SSL (Secure Sockets Layer), a certificate that is small in size, is installed on a server to protect communication between the web browser of the user and the server. It protects sensitive information such as financial data and login credentials as it is transmitted over internet.
A website can use a SSL certificate for several reasons.
- Security: An SSL certificate encrypts communication between the user’s browser (and the server) making it harder for hackers to steal and intercept sensitive information. This is particularly important if you have sensitive information such as financial data or login credentials.
- Trust: A valid SSL certificate certifies that a website is trustworthy and protects users’ information. This will increase the user’s confidence and encourage them continue to use your website.
- Search engine ranking: Google, and other search engines, have indicated that valid SSL certificates give websites a slight ranking lift. A valid SSL certificate can make your website appear higher in search results.
- Compliance: Certain industries such as financial services and e-commerce must have SSL certificates to ensure they comply with all applicable regulations.
Certbot is a tool that allows you to install SSL certificates on websites. Certbot, an open-source tool that automates the process for obtaining and installing SSL certificates at Let’s Encrypt certificate authority, is free. It’s available for Windows, macOS and Linux.
Install Certbot on your web server. Next, run the appropriate command for installing and installing a SSL certificate. You will need to install Certbot on your web server. Also, the process may vary depending upon the operating system that you use. Refer to the Certbot documentation.
After you have installed an SSL certificate to your website, it is important that you make sure that everything works properly and that your pages use https connections. This can be done by reviewing the configuration of your website server and redirecting all http traffic towards https.
A website that has SSL certificates is a good idea for many reasons. These include increased security, trust and search engine ranking. Certbot can be used to help you install and configure SSL certificates on your website.