What is an SSL certificate? Definition from Digimagg in 2024

Understanding SSL certificates

An SSL certificate serves as a digital validation of a website's identity, facilitating encrypted connections. SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer, establishes a secure link between a web server and a browser.

Businesses and entities deploy SSL certificates to safeguard online transactions, ensuring the confidentiality of customer data.

In essence, SSL enhances internet security, thwarting unauthorized access to or tampering with transmitted information. The presence of a padlock icon in the URL bar indicates SSL protection.

Initially developed approximately 25 years ago, SSL underwent several iterations, encountering security issues. Subsequently, a rebranded and improved version, TLS (Transport Layer Security), emerged and remains in use today. However, the abbreviation SSL persists, commonly referring to the updated protocol.

How does the functionality of SSL certificates operate?

How does SSL ensure data security during transfer? SSL utilizes encryption algorithms to scramble data as it traverses between users and websites or systems, thwarting hackers from intercepting sensitive information like names, addresses, or financial data.

Here's how it works:

• A browser or server initiates a connection to a website secured with SSL.
• The browser or server requests the website to authenticate itself.
• In response, the web server sends a copy of its SSL certificate.
• The browser or server verifies the SSL certificate's authenticity.
• Upon confirmation, an SSL encrypted session commences, acknowledged by the web server.
• Encrypted data exchange occurs between the browser or server and the web server.

This process, termed an "SSL handshake," occurs rapidly, typically within milliseconds.

An SSL-secured website displays "HTTPS" in the URL, indicating its secure nature. Without an SSL certificate, only "HTTP" appears. Additionally, a padlock icon in the URL bar signifies trust and reassures visitors.

To access SSL certificate details, users can click the padlock symbol in the browser bar. These details encompass the domain name, certificate recipient, issuing Certificate Authority, digital signature, associated subdomains, issue and expiry dates, and the public key (with the private key undisclosed).

Why is an SSL certificate necessary?

Why is it crucial for websites to have an SSL certificate?

Websites require SSL certificates to safeguard user data, verify website ownership, prevent counterfeit site replication, and instill user trust.

For websites soliciting user sign-ins, personal data input (e.g., credit card details), or access to confidential information (e.g., health or financial data), ensuring data confidentiality is paramount. SSL certificates facilitate privacy in online interactions and reassure users regarding the website's authenticity and safety for sharing private information.

Of particular relevance to businesses is the necessity of an SSL certificate for an HTTPS web address. HTTPS, the secure variant of HTTP, encrypts website traffic via SSL. Most browsers flag HTTP sites (without SSL certificates) as "not secure," signaling potential distrust to users. This prompts businesses to transition to HTTPS.

SSL certificates play a vital role in securing various types of information, including:

• Login credentials
• Financial transactions (e.g., credit card details)
• Personal identifiable information (e.g., name, address)
• Legal documents
• Medical records
• Proprietary information

Varieties of SSL certificates

SSL certificates come in various types with distinct validation levels. The primary six types include:

• Organization Validated certificates (OV SSL)
• Unified Communications Certificates (UCC)
• Domain Validated certificates (DV SSL)
• Extended Validation certificates (EV SSL)
• Multi-Domain SSL certificates (MDC)
• Wildcard SSL certificates

Organization Validated certificates (OV SSL)

Similar to EV SSL certificates, OV SSL certificates require website owners to undergo a rigorous validation process, enhancing assurance levels. These certificates also showcase the website owner's information in the address bar, aiding in distinguishing legitimate sites from malicious ones. OV SSL certificates typically rank as the second most costly (after EV SSLs), serving the primary function of encrypting sensitive user data during transactions. Commercial or public-facing websites should deploy an OV SSL certificate to uphold confidentiality concerning any shared customer information.

Unified Communications Certificate (UCC)

Unified Communications Certificates (UCC), also known as Multi-Domain SSL certificates, were originally developed to secure Microsoft Exchange and Live Communications servers. Nowadays, any website owner can utilize these certificates to secure multiple domain names with a single certificate. UCC Certificates undergo organizational validation and feature a padlock icon in web browsers. Additionally, UCCs can function as EV SSL certificates, providing website visitors with the highest level of assurance through the green address bar.

Understanding the various SSL certificate types is crucial for selecting the appropriate certificate for your website.

Domain Validated certificates (DV SSL)

The verification process for obtaining this type of SSL certificate is minimal, resulting in Domain Validation SSL certificates offering lower assurance and basic encryption. They are commonly utilized for blogs or informational websites that do not involve data collection or online transactions. DV SSL certificates are among the most affordable and fastest to acquire. The validation procedure merely entails website owners proving domain ownership by responding to an email or phone call. In web browsers, the address bar only shows HTTPS and a padlock icon without displaying any business name.

Extended Validation certificates (EV SSL)

Regarded as the most prestigious and costly form of SSL certificate, EV SSL certificates are commonly employed for prominent websites that gather data and facilitate online transactions. Upon installation, this SSL certificate exhibits a padlock icon, HTTPS, the business name, and the country in the browser address bar. Presenting the website owner's details in the address bar aids in distinguishing the site from potentially malicious ones. Establishing an EV SSL certificate entails the website owner undergoing a standardized identity verification process to validate their legal authorization for exclusive domain rights.

Multi-Domain SSL Certificate (MDC)

A Multi-Domain certificate allows the securing of multiple domains and/or subdomains, encompassing a variety of distinct domains and subdomains with different Top-Level Domains (TLDs), excluding local/internal ones.

For instance:

www.example.com
example.org
mail.this-domain.net
example.anything.com.au
checkout.example.com
secure.example.org
By default, Multi-Domain certificates do not support subdomains. To secure both www.example.com and example.com with a single Multi-Domain certificate, both hostnames must be specified during certificate acquisition.

Wildcard SSL certificates

Wildcard SSL certificates enable the securing of a primary domain and unlimited subdomains under a single certificate. Acquiring a Wildcard SSL certificate proves to be more cost-effective than purchasing individual SSL certificates for multiple subdomains. These certificates feature an asterisk (*) as part of the common name, denoting any valid subdomains sharing the same base domain. For instance, a single Wildcard certificate for *website can secure domains like:

payments.yourdomain.com
login.yourdomain.com
mail.yourdomain.com
download.yourdomain.com
anything.yourdomain.com

Acquiring an SSL certificate

SSL certificates can be procured directly from a Certificate Authority (CA), entities responsible for issuing millions of SSL certificates annually. These authorities, sometimes termed Certification Authorities, play a pivotal role in facilitating secure and trustworthy online interactions.

The cost of an SSL certificate can vary greatly, ranging from free to hundreds of dollars, contingent on the desired level of security. Once you determine the type of certificate needed, you can explore Certificate Issuers offering SSLs corresponding to your security requirements.

The process of obtaining your SSL entails the following steps:

1. Preparation involves configuring your server and ensuring that your WHOIS record is updated to align with the information submitted to the Certificate Authority (including the correct company name and address).
2. Generating a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) on your server, a task your hosting provider can assist with.
3. Submitting the CSR to the Certificate Authority for domain and company details validation.
4. Installing the certificate provided by the authority once the validation process concludes.

Upon acquisition, configuring the certificate on your web host or servers, if self-hosted, is necessary.

The duration for receiving your certificate varies depending on its type and the chosen certificate provider. Each validation level entails a distinct processing timeframe. While a basic Domain Validation SSL certificate can be issued within minutes of ordering, Extended Validation may require up to a week for completion.

What occurs when an SSL certificate expires?

SSL certificates have a finite lifespan and eventually expire. The Certificate Authority/Browser Forum, serving as the SSL industry's de facto regulatory body, mandates that SSL certificates should not exceed a duration of 27 months. This effectively translates to a two-year validity period, with the potential to carry over up to three months upon renewal from an existing SSL certificate.

SSL certificates expire due to the necessity of periodically revalidating information to ensure its accuracy, akin to any form of authentication. Given the dynamic nature of the internet, changes such as company acquisitions or website ownership transfers necessitate updating SSL certificate information. The expiration period serves the purpose of maintaining up-to-date and accurate authentication data for servers and organizations.

Previously, SSL certificates could be issued for up to five years, which was subsequently reduced to three years and, most recently, to two years with a potential additional three-month extension. In 2020, Google, Apple, and Mozilla announced their enforcement of one-year SSL certificates, despite this proposal being rejected by the Certificate Authority Browser Forum, effective from September 2020. It's plausible that validity periods may further decrease in the future.

When an SSL certificate expires, the associated website becomes unreachable. Upon a user's browser arrival at a website, the SSL certificate's validity is checked within milliseconds as part of the SSL handshake. An expired SSL certificate prompts visitors to encounter a message indicating a potential security risk, discouraging further interaction.

Although users retain the option to proceed, doing so is ill-advised due to cybersecurity threats like malware. Consequently, website owners experience significantly increased bounce rates as users swiftly navigate away from the compromised site.

Monitoring SSL certificate expiration poses a challenge for larger enterprises. While smaller businesses may manage one or a few certificates, larger organizations operating across markets with numerous websites and networks face more extensive management tasks. Failure to renew SSL certificates typically stems from oversight rather than incompetence at this level. Larger enterprises can effectively manage SSL certificate expiration by employing certificate management platforms. Various products available in the market enable enterprises to oversee and manage digital certificates across their infrastructure. Regular login to these platforms is crucial to stay abreast of impending renewals.

Allowing an SSL certificate to expire renders it invalid, preventing secure transactions on the associated website. The Certification Authority (CA) will prompt certificate renewal before the expiration date.

Certificate Authorities or SSL service providers typically send expiration notifications at preset intervals, often commencing 90 days prior. It's advisable to ensure these reminders are distributed to an email distribution list rather than a single individual to mitigate risks associated with personnel changes. Identifying relevant stakeholders within the organization for inclusion on this distribution list ensures timely receipt of renewal reminders.

Is it possible to utilize an SSL certificate across multiple servers?

Indeed, it's feasible to employ a single SSL certificate for multiple domains on the same server. Depending on the provider, it may also be viable to use one SSL certificate across multiple servers. This capability is facilitated by Multi-Domain SSL certificates, as previously discussed.

As the name suggests, Multi-Domain SSL Certificates cater to multiple domains, with the specific number determined by the issuing Certificate Authority. Notably, Multi-Domain SSL Certificates differ from Single Domain SSL Certificates, which, as implied, safeguard a solitary domain.

Adding to the complexity, Multi-Domain SSL Certificates may be referred to as SAN certificates, with SAN standing for Subject Alternative Name. Each multi-domain certificate features additional fields (SANs), allowing for the inclusion of additional domains under a single certificate.

Furthermore, Unified Communications Certificates (UCCs) and Wildcard SSL Certificates offer support for multi-domains, with the latter enabling an unlimited number of subdomains.

Ensuring Online Session Safety

Ensure Safety

For eCommerce transactions, exclusively engage with websites possessing EV or OV certificates. EV SSL displays the organization's name in the address bar, while OV SSL reveals organization details upon clicking the padlock icon. DV SSL solely shows the padlock icon.

Review Privacy Policies

Examine website privacy policies to comprehend data handling practices. Legitimate entities offer transparent data collection explanations.

Identify Trust Signals

Recognize trust indicators like SSL certificates and reputable logos, ensuring compliance with security standards. Validate site authenticity by verifying physical addresses, contact numbers, return policies, and realistic pricing.

Beware of Phishing

Remain vigilant against phishing scams, as cyber attackers may replicate legitimate sites to lure users into disclosing personal data. Verify domain spellings and refrain from entering sensitive information unless certain of a site's authenticity.

Preventative Measures

Thoroughly scrutinize URLs for any inconsistencies, typing them directly into the browser if uncertainty arises. Exercise caution when providing personal information and evaluate website credibility before registration.

Enhance Device Security

Employ robust security measures like Kaspersky Internet Security, which detects phishing sites irrespective of their appearance.

For further information:

• Explore strategies to mitigate ransomware attacks.
• Learn the correct procedure for conducting virus scans.
• Understand security breach implications and responses.
• Implement privacy protection measures against hacker intrusions.