S
SSL Certificate
Definition
An SSL certificate encrypts the connection between a visitor's browser and your site, turning http:// into https:// and switching the padlock on.
In plain English
Without one, everything sent between browser and server travels as readable text, including passwords and card numbers, and anyone on the same network can read it.
A certificate proves your site is who it claims to be and scrambles the traffic. Browsers now label sites without one as “Not secure”, in the address bar, to everyone.
Why it matters
It's non-negotiable. It affects trust, conversion and ranking, and it's free. Let's Encrypt certificates come with essentially every decent host and renew themselves.
There is no scenario in which a live site shouldn't have one.
How it works
- Issue the certificateOne click in most hosting panels.
- Force HTTPSSo every http:// request redirects to https://.
- Fix mixed contentA single image or script still loaded over http breaks the padlock.
- Confirm auto-renewalCertificates expire every 90 days. Automation should handle it silently.
No padlock after installing? It's mixed content
Open the browser console: it names the exact insecure file, every time.
Related terms
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