How do I obtain a security certificate for my website?
What is TLS/SSL?
A secure and private connection to protect you and your customers.
Security certificates are small data files that digitally bind an encryption key to an organization’s details. When installed on a web server, a certificate creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between two points, whether that’s connections to databases, other services, or most commonly, a visitor’s web browser. A security certificate used to activate the padlock icon and the HTTPS protocol, enabling secure connections from a web server to a browser. These days, many browsers only show an icon or warning if there is a problem. Several types of certificates are available, each offering different levels of validation and security.
More on the different types of security certificates
How a security certificate protects your data
Data Encryption: Data is encrypted while in transit between your device and its destination. Because many computers may relay that data along the way, encryption ensures it cannot be intercepted or read during transfer no matter how many stops it makes.
Authentication: A certificate provides a level of authentication, confirming that your website is legitimate and not a malicious site attempting to collect information. While a TLS/SSL can confirm authentication, it does not prevent malicious activity. The user must still be vigilant, ensuring they’ve reached walmart.com rather than walmartz.com.
Trust: Browsers signal that a website has a valid certificate installed via the padlock icon next to the URL. Users have come to expect and rely on this indicator as a baseline sign of safety.
Compliance: TLS certificates are required for PCI DSS and HIPAA compliant websites and communications. If your site handles payments or personal health information, a certificate is not optional.
How to install a certificate on your website
Installation can often be done without a technician; a quick search will turn up many step-by-step guides depending on your server type and certificate. After installation, be sure to check every page of your site, including images and forms, to confirm all URLs are loading over HTTPS and that no mixed-content warnings are appearing for visitors.
If you’d like help installing a certificate on your website, one of CourseVector’s technicians is happy to assist. Contact us today to learn more.
