What is an SSL certificate?

Have you ever noticed that some web addresses begin with “http” and others start with “https?” The difference is that “https” means the site has SSL security.

SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. It’s technology that keeps sensitive information, like credit cards, social security numbers, user names and passwords out of the hands of cyber crooks.

Here is a short video from GoDaddy explaining what SSL means in greater detail.

Important note: While I greatly appreciate GoDaddy's wonderful explainer video, I do not recommend buying services from GoDaddy. Instead, I recommend SiteGround.

Here is a transcript of the video:

*Security is a big deal to everyone doing business on the web. Learn how to keep your customers and your business safe with an SSL certificate.

Have you ever noticed that some web addresses begin with “http” and others start with “https?” The difference is that “https” means the site has SSL security.

SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. It’s technology that keeps sensitive information, like credit cards, social security numbers, user names and passwords out of the hands of cyber crooks.

How? By encrypting - or scrambling - data while it passes between websites and web servers, keeping it from being intercepted. Once it reaches the intended recipient it is un-encrypted.

Thinking you don’t need SSL because you don’t sell stuff online? Think again. Your SSL certificate tells visitors you are the legitimate and verified owner of your site. Showing that you’re serious about security is a great way to earn trust.

To add SSL to your website, you simply install an SSL certificate. When your site has SSL from GoDaddy, a padlock icon as well as “https” appears in your customers’ browser bar to show that information they send to, or receive from, your site is safe from hackers.

You can also add an SSL site seal to your pages, to make it even more obvious to visitors that you’ve got their back.

And, bonus! An SSL certificate can boost your rankings in search results. Google and other search engines reward secure websites to encourage all website owners to get on board.

No business is too small or too new to protect its online customers and business reputation with an SSL certificate. *