<p>An SSL certificate is one of the most important things for a business to&nbsp;<a href="https://strategysoda.com/best-web-hosting-providers/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">maintain its online presence</a>. Without an SSL certificate, a website is partial, especially in the case of businesses because they need to provide a friendly and secure user experience for the audience to grow.</p><p><br></p><p>As technology is ever-evolving, businesses need to adapt with time. With changing technology, it has become difficult to maintain security. Unwanted threats are always in search of stealing someone’s information. In that situation, an SSL certificate works as a defender for the website. An SSL certificate makes a website secure and protects it from unwanted threats.</p><p><br></p><p>Read this blog to know more about an SSL certificate and the process to obtain it.</p><p><br></p><p>Table of contents:</p><ul><li>What is an SSL certificate?</li><li>How to get an SSL certificate step by step?</li></ul><ol><li class="ql-indent-1">Keep the correct website information</li><li class="ql-indent-1">Decide a type of SSL certificate</li><li class="ql-indent-1">Choose a CA (Certificate Authority)</li><li class="ql-indent-1">Generate a CSR (Certificate Signing Request)</li><li class="ql-indent-1">Submit the CSR to a CA</li><li class="ql-indent-1">Wait for validation by the CA</li><li class="ql-indent-1">Install the SSL certificate</li></ol><h2><br></h2><h2><strong>What Is An SSL Certificate?</strong></h2><p>An SSL certificate is a digital certificate that authenticates a website’s information and keeps its content end-to-end encrypted. SSL stands for Secure Sockets Locker, a security protocol that ensures the safe passage of information between the server and the browser.</p><p><br></p><p>When someone enters a piece of information on a website, it goes to the server in plain text, which makes the information unprotected and accessible to others. In that case, an attacker can intercept the data and use that information. But an SSL certificate secures this process, and delicate information like passwords, credit card information and bank details are secured by the certificate.</p><p><br></p><p>Want to know whether a website is secured or not? Check the URL address, it will show a padlock icon. But if you see a red icon stating “not secure”, it means that the website is not SSL protected, and sharing information there may be dangerous.</p><h2><br></h2><h2><strong>How to get an SSL certificate step by step?</strong></h2><p>SSL certificates are issued by an authoritative body known as CA (Certificate Authority). The certificate can only be obtained with their approval. Here are some steps to successfully acquiring an SSL certificate:</p><h3><br></h3><h3><strong>1. Keep the correct website information</strong></h3><p>Based on the method an SSL certificate works, each certificate needs a different or unique IP address. When one applies for a certificate, the CA (Certificate Authority) checks the IP address and the domain name. So, it is necessary to have the correct information. A web hosting provider can help in this process.</p><h3><br></h3><h3><strong>2. Decide a type of SSL certificate</strong></h3><p>There are many types of SSL certificates available. One needs to choose a type of SSL certificate according to their requirements.</p><p><br></p><p>There are three main types of certificates:</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Domain Validated (DV)-</strong>&nbsp;A website with a DV SSL certificate is a recognized trust signal since it implies the ownership of your website has been thoroughly examined and is traceable to anyone who sees your website.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Organization Validated (OV)-</strong>&nbsp;Validation of Organizations (OV) SSL certificates increase internet trust by certifying the business’s identity and authenticity. Organizations must demonstrate ownership of the domain name they intend to secure and indicate that they are a properly-recognized business.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Extended Validation (EV)-&nbsp;</strong>EV certificates can be used in the same ways as traditional SSL certificate certificates, such as to secure web interactions using HTTPS and to sign software and documents.</p><h3><br></h3><h3><strong>3. Choose a CA (Certificate Authority)</strong></h3><p>A certificate authority is an entity that issues SSL certificates. Businesses, organizations, and individuals can choose a certificate authority according to their requirements. GoDaddy and Global Sign are the biggest authorities out there.</p><h3><br></h3><h3><strong>4. Generate a CSR (Certificate Signing Request)</strong></h3><p>A CSR is a file that should be generated on the web server before requesting a CA to issue an SSL certificate. After that, the CA uses this information to issue the SSL certificate. This process depends on a web server and hosting provider. As a result, enlisting the assistance of a web hosting provider can increase the likelihood of a successful SSL certificate generation.</p><h3><br></h3><h3><strong>5. Submit the CSR to a CA</strong></h3><p>After generating the CSR, go to the CA website and purchase a type of SSL certificate. After that, submit the CSR file to the certificate authority.</p><h3><br></h3><h3><strong>6. Wait for validation by the CA</strong></h3><p>Once the payment has been made and the CSR submitted, wait for the period given by the certificate authority as it takes time. It can take a few hours to a few days, depending upon the type of SSL certificate you are looking to obtain.</p><h3><br></h3><h3><strong>7. Install the SSL certificate</strong></h3><p>After the CA processes the certificate request, the applier will receive an email containing the information about the SSL certificate. From there, one can access their SSL certificate or from the user-ID where the certificate was purchased.</p><p><strong>An interesting read for you:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://strategysoda.com/how-to-choose-domain-name/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"><strong>How to choose Domain name</strong></a><strong>?</strong></p><h2><br></h2><h2><strong>Conclusion</strong></h2><p>An SSL certificate is very important for businesses, organizations, or individuals in order to survive in this digital era. Building a secure website is very easy with the help of an SSL certificate.</p><p>Getting an SSL certificate is not a herculean task. In fact, it’s very simple. One can get a certificate through the simple methods mentioned above.</p>

Understand what SSL certificates are and the steps to obtain one for your website.

SSL Certificate: Understanding the Concept and Process to Obtain It

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SSL Certificate: Understanding the Concept and Process to Obtain It

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