Understanding the “What” of SSL CertificatesSSL is a standard sockets layer, it’s a standard technology that secures an internet connection by encrypting data between a website and browser. It was first developed by Netscape in 1995 for ensuring privacy, authentication, and data integrity in Internet communications. Now, SSL is often referred to as TLS, Transport Layer Security. Developed in 1995, SSL has played a notable role in ensuring privacy and authenticity of users and brands. Given its significance, let's understand more about it in this comprehensive guide. Understanding the importance and “Why” of SSL CertificatesTrust: Websites with SSL certificates are more trusted by users, this is especially important for websites with a payment gateway, eg. ecommerce websites. Data Protection: SSL was essentially created to safeguard sensitive customer information. It’s in place to conceal customer information, maintain customer trust and comply with data protection regulations like GDPR and CCPA.Prevents Cyber Attacks: SSL authenticates web servers and protects against malicious attacks, where hackers intercept and tamper with data transmitted between user and the website. SEO: Search engines like Google and Bing favor websites with SSL certificates. As this ensures user trust and can improve your website's ranking in search results.An SSL certificate helps secure user information such as:Login credentialsCards and Bank account informationPI (Personally identifiable) data — such as full name, address, date of birth, or telephone numberLegal documents and contractsMedical recordsUnderstanding the “How” of SSL CertificatesWebsites with a valid SSL/TLS certificate have “HTTPS” in their URL instead of “HTTP.Encryption: In order to provide a high degree of security, SSL encrypts data transmitted over the web, ensuring privacy. If a hacker tries to intercept the data, a jumble of characters will be visible to them, that are nearly impossible to decrypt.Authentication: SSL initiates an authentication process called a handshake (sends a public key to your browser) between two devices to confirm their identities, making sure both parties are who they claim to be.Data Integrity: SSL verifies and digitally signs data to ensure it hasn’t been tampered with, verifying that the data received is exactly what was sent by the sender.And the best part is, this entire function takes place in milliseconds.When a website is secured by an SSL certificate, the acronym HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) appears in the URL. Without an SSL certificate, only the letters HTTP ( without the S for Secure) – will appear. A padlock icon will also display in the URL address bar. This signals’ trust and provides reassurance to those visiting the website.Users can view an SSL certificate's details, by clicking on the padlock symbol located within the browser bar. An SSL certificates includes:The domain name that the certificate was issued forThe person, organization, or device it was issued toWhich Certificate Authority issued itThe Certificate Authority's digital signatureAssociated subdomains (if relevant)Certificate date of issueThe expiry date of the certificateThe public key (the private key is not revealed)What are the types of SSL Certificates?There are plenty SSL variations, basis their validation levels, the core 6 are:Domain Validated certificates (DV SSL)Multi-Domain SSL certificates (MDC)Extended Validation certificates (EV SSL)Organization Validated certificates (OV SSL)Wildcard SSL certificatesUnified Communications Certificates (UCC)Domain Validated certificates (DV SSL)This is the most basic SSL validation, the process to obtain this SSL certification is minimal, hence the Domain Validation SSL certificate provides basic assurance and encryption. Informational and blog related websites tend to leverage DV SSL as they do not collect user information. To claim a Domain Validation SSL certificate, the domain owner needs to verify their ownership through an email or phone call. Multi-Domain SSL certificates (MDC)A Multi-Domain SSL certificate is used to secure various domains and/or sub-domain names. These could include a combination of unique domains and subdomains with different TLDs (Top-Level Domains) except for local/internal ones. Here’s an example:www.abc.comabc.comabc.orgabc.anything.com.ueBut here’s the catch, Multi-Domain certificates do not support sub-domains by default. So, if you need to secure both www.abc.com and abc.com with one Multi-Domain certificate, then both hostnames should be specified when obtaining the certificate.Extended Validation certificates (EV SSL)As opposed to the Domain Validation SSL certificate, this is the ultimate SSL certificate, which is expensive as compared to others. Websites that involve regular online payments (eg. e-commerce and Saas) and collect user data leverage Extended Validation certificates.Once this SSL certificate is installed, it displays padlock, HTTPS, and essential business information, that ensures user transparency and trust. To set up an EV SSL certificate, the domain owner must complete a standardized identity verification process to confirm they are authorized legally to the exclusive rights to the domain.Organization Validated certificates (OV SSL)The Organization Validated SSL certificates have a similar assurance level as the EV SSL certificate, but they primarily encrypt the user's sensitive information during transactions.Commercial websites must install an OV SSL certificate to ensure that any customer information shared remains confidential.The OV SSL is the second most expensive certificate and to obtain one, the domain owner needs to complete a substantial validation process. This type of certificate also displays the website owner's information in the address bar to distinguish from malicious sites.Wildcard SSL certificatesUnlike the Multi-domain SSL certificate, the Wildcard SSL certificate allows users to secure a base domain, along with unlimited sub-domains on a single certificate. For a brand with several sub-domains, purchasing a Wildcard SSL certificate is more affordable than purchasing individual SSL certificates for each one. Wildcard SSL certificates have an asterisk * as part of the common name, where the asterisk represents any valid sub-domains that have the same base domain. For example, a single Wildcard certificate can secure:payments.abc.comlogin.abc.commail.abc.comdownload.abc.comUnified Communications Certificates (UCC)UCCs are designed for organizations, to validate a plethora of their sub-domain. Unified Communications SSL Certificates can be considered a part of Multi-Domain SSL certificates. Any website owner can use the UCC SSL certificate to allow multiple domain names to be secured on a single certificate. r.It is essential to be familiar with the different types of SSL certificates to obtain the right type of certificate for your website.How can you obtain an SSL certificate?SSL certificates are issued by a Certificate Authority (CA) and they issue millions of certificates each year. These certification authorities play a crucial role in how the internet operates, is trusted and how transparency is maintained for users on search engines. The cost and time incurred in obtaining an SSL certificate varies on different factors including: level of security and type of certificate. Once you finalize the requirements, you can consult with certificate issuers. Obtaining your SSL involves the following steps:Unsure your WHOIS record is updated and matches the documents you are submitting to the Certificate Authority, prepare your server set-up. Raise a Certificate Signing Request on your server. To validate your domain and company details submit the required details (company name and address)Once the process is complete and approved, install the certificate. It’s good to note a Domain Validation SSL certificate can be issued within minutes of being requested, whereas Extended Validation can take around a week or 10 days.Install Free SSL Certificate - Let's encryptStep 1: Install Certbotsudo apt update sudo apt install certbot python3-certbot-nginx -yFor Nginx:sudo apt update sudo apt install certbot python3-certbot-nginx -yFor Apache:sudo apt update sudo apt install certbot python3-certbot-apache -yStep 2: Obtain an SSL CertificateFor Nginx:sudo certbot --nginx -d your_domain -d www.your_domainFor Apache:sudo certbot --apache -d your_domain -d www.your_domainStep 3: Set Up Auto-Renewalsudo certbot renew --dry-runStep 4: Optional Security Enhancementsserver { listen 80; server_name your_domain www.your_domain; return 301 https://$host$request_uri; }TakeawayReports suggest that cyber attacks occur 11.5 times per minute and it takes an average of 49 days to identify a ransomware attack. These numbers clearly state the increasing need for cybersecurity. An SSL certificate will ensure your website is secure and personal data is intact. Select an SSL that best suits your business requirement that empowers you to run your business effectively.Read Morehttps://devopsden.io/article/vercel-vs-herokuFollow us onhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/devopsden/
