This site contains affiliate links — if you sign up through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you, without affecting our editorial neutrality. Details
Home › What is SSL TLS Certificate

What is SSL TLS Certificate

By CloudPicked Review Team•Updated 14 June 2026•5 min read
What is SSL TLS Certificate

Contents

  1. What is SSL/TLS
  2. SSL
  3. SSL
  4. SSL: SSL Certificate
  5. SSL: SSL vs SSL
  6. How to Install: SSL
  7. SSL: SSL SEO
  8. SSL
  9. SSL

What is SSL/TLS

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) are encryption protocols securing data transmitted between a user's browser and the server. When a website has an SSL certificate installed, all data is encrypted, preventing interception. You recognize it by "https://" in the URL and the padlock icon in the browser.

SSL

The SSL Handshake initiates when a browser connects to a website. The server sends its certificate for identity verification; the browser checks it against trusted CAs, then generates a session key to encrypt all subsequent communication.

Interested in AsiaGB?

Check the latest plans and promotions on the official site.

Visit AsiaGB →

SSL

SSL is no longer optional — it's essential for every website. Modern browsers display "Not Secure" warnings for HTTP sites, destroying visitor trust. Google also uses HTTPS as a ranking signal, making SSL critical for SEO.

SSL: SSL Certificate

SSL Certificates come in three main validation levels. DV (Domain Validation) verifies domain ownership only. OV (Organization Validation) additionally verifies business details. EV (Extended Validation) is the most rigorous, showing the company name prominently in some browsers.

SSL: SSL vs SSL

Let's Encrypt provides free SSL accepted by all modern browsers — perfect for general websites and blogs. It renews every 90 days (usually automatically). Paid SSL from CAs like DigiCert or Sectigo offers longer validity (1-2 years), higher warranties, and dedicated support.

How to Install: SSL

SSL installation depends on your hosting. Most quality Shared Hosting providers offer Let's Encrypt with one-click installation via Control Panel. For VPS servers, use Certbot or configure your web server's SSL module (mod_ssl for Apache, ssl_module for Nginx).

SSL: SSL SEO

Google confirmed HTTPS as a ranking signal since 2014. While not as heavy as content or backlinks, HTTPS boosts trustworthiness and reduces bounce rates caused by "Not Secure" browser warnings.

SSL

When an SSL certificate expires, browsers display a red "Your connection is not private" warning that drives visitors away immediately. Enable Auto-Renew and monitor expiration at least 30 days in advance. Most hosting providers send email alerts before expiry.

SSL

Check your SSL status by clicking the padlock icon in the browser, or use online tools like SSL Labs, which grades SSL configuration from A to F and identifies any issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is free SSL from Let's Encrypt as secure as paid SSL?
It's equally secure in terms of encryption — both use TLS 1.2/1.3 and the same 256-bit encryption. The difference is that paid SSL comes with a warranty, and EV SSL has additional organization verification.
What extra steps does a WordPress site need after installing SSL?
You need to change the Site URL in WordPress Settings → General to https://, install the Really Simple SSL or Better WP Security plugin, and check for Mixed Content using an extension such as Why No Padlock.
What is a Wildcard SSL and who is it for?
A Wildcard SSL (*.domain.com) covers all subdomains without a limit, such as blog.domain.com, shop.domain.com. It suits sites with many subdomains, so you don't have to buy an SSL certificate one at a time.
Do sites without a form or login still need SSL?
You should have SSL even if the site only has information, because Google Chrome shows "Not Secure" for every HTTP site, which affects credibility and SEO. In addition, HTTP/2, which makes sites faster, requires HTTPS.