What is an SSL certificate?

What does it mean

SSL certificate is a security feature that ensures encrypted communication between a website and its visitor. In practice, this means that all data – such as login credentials, personal information, or payments – are protected from misuse.

If you're asking, what is an SSL certificate, the simplest answer is: it is the foundation of a trustworthy and secure website, without which a modern site cannot operate today.

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What is an SSL Certificate and Why is Communication Encryption Essential?

Without an SSL certificate, communication between the user and the website occurs in an open form. This means that sensitive data can be intercepted or misused.

An SSL certificate ensures that:

• data is encrypted and protected,
  
• the visitor sees a secure connection (https),
  
• the website appears trustworthy.
  

For e-shops, forms, or login systems, an SSL certificate is an absolute necessity, not just a technical add-on.

Types of Certificates: From Basic DV SSL Certificate to Flexible Wildcard SSL

There are several types of SSL certificates that differ in scope and level of verification.

DV SSL Certificate (Domain Validation) is a basic form of security. It verifies domain ownership and is suitable for smaller websites or content pages.

Wildcard SSL Certificate allows securing not only the main domain but also all its subdomains. It is ideal for websites with multiple sections, administration, or language versions.

Choosing the right SSL certificate depends on the type of website, its structure, and how it handles user data.

Impact of SSL on SEO and Trustworthiness: Why Does Google Require a Secure Website?

Google considers a secure website as standard. Pages without an SSL certificate are marked as "not secure" in browsers, which can immediately deter users.

From an SEO perspective, an SSL certificate has several advantages:

• it is one of Google's ranking factors,
  
• increases the trustworthiness of the website,
  
• helps reduce bounce rates.
  
  

A secure website today is not a competitive advantage – it is a basic condition for trust and visibility in search engines.