust.
Encryption:
SSL/TLS encryption is possible because of the public-private key pairing that SSL certificates facilitate. Clients (such as web browsers) get the public key necessary to open a TLS connection from a server's SSL certificate.
Authentication:
SSL certificates verify that a client is talking to the correct server that actually owns the domain. This helps prevent domain spoofing and other kinds of attacks.
HTTPS:
Most crucially for businesses, an SSL certificate is necessary for an HTTPS web address. HTTPS is the secure form of HTTP, and HTTPS websites are websites that have their traffic encrypted by SSL/TLS.
In addition to securing user data in transit, HTTPS makes sites more trustworthy from a user's perspective. Many users won't notice the variation between an http:// and an https:// web address, but maximum browsers have now started labelling HTTP sites as "not secure" in more obvious ways, trying to encourage switching to HTTPS and increasing security.
How To Get an SSL Certificate for Free?
A lot of website holders are hesitant to use SSL due to the added charge. This leaves many small websites prone to data and information theft.
A non-profit project called “Let’s Encrypt” decided to fix this issue by implementing a free SSL certificate authority.
The motive of this certificate authority is to make it simpler for website owners to get a free SSL certificate. The Internet has become a safer place now that more and more websites have started using SSL.
Due to the momentousness of the project, it rapidly gained the approval of major companies like Google, Facebook, Shopify, WordPress.com and many others.
The major task is installing the free SSL certificate by Let’s Encrypt for a beginner user as is quite challenging because it requires deep insight into coding and server systems.
The good news is that all of the best WordPress hosting companies are now offering free SSL certificates with all their hosting plans. Opting for one of these providers will save you from the hassle of installing the free SSL certificate on your own.
Here are the top WordPress hosting companies that offer free SSL certificates with their hosting plans.
Even if your web hosting company does not offer free SSL, then too you can easily switch your hosting and move your sites to one of the companies mentioned above.
Installing Free SSL Certificate and Setting up WordPress
Once you have activated your free SSL Certificate, you will need to configure WordPress to start using HTTPS in the place of HTTP in all your URLs.
The simplest way to do this is by adding and setting up the Really Simple SSL plugin on your website.